The Question & The Answer

Today is the first day in 5 years that I have no answer to The Question, "where do you work?"

Yes, I have quit my job. I am.....unemployed.

(i think a moment of dramatic silence is in order)

Due to the imminent arrival of our son, and the inordinate amount of work left to do on house, multiplied by the increase of swelling and the decrease of energy, we've decided that now is as good a time as any to kick the proverbial working bucket.

So, I have done some thinking about how i will answer The Question, when it arises.
(one must always be prepared)

I'll start with UNacceptable answers:

1. I'm a stay at home mom
now, no offense to those of you who call yourselves by this label, but i have always found it accompanied by such insinuations (either imagined or real) as: "I have no interest in working." or "I live to bake homemade cookies and change diapers." or "I follow the chosen way by not working outside the home." Since none of these answers at all represents me, I will decline this title.

2. I'm a home-maker
This title also rubs me the wrong way, seeming to imply that my only talents lie within the confines of my domestic establishment. I picture buns and gingham dresses and the smell of homemade bread (which i love, by the way). In short, "making house" is by no means in my list of reasons for quitting, in fact, after the recent home renovations, i believe this title fits Trevor better. ;) ha, good luck calling him that though.


Ok, this brings me to the next category:

Acceptable answers:

In the search for an acceptable answer, I am looking for something that represents my reasons for leaving as well as my plans for the future. My main excuse, i mean reason, for leaving is that we are having a child. With the nearest family 6 hours away, if I was to continue working, that would mean that our kid would be raised by a non-family member who we would have to pay. Now, that said, I do have other reasons for leaving. Second would be my desire to spend more time getting my painting "career" off the ground. I hope to be able to spend more time painting, and exploring places/people to sell my art. On top of these 2 goals, I will also be doing some sporadic freelance work. So, I am searching for an appropriate title that sums up these reasons, goals and philosophy. Here is what I have....so far.

1. Freelance Artist
this sums up the painting and design aspects while still insinuating that I'm at home.

2. Trophy Wife
Come on, that's just funny. And really, it implies that i do whatever I want with my time, and look great doing it. That just might sum it up the best. (ha!)

This concludes my dissertation on my current unemployed status.