We Don't List 'Mother' As An Occupation...

A woman named Emily renewing her driver's license at the
County Clerk's office was asked by the woman recorder to
state her occupation. She hesitated, uncertain how to
classify herself. "What I mean is," explained the recorder,
"do you have a job, or are you just a...?

"Of course I have a job," snapped Emily. "I'm a mother."

"We don't list 'mother' as an occupation...'housewife'
covers it," said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in
the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall. The Clerk
was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed
of a high sounding title like, "Official Interrogator" or "Town
Registrar." "What is your occupation?" she probed.

What made me say it, I do not know...The words simply popped out.
"I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development
and Human Relations." The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in
midair, and looked up as though she had not heard right. I repeated
the title slowly, emphasizing the most significant words. Then I
stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written in bold, black
ink on the official questionnaire.

"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what you
do in your field?"

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard
myself reply, "I have a continuing program of research,
(what mother doesn't), in the laboratory and in the field,
(normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for
my Masters, (the whole darned family), and already have four
credits, (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the
most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree.?)
and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it). But the
job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and
the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money."

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as
she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to
the door. As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous
new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and
3. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old
baby), in the child-development program, testing out a new vocal
pattern. I felt triumphant! I had scored a beat on bureaucracy!
And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished
and indispensable to mankind than "just another mother."

Motherhood.....What a glorious career! Especially when there's
a title on the door. Does this make Grandmothers "Senior Research
Associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations"
and Great Grandmothers Executive Senior Research Associates"?
I think so!!! I also think it makes Aunts "Associate Research
Assistants".