The Resume
Imagine you see this resume come across your desk:
(no need to read through every skill...just don't miss the point at the end of the post)
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2008-2024
-Managed comprehensive development programs for multiple children ages 0-14, focusing on academic achievement, social skills, and emotional intelligence
-Developed and implemented daily schedules balancing educational activities, recreation, and essential care routines for up to 3 children simultaneously
-Coordinated with educational institutions, healthcare providers, and activity instructors to ensure optimal developmental outcomes
-Maintained detailed records of developmental milestones, medical information, and daily activities
-Administered household budget exceeding $50,000 annually, including meal planning, supply management, and activity expenses
-Created and led age-appropriate educational activities promoting cognitive development, creativity, and problem-solving skills
-Built and maintained professional relationships with a network of caregivers, educators, and healthcare providers
-Successfully managed complex logistics for multiple simultaneous activities, appointments, and schedules
-Demonstrated exceptional crisis management skills in handling medical emergencies, behavioral challenges, and unexpected schedule changes
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If this had the title of "Childcare Development Specialist, Nanny, Au Pair, Private Family Administrator" this would be a knockout on a resume. It would demonstrate staying in a career for a long time with no gaps in the resume and showing the ability to increase skills over time.
However, if this resume had the title "Stay-at-home Mother"...
Crickets.
The only difference is payment. Stay-at-home mothers are not compensated for their work monetarily, so a society that measures success by money in the bank will always be regarded as lesser contributors.
The simple addition of a professional title transforms this exact same experience from "just being a mom" to an impressive career trajectory. Our society has somehow decided that the moment these skills are used for your own children rather than someone else's, they become irrelevant to the professional world. As I'm working on my degree and applying for research positions, I'm unsure how to handle "gaps" in my resume. Questions about communicating my experience and expertise are answered by advice to highlight activities outside my home like volunteering, community organization work, freelance or part-time work, or leadership roles in school committees. I can't help but question this logic. Why should years of managing complex schedules, handling budgets, coordinating with professionals, and developing young minds suddenly disappear from consideration just because they happened within my own home? Perhaps it's time we recognize that valuable experience and skill development don't always come with a salary attached – and that the talents we develop while raising our families are just as real and relevant as those earned in any other setting.