She Strengthens

Rethinking Motherhood: The Hidden Value of Unpaid Work

As I stood still in the street with my toddler, gazing at a bird, I was struck by the simplicity and beauty of life. It’s moments like these that remind us of the importance of perspective. For many mothers, our work is often invisible, underappreciated, and unpaid. But what if we could reframe our role and recognize the immense value we bring to our families and communities?

The Multi-Hyphen Method: A New Approach to Work

British writer and podcaster Emma Gannon’s concept of the multi-hyphen method resonates deeply with me. Instead of confining ourselves to a single, traditional career path, we can create a fulfilling career that encompasses multiple roles, fueled by our passions and interests. This approach not only brings financial rewards but also offers a sense of purpose and flexibility.

The Accidental Stay-at-Home Mom

I never intended to become a stay-at-home mom, but life had other plans. After leaving my job and moving internationally, I found myself devoting my time to raising my daughter. While I’m grateful for this opportunity, I’ve struggled with feelings of guilt and shame about not contributing financially. It’s a common dilemma many mothers face.

The Financial Penalty of Caregiving

The reality is that caregiving roles, often filled by women, come with a significant financial penalty. Not only do we sacrifice our earning potential, but we also undertake a disproportionate amount of unpaid work at home. This imbalance perpetuates the gender pay gap and undervalues the essential care that sustains our families and societies.

Tracking My Time: A Game-Changer

To better understand my role and quiet my inner critic, I decided to track every task I performed at home for a week. The results were eye-opening: I completed 76 hours of unpaid work, equivalent to a full-time job. By categorizing my tasks and allocating average hourly pay, I calculated that my work was worth £1,132.98 ($1,435.75) per week.

Reclaiming My Self-Worth

This exercise helped me recognize the immense value I bring to my family and community. Every hour spent on childcare, cooking, and cleaning is an hour invested in nurturing and supporting those around me. By understanding the value of my time, I can reassess my priorities and strive for a better balance between my responsibilities and personal interests.

A Call to Action

If you’re a mother struggling with feelings of guilt or inadequacy, I urge you to try tracking your hours for a week. It may just change your perspective on your role and help you appreciate the incredible value you bring to the world. Let’s work together to redefine the importance of caregiving and challenge the status quo.