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".