The job is a bitch. More and more tasks get added to an already insane schedule. Things you never signed up for, things you know beyond a doubt you’re not qualified to perform. This is not ‘on-the-job’ training. It’s just throw her to the lions, then make her clean up the carnage.
When I made my decision for a life without kids, it wasn’t because I was being selfish or self-centered. I knew I wanted a career that I could throw myself into entirely. That’s not fair to any sort of romantic partner, let alone a kid who needs constant love and attention.
I know my limits, and kids are it. I’m just not wired that way. I can’t even keep a plant alive, and you want me to be responsible for a little person? Ever wonder why I never had a pet?
You’re asking me to give up all that I’ve worked for so you can be a grandma three or four times a year, for what, a weekend? You live four states away, or am I supposed pull up stakes and move closer to you?
You were happy enough when all those hen friends of yours had daughters working toward an MRS while I was earning my MBA. You could brag about my accolades, my published papers, my summa cum laude. Now, that those debutantes are dropping babies you’re not so eager to compare stories of books I’ve written, or the times I’ve been interviewed on the news.
Nothing says success like living through 17 hours of hard labor, or surviving six months of a colicky infant. Being the firm’s youngest partner, ever, or being on the NYTimes best seller’s list with a non-fiction book, is nothing compared to that.
No, ma… I’m not bitter. I’m just not willing to give up all my dreams to satisfy yours.
Thin spiral notebook 
Ohh, I really love this! “It’s just throw her to the lions, then make her clean up the carnage.” Great line! I know exactly how that feels! Just wow, so much about this piece really speaks to me! Thank you for sharing!
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RAWR! Great job, Tara 🙂
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Good story. I felt a little like that at one time, everyone wondered why I liked books so much instead of boys.
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Wow. And, amen.
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You ever wonder how many women wrote this in their diaries or notebooks over the past 100 or so years? I was reading a book about Jack London, the writer, whose heyday was 100 years ago. The lack of choices women had then, and think they don’t have now, is staggering.
I like the punch and natural rage that’s in your words. well done.
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Never happy. So true, especially when it has to do with women in society. So many roles we are expected to fill but looked down upon if we choose one way or another
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Wow Tara! Fierce. I love it!
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Oh Ouch! Real life and great post. I understand where you are… I was there and fully accepting that we wouldn’t have children. But uhh, be prepared for the unexpected, because sometimes that happens too 🙂
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Amen!
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The old generation I find prefers to have something they can see and understand. A baby very much fits in that role!
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