WHY I LOVE TO WORK

Kitty Dimbleby - 27 Sep 13

I grew up with a mother who worked, so I always knew having my daughter wouldn’t stop me. When Chloe was just a month old I started (paid) writing again, tapping out a 1400 word article for a national, with her propped next to me on the sofa, laptop balanced on my knees. I followed that feature with two more in quick succession: I was suddenly more driven than I had been in years to write, to earn money, to prove to the world (and myself) that I. Could. Do. This.

When she was eleven weeks old I returned to my day job, writing and editing a magazine for the military charity Help for Heroes. I would stand at the kitchen counter, rocking from foot to foot as I worked, Chloe hot against my chest, content (for the time being) in her baby sling.

My first day in the office was when Chloe was seven months. She was fine, I cried. The nursery staff soothed me as effectively as they do their small charges and I soon got used to the routine of dropping her off before driving for over an hour to the office.

I miss my girl but if I’m honest I love working, in the office or at home (I’m lucky that my work is flexible) and I really believe it makes me a better mother, wife and friend.

Here are my top five reasons why it is OK to love work.

1/ It makes you appreciate your time with your child
I rarely get too frustrated or exhausted by my one year old – mainly I think because I get time away, time alone with my laptop or in a buzzy office with adults who don’t want to talk about babies. My ‘Chloe days’ she gets my (almost) undivided attention and when she empties out the kitchen drawers for the twentieth time – I find it kinda funny.

2/ It makes you a role model for your children
I want Chloe to grow up knowing that mummies work too. I’m not saying that being a stay-at- home mum isn’t work –  believe me I think it is ten times harder what I do on my ‘days off’ in the office. But I distinctly remember the pride I felt in my mother’s career when I was growing-up (as I still do) and I hope that when she is older Chloe might feel the same about me.

3/ It gives you independence – which is good for your relationship
I hated not earning money while I was on my brief maternity leave. My husband and I have always been equals in that department and it suits us well. Asking permission to buy things, that just isn’t how I do things.  We’ve always said that my husband’s wage pays for our basic survival, mine pays for the fun stuff and, call me shallow, but I like the meals out, holidays and nice belongings and I know Chloe will too.

4/ It gives you something else to talk about
Now I can talk about my daughter until the proverbial cows come home but I know there is only so much people will listen. Using your brain, interacting with other grown-ups, improves your dinner party chat and makes you, if I’m honest, a bit more interesting to be around.

5/ If you love what you do, you should do it
Being a freelance writer is great – I still get a buzz from seeing my by-line – but it is a lonely job. What really gets me out of bed, and away from my darling girl, is the work I do for charities. I love interviewing the individuals helped and feeling as though, in some small way, I am making a difference

Daffodil Girls by Kitty Dimbleby is out now as a paperback and ebook published by Virgin

Kitty Dimbleby

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