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Recently I met up with a girlfriend of mine who has decided that she will be a stay at home mum when her baby arrives. For me though, the decision isn't clear.
I'm really lucky that I am able to take a full year off- a combination of paid and unpaid leave with some government incentives. It does not come without sacrifice as it would potentially mean slowing down my career progression as my peers continue to chug on with gaining more experience and going for trainings. It also does not mean I do not enjoy this time off. The ability to concentrate on my child and family is precious and priceless.
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Asher is now approaching 8 months. Sooner or later, I will have to make a decision. To return to work or not? To change pathways? To stay at home? All these weigh up in my mind. Personally, I enjoyed my work before Asher and certainly missed being able to operate in that capacity (plus the adult conversations).
Then it's the question on how do I juggle with work and family. Do women really have the balance? Or will I get to the stage where I really do MISS work and have a break away from Asher? How about the guilt most women face while not spending time with their child.
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My husband- the ever supportive partner recommends me taking more time off so that Asher will be older when he attends day care. He likes having me home. It makes life simpler and he thinks we are happier. I like being home too. Although I know that I don't hate work that much either.
And so what do I do when I ponder? I bake of course.
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This is another of Teresa Cutter's recipe- I loved it! It's moist and coconuty. She made it in two layers and coated it with frosting. I made mine in a single layer and made an avocado banana cacao frosting. It is a lot of eggs but hey, they are good for you. The frosting? I can't believe I have not posted this before- it's AWESOME and it can be a pudding as well. That cake with a mug of coffee or tea is just divine for afternoon tea.
Berry Coconut Cake (Cut into 12 serves)
6 eggs
1/2 cup coconut flour
1/3 cup of coconut oil
2 tsp of baking powder
1 tsp of vanilla paste
1 cup of frozen berries
1 tablespoon of honey.
Preheat Oven to 180C. Line cake tin with baking paper.
Whisk eggs, honey and vanilla in cake mixer till it foams and becomes light. Fold in dry ingredients to wet. Spoon into cake tin and bake it for 45 minutes. Cool and frost with your favourite frosting.
Banana Avocado Cacao Frosting
1 banana
1 avocado
1/3 cup of cacao powder
1 tsp of honey
Blitz everything up!! Eat it as it is or use it as a frosting.
Came across this article after reading your blog post, and thought of you: http://www.mamamia.com.au/parenting/best-years-life-just-arent/
ReplyDeleteFor myself, I don't know if I have the option to go back to engineering work, as technology is crucial and I may be too far out of that career to catch up. It has been almost 8 years since I stepped away from my career to experience life abroad, and I have worked longer teaching (though I have no formal teaching qualifications) than I did engineering. I do kinda miss that life, but I wouldn't trade the my last 8 years abroad back for that life. My son is 5, and #2 is only a few months old, and I made the conscious decision to be a stay-at-home mum when my boy was little, until the our kids are not so little :) Then I'll work on my career when they are in school.
All the best with whatever you go with.
So true hun! As a psychologist, I believe in attachment between child and parent, and especially the development of kids in the first 5 years- so important for a parent to be around.
ReplyDeleteYou did the right thing for your family and children ;)
for me, it's no about "career progression" but more about what I can do for others and at the same time, for my family!
hi daphne! all the moments sharing with your child is priceless, seeing them growing up especially at toddler stage..i dont think you will regret being a full time and stay at home mother ..you can still go back to work eventually when they grow up a little later. your cake looks terrific and banana avocado frosting..mm..sounds good too!
ReplyDeleteWow, the healthiest frosting I have ever seen. I should give this frosting a try!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your decision! Not an easy one to make at all. If you do go back to work, do you have the option of going back part time?
ReplyDeleteLove this gluten-free cake! I'm going to have to try it out on my gluten-free friends!
It's definitely a tough choice to make!! And a very personal one. I already know, even though we don't have kids, that I'll be going back to work (most likely because I'll be in residency) and I'm okay with that. But it really is different for everyone!
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