When my son was little and I was in a brief period between jobs, I introduced myself to someone as “just a stay-at-home mom.”

This woman corrected me in a kind, firm voice: “Don’t say just.”

“Oh, yeah,” I stammered. “I didn’t mean– You’re right, of course!”

I said just because I always expected to be doing something “more” with my life.

What exactly? I can’t even remember.

I have worked “outside the home” in some way for most of the years my son was growing up — thanks to super-flexible schedules, understanding bosses, and a tag-teaming husband.

But still today, after almost 24 years on the job, I tend to downplay my work as a mom and caregiver when someone asks what I do, even though that role has become more involved. I will usually lead with my other more interesting part-time gig, the one I keep up in addition to my 60-plus hour work week for my son.

Then I’ll add, with almost a shrug, “but I’m mostly a caregiver for my adult son who has a disability.”

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