SAHMs--what do you say when asked "What you do" - Page 3

[dachshundqueen]

It's usually in the form of, "Are you employed?"

To which I smile happily and say, "Nope, haven't worked in 4.5 years."

Then they look at me funny.

But I'm quirky like that.

When pressed for what I do, "Everything but earn a paycheck."

Liz

[Kelly1101]

Originally Posted by dachshundqueen

When pressed for what I do, "Everything but earn a paycheck."

Liz

ROTFL! Nice.

Actually, though, I kind of feel like I DO earn a paycheck, it's just that my husband brings it home and gives it to me, hahaha. Since I do all of the finances, it's kind of easy to think of it as "our" money that we as a family have earned, somehow.

[Starflower]

Originally Posted by Kelly1101

ROTFL! Nice.

Actually, though, I kind of feel like I DO earn a paycheck, it's just that my husband brings it home and gives it to me, hahaha. Since I do all of the finances, it's kind of easy to think of it as "our" money that we as a family have earned, somehow.

I used to get very frustrated not getting paid until my DH told me I made half of what he makes. He had to say this a few times before I really believed him, and I know some people don't see it this way, but it made me feel like he really feels like what I do has value.

I know what SAHPs do has enormous, priceless value, but it made me feel better on some level knowing I'm that important to him that I am paid XXX amount of money. Or maybe it's because if I really do make half of DH's salary, then I am making almost twice what I ever made before. I have always been seriously underemployed whenever I was WOHM. So I never felt very successful in any career - I always just had a job that I did to eke by (often one I disliked).

[newcastlemama]

I usually say that I am a homemaker. (I know that is so old school!). I don't really feel the need to add more or justify myself to complete strangers. My family finds my work very important! My husband has attributed his successful business to having me at home so he does not have to worry about food shopping, childcare ect.

I was talking to my aunt about this (she is also a SAHM). I was telling her that people who find me on facebook ask me what I have been up to lately...and their lives seem very exciting and interesting. So what do I say? Breastfeeding and laundry? She said "raising the next generation." I tought that was a cool way to look at it.

[alaskaberry]

If I remember, I say I'm a writer. Usually people know I'm a mama, cause I always have my kids with me.

[JennTheMomma]

I say "well, #1 priority is my son and unborn son. So we play, learn, do household chores, cook home made meals, etc. I also work from home so during nap times or quiet time I get my work done. Spend time with DH when he comes home and just enjoy life". In the summers we spend most our time outside playing in the yard, at the park, going to the pool and walks.

[Starflower]

Originally Posted by newcastlemama

I usually say that I am a homemaker. (I know that is so old school!)

I think that's cool. My mom was a homemaker before going into the workforce. She did so many amazing things.

But I don't feel comfortable calling myself a homemaker because I am a terrible housekeeper. Also, I like to do the demolition part of home remodeling but I'm not so good at the rebuilding part. My DH jokingly called me a home wrecker instead.

[Bug-a-Boo's Mama]

Fortunately I've never had a negative reaction or feeling about being a SAHM. When asked, I honestly answer. Most seem happy that I am able to do that.

Now...when asked by a working person what I have been up to is much harder. I don't have a good answer. In general I am not good at small talk at all in casual settings with people I only know casually . I am not a parent who brags or talks about DS a lot in those settings as I don't feel they really care for the most part.

[CherryBombMama]

i usually say, "i stay home with my bubba ..." and when they go "oh." I say, "Before that i worked in the infant room in a child dev center so it only makes sense that i stay at home with my own kids. i love it - we do ton of things every day, and everyone is more sane now that im not rushing baby G here and there just so i can get to work." then i put a BIG SMILE on my face!

[liliaceae]

I say, "I'm a stay at home mom." I've never had anyone ask me what a SAHM does. I don't really feel the need to provide any more details than that; I think it's pretty self-explanatory.

[rightkindofme]

Depending on my mood I will either just say "Mom" or "everything you don't have time for."

[Hoopin' Mama]

I'm back to work part-time, but I used to just say:
"I'm home with a kiddo right now. You?"


I really think all the extra "play, learn, cook, spend time with my husband" is a bit unnecessary, unless asked for specific details.

[Katielady]

Originally Posted by Hoopin' Mama

I'm back to work part-time, but I used to just say:
"I'm home with a kiddo right now. You?"


I really think all the extra "play, learn, cook, spend time with my husband" is a bit unnecessary, unless asked for specific details.

I think there are two different questions being discussed- "What do you do?", and "What do you do all day?" If asked the first, I think SAHM or whatever term or phrase you like is sufficient, and I think it sounds a bit defensive to go into a whole huge explanation. When asked what I did when I was a writer, I'd say "I write and edit copy for an insurance company," I didn't go into a blow-by-blow of everything I did on a weekly basis.

But sometimes we do get asked the second question, which has more of a "So you're a SAHM, does that mean you just sit home all day and stare at the the baby?" kind of angle to it. And that's where I might get into more details.