Short answer: yes, absolutely. It’s an incredibly demanding, unpaid role that is both physically and emotionally draining. As a parent, you’re always on the clock—there are no sick days, no annual leave, and no opportunity to hand in your notice. It’s a commitment you make for life, and one where societal expectations often prevent you from expressing just how hard it can be.

Every day starts early with hugs and breakfast, followed by the endless cycle of chores: feeding, cleaning, tidying, and more cleaning. Somehow, in between, you squeeze in a cup of coffee or a quick loo break. By the time bedtime rolls around and you finally have a moment to eat, you’re so exhausted you can barely manage a bite. Nights often bring interruptions—a nightmare, a sudden illness, or simply the need for comfort—and before you know it, it’s 6 am, and the whole routine starts again.

So yes, parenting is undoubtedly a job—a demanding one that requires energy, patience, and sacrifice.

The Modern Dilemma: Parenting and Work

We live in an age where women are often expected to balance parenting with a full-time career. If you choose not to, it’s sometimes seen as odd or even lazy. I’ve experienced this firsthand. After focusing on getting pregnant and then dedicating time to raising my daughter and recovering postpartum, I faced questions like, “When are you going back to work?” or “Have you started applying for jobs yet?”

These comments stung, especially because I knew I’d made the best decision for my family at the time. Like many others, I juggled additional responsibilities during that period, such as volunteering, but for some, it simply wasn’t enough.

It feels as though parenting is no longer recognised as a role in itself—it’s treated as a “side hustle” to manage alongside your professional life.

Societal Expectations and Shifting Norms

There’s been a shift in how stay-at-home parenting is perceived. Decades ago, working mums were often criticised, but now the pendulum has swung the other way. Staying at home is sometimes viewed as an unambitious or outdated choice.

I’ve felt this pressure within my own family. Despite being clear before marriage about my desire to focus on family, my husband’s view shifted. He began to lose respect for me because I wasn’t balancing a career alongside motherhood. For him, the existence of mothers who do both made my choice seem less valid.

Society’s double standards are frustrating. We champion women’s empowerment and the freedom to choose, yet staying at home as a mum is often met with judgement.

Looking Ahead

Despite these challenges, I’m genuinely excited to return to work—I miss the camaraderie of the office and the satisfaction of contributing professionally. However, I think it’s vital we recognise that parenting is a valid and valuable role in its own right.

Being a parent involves dedication, resilience, and love. It’s time we acknowledged and celebrated that, rather than minimising its importance. Parenting isn’t just a job—it’s a lifelong commitment and one of the most significant roles anyone can take on.