Real Moms
WORK OR STAY AT HOME?
We chatted to three local moms
about their decisions surrounding
going back to work (or not) after
having children. The full interviews
can be read on our Blog:
www.thelittlepages.co.za/blog
ZIYANDA YOBA, 34
Ziyanda is a full time working mom
who works in the public sector.
She is mom to Lingomso (7) and
Lusonele (2).
UPSIDE: Ofcourse, having an additional
income in the house and being able to put
stilettos on and feel like I am living life for
myself and also my family. To be a working
mother also shows the boys that you can be
the best of both in the world. And my boys
are learning that household chores are part
and parcel of family life.
DOWNSIDE: My son is at the age now
when he can ask me to attend extra murals
or outings and I have to tell him I cannot,
it really breaks my heart. Tiredness after
working 8 hours, it effects the kids because
I cannot give them my full attention.
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JANE RICHTER, 37
Jane is a stay at home mom to her
daughter (3) and a new baby boy.
She is originally from the UK where
she met her South African husband.
Their first child was born in the
UK, and Jane initially returned to
her job in London after one year
on maternity leave, but ultimately
decided that she did not want to
misss out on all of the ‘firsts’.
UPSIDE: Seeing all of the firsts for my
children I think is awesome and is a major
pro. I love being able to paint, bake, do
jigsaw puzzles with them and spend quality
time with them each day and see constantly
how they are developing. I never feel like I’m
missing out! It’s also great that I can pop
to the shops during the week without those
weekend crowds!!!
DOWNSIDE: Although I love my children
dearly I do have those days when I wish I
was back at work and had something a bit
more mentally challenging to do as mopping
up baby sick and tidying away yet another
toy can get tiresome very quickly!”
HOW DO YOU MAKE IT WORK: My husband
takes my kids to school, so I start with my first
patient at 7h30 and try to really maximise my
morning time. I start fetching my kids at one,
do the sports run, manage homework, etc
and then see a couple of patients a bit later
again. Admin time - I try to fit in between or I
even work a bit in the evenings sometimes. I
am also very grateful to have my parents and
parents-in-law in town, a hands on husband
and a wonderful nanny so I have an incredible
support network for the things I can’t do on my
own.
UPSIDE: Financial, low overhead costs,
flexible times, can take some time off in school
holidays, no travel to work time, low petrol
costs.
DOWNSIDE: Work is always there! When
I do have time off and my colleague is still
working, my home is still our office despite
separate entrance etc.
CHRISTINE WALLAND, 35
Christine is a work from home
mom to Katelyn (8,) Jessica
(6) and Matthew (5). She is a
physiotherapist and made the
decision to open her own practice
five years ago in order to afford her
more flexibility with her children.
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