This question hit home last Wednesday, just a day after my job interview. I was having lunch on a sunny terrace with two other moms who, like me, had relocated abroad for their husbands' job opportunities—putting our careers on hold for this family adventure.
Mother 1 is expecting her second child in two weeks. Mother 2 has three lively kids.
Mother 2 asked if working would truly make me happy. The first time we met, we'd been abroad for just three months. I felt deeply lonely and purposeless. When she asked about life in Luxembourg, I admitted I wasn't settled yet—staying home full-time just wasn't for me. (No offense to those who love it, but I wasn't wired for the stay-at-home mom life!)
My home was spotless, groceries always stocked, and I cherished every moment with our son, soaking in his milestones. But boredom set in hard. I felt unequal in my relationship, like a dull partner and irrelevant to the world. Without mental and physical challenges, sleep evaded me. Even relaxing on the couch with TV before 5 p.m. triggered guilt toward my hardworking partner. I'd rationalize: 'He gets a proper lunch break too.' Sound familiar?
I was on duty 24/7, with weekends blurring into weekdays and vacations losing their spark. The walls closed in—I needed to work. Plus, I worried I was shortchanging our son. He lit up around other kids, chatting and connecting instantly. Back home, alone with me again, it broke my heart for this outgoing little guy.
My Answer
I know I can only keep my partner and kids truly happy if I'm fulfilled myself. So yes, wholeheartedly: working brings me joy. Staying home doesn't suit me.
What about you? Would you pick 'happy at work' or prefer home life?
