ON A RUN IN 2016, MOM WHO WORKS WAS BORN

In September of 2016, I was on a run, hot and sweaty and overwhelmed with everything on my to-do list. At the time, I had two under two, a full-time job and I was basically solo-parenting due to it being an election year, an every-other year occurrence for our family. As I like to say, it is our harvest season and my husband is on a proverbial tractor from sunup to sundown and then some. 

It was on this run in 2016, with the sound of my feet hitting pavement pounding in my ears, that I had an idea take root in my mind and in my heart. I was far from done with work but done being called a “working mom.”

The phrase “working mom” always left me unsettled. Here are a few reasons why:

1. The phrase suggests work comes before my family. There are seasons when work requires the bulk of my attention, but it is not my most important role.

2. It is a complete crap label put on some women to distinguish them from others, often an indicator of lesser pay and unnecessary bias. 

3. Last and MOST IMPORTANTLY, you never, ever hear the phrase “working dad.” 

So, on that run, a new phrase was born: the mom who works. I literally stopped where I was and wrote down an entire list of ideas: The mom who works, quits, gives, fights, votes, builds, fails, dreams, rests, reads, believes.

I’ve been wrestling with this idea for nearly two years, knowing it was something powerful and important but procrastinating bringing it to bear. Why? I’m scared. I’m scared of putting my little dream out there to face rejection. 

I’ve been through a wild season of unrest and uncertainty and all it has done is help to confirm I am doing exactly what I’m supposed to be doing. I fundamentally believe all women should work but I won’t define what work is for anyone except myself. If this project can help just one woman realize her worth and find her best work, the entire project is worth it. 

Jenna Worthen

Mom Who Works Curator and Founder

(photo credit by Oscar Söderlund on Unsplash)