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When I became a mother, the thought of being a stay-at-home-mum (SAHM) occurred to me approximately 3 times. And all 3 times, I brushed away that possibility. Perhaps, in the future, it may be an eventuality. I don't know, truth be told. With higher costs of living, expandable careers, the rise of the capital market, the income I generate from my work as a solicitor on a monthly basis, is much needed fodder for my family. I've read countless articles, participated in debates, on why a mother should, first and foremost, owe her allegiance to her children and family. It is something I thoroughly agree with, but on the work and career front, sometimes that isn't altogether possible. That saddens me.

I leave my daughter with my parents, who care for them when I am at work. In the evenings when I've finished for the day, I leave the office in the office, and switch to Mummy mode, and pick up my daughter, relishing the few hours I have left with her before it is time to go to bed and begin the work day all over again the next day. I am lucky because I have my parents. But parents grow older with each passing day- I know I have to eventually look into other means of caring for my daughter. Day care? Play school? Nursery? The thought scares me when I know that I have to leave my daughter in the hands of other care-givers. At the same time, though, I do not have a choice.

I questioned my motives for wanting to keep my career and to keep moving on, climbing up the corporate ladder, penetrating the glass ceiling. I work at a law office, a wonderful place where there is (not yet, at least) no office politics, no bickering, no red tape, flexible hours, and mostly, because I am a woman, and a mother, I have the understanding and compassion of my bosses, who are themselves parents and have to work hard to make a living. But I'm afraid to test the waters. I think employees always are, no matter how ideal their work conditions. So I persevere, become a tough person at work, striving to do the best and broker the most beneficial deal for my clients. I have to be a worker first, a mother second. Is that fair to my daughter? I've asked myself that question a million times.

I long for the day when I can attain financial freedom. I am certain that I do not want to retire completely when the time comes- but I want the freedom, the liberty, the flexibility to watch my children grow up and to spend quality time with the family. Long hours at work do not allow me that luxury. But I don't

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