I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations

A woman, renewing her driver's license at the county Clerk's office was
asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation. She hesitated,
uncertain how to classify herself. "What I mean is," explained the
recorder, "do you have a job or are you just a...?" "Of course I have a
job," snapped the woman. "I'm a Mom." "We don't list 'Mom' as an
occupation, "housewife covers it," said the recorder emphatically. I
forgot all about her story until one day..I found myself in the same
situation, this time at our own Town Hall. The Clerk was obviously a
career woman, poised, efficient and possessed of a high sounding title
like, "Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar." "What is your
occupation?" she probed.


What made me say it? I do not know. The words simply popped out.


*"I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human
Relations."*The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and looked
up as though she had not heard right. I repeated the title slowly
emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my
pronouncement was written in bold, black ink on the official
questionnaire.


"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what you do in
your field?"


Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply,
"I have a continuing program of research, (what mother doesn't) in the
laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and
out). I'm working for my Masters, (the whole darned family) and already
have four credits (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the most
demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?) and I often
work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it). But the job is more
challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more
of a satisfaction rather than just money."

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she
completed the form, stood up and personally ushered me to the door.



As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I
was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3. Upstairs I could
hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby) in the child
development program, testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt I had
scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as
someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just
another Mom." Motherhood! What a glorious career! Especially when
there's a title on the door. Does this make grandmothers "Senior
Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human
Relations" and great grandmothers Executive Senior Research Associates"?
I think so!!! I also think it makes Aunts "Associate Research
Assistants. Please send this to another Mom, Grandmother, Aunt, and
other friends you know. May your troubles be less, your blessings be
more and nothing but happiness come through your door

52 jobs of a mom