I gave up freelancing for a steady paycheck. My first summer as an employed mom is chaos.
After years of freelancing while raising three kids, I took two part-time jobs. I love the steady paycheck, but summer childcare is exhausting.
The author, formerly a freelance journalist, has adjusted to her first summer as an employed mother. Despite the chaos, she finds solace in a steady paycheck and a regular schedule. Her transition to full-time employment came after a challenging period in the freelance market, marked by layoffs and financial instability. Now, with two part-time jobs and a set routine, she faces childcare stress, screen time, and guilt.
However, the regular income provides a much-needed relief during the summer months, which are typically the most costly for parents. Though she misses quality time with her children, she has found ways to keep them occupied during her work hours, using technology as a last resort. The summer, already marked by extreme heat, has led to a surge in household clutter and mom guilt, but she remains committed to providing a safe and loving environment for her three boys.
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