1 of 4

Yes

Write now Article Tools

When I was eighteen, I was pregnant, and by the time I was twenty two, I was the mother of three. As a mother, I always worked around my kids schedule. When they were babies, I worked nights allowing me to be home all morning and afternoon, and when they went to school full-time, I worked days.

Married to an alcoholic husband, he was in and out of work all the time. With a waitress income and dealing with an alcoholic husband, I had no choice but to apply for welfare.

Having three kids, a low-income job, and no money, we hit rock bottom. We lived in a basement apartment with no carpets. It was either no carpets or the street. When I was living with my parents, we visited New York City a lot. I remember seeing homeless people sleeping in doorways of buildings. Never did I think that my life would become seconds away from that lifestyle.

There were times I had popcorn for dinner and I had to scrounge for change inbetween the couch cushions just to buy milk.

When I re-applied for social services, this time it was different. A social worker recommended college. I told her I couldn't afford college, and she told me I would be qualified for full financial aid. I did go to college, and it changed my life completely.

Being poor is no fun, especially when you have children. If I had the choice to choose between a career that would provide shelter, food, and the good things in life for my family or stay home, I would choose a career.

Having a career is also about working for your retirement. Without a good career, there might not be a good pension or a college fund for your child. With the economy today, we need to be rest assured that our future will be taken care of.

Having a career is also about not losing a piece of yourself. Being a successful business person is a great role model for your children. The truth is, family life is a cycle and the way we are as parents will reflect on our children.

When choosing to be a stay-at-home parent, this doesn't mean that a parent is there for their kids. It's not about being there physically as it is being there emotionally. Time management is essential to a good family unity.

According to a new Columbia University survey, teenagers who eat with their families at least five times a week are more likely to get better grades in school and much less likely to have substance abuse problems.

Many people can sacrifice their families for a career. It's about the "quality" of time spent together not the "quantity."

Learn more about this author, Teresa Brouwer.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Would you sacrifice family for career??
We want to hear your view. Write now!