How Did I Become a Housewife?

Before anyone castigates me, I am using the term “housewife” as a generic, unisex term. What I mean is someone who works from home, a fact that every neighbor, friend, and family member knows. Even though your work schedule is as rigid as a nine-to-fiver (well maybe), you are seen as someone who has flexible (read: non-existent) work hours.

We all have our routines. Mine is getting up and then waking up my fourth-grader. Next I nudge my wife and together we get breakfast and the lunchbox ready, as well as preparing our three-year old for her day. They leave for preschool/office and, after I drop my ten-year old at school, I have six hours of “free” time before I pick her up. Since my wife is at her away office and I am at home, I have incorporated household chores into my daily to-do list. Loading the dishwasher, doing the laundry, cleaning up, etc. are my contribution to the domestic cause.

I know how lucky I am to be involved in my daughter’s school through various volunteer positions made possible because of my writing habit. In fact, my experiences with the elementary school set have provided fodder for my keyboard. But sometimes it is difficult to determine where one role ends and the other begins.

Please don’t interpret this as “poor me.” I am grateful to play the part of a “stay-at-home mom” while pursuing my muse. My wife makes a great living, which has seen us through some lean times. Some lucrative writing gigs have allowed us to enjoy the better side of life.

I’m wondering if there are any other writers out there who are juggling the same responsibilities. I am interested in your thoughts, observations, and comments.