Redefining Fulfillment: Lessons from Stay-at-Home Mothers

I survived! It was incredibly tough to juggle child-rearing and a full-time job, even though my job doesn’t require intense concentration or energy. I am so grateful to work in a friendly, warm, and understanding environment. After going through a period where I had to handle everything on my own, I’ve come to realize just how admirable the work fully-at-home mothers do is.

To be honest, I used to diminish the role of stay-at-home mothers. I thought that their work had a price—they sacrificed their social value and personal identity, something I never imagined I could give up. Being at home, I assumed, meant having limited opportunities to engage in different fields and connect with people who could bring fresh insights. I often doubted whether their lives were truly fulfilling or if they felt satisfied adjusting their personal lives around their family's schedules.

However, the more I interact with these so-called stay-at-home mothers, the less I feel this way. Since my son attends kindergarten, more than half of the mothers I meet are stay-at-home moms. They aren’t constantly pressed for time and seem to have more emotional leeway to be kind to others. When I’m rushing in the morning to drop off my son, they always greet me warmly with vibrant smiles. I can feel their kindness and sincerity in their tone of voice and facial expressions. Sometimes, they even offer to help when they see me juggling my son and cuddling my little daughter.

In contrast, I feel guilty for avoiding interactions with them, either to save time or simply because I don’t know how to respond to their greetings. The stay-at-home moms I know take on responsibilities, volunteering to support kindergarten activities, planning, and organizing after-school events. They are so dedicated and contributing, which makes me respect them even more.

I’ve also noticed that they are great at small talk and effortlessly introduce various topics into conversations. Their communication skills seem higher than mine, and on top of that, they’re humble and good listeners. They know how to manage and enjoy their lives. Most of them have at least two hobbies they are genuinely passionate about.

Reflecting on myself, if I were suddenly given a day off, I wouldn’t know how to spend my time in a way that would bring me true joy. The only thing that comes to mind is going to a café to study English or doing something that feels productive, which isn’t much different from my usual workdays. I don’t think I’m fully enjoying life. I always focus on improvement or productivity. I need to learn how to enjoy life without always thinking about purpose or progress—just doing things that genuinely spark joy in me.

My experience balancing work and family life has opened my eyes to the effort and emotional investment stay-at-home mothers put into their families and communities. Their patience, generosity, and balance inspire me to reevaluate how I approach my own life. I’m learning to appreciate the value in enjoying life’s simple moments, free from constant self-imposed pressure, and to focus more on the things that bring genuine joy rather than just ticking off productivity goals. It’s a lesson in finding fulfillment in whatever path you choose, whether inside or outside the home.