I have been both. I currently work part-time. I just went to a gathering the other night with old friends. I quickly realized I had been put into the sahm(stay at home mom) catagory and felt the sting of disrespect. This has happened before and each time I didn't see it coming.
A female friend talked past me to another mutual friend as if I wouldn't really understand her business talk. As if I wouldn't get it or be interested in her work life. I was more than interested, I replied, I totally understood and participated in the conversation. But it was obvious that there was a lack of respect. And definitely, no interest in my "work".
Another time I was at my husbands work dinner and his boss acted as though I was a shut in. That was a horrible evening.
When I got home from this last gathering, I was really upset. Of course, I came home to a handful of mom problems. As if no one can get by with me being gone for 2 freakin' hours. That was the icing on the cake. No paycheck for that days work.
I wouldn't trade my mom time for anything. I know how lucky I am. But I also feel the sting of the other females that can't relate.
Is there really such a divide? Aren't we all working towards the same thing in the end? Why do we need to put the "others" in a group or put them down?
Anyone else having this problem? It's probably just me being super sensitive right now. Just needed some support.....