Working mum’s guilt

Last updated: 03/09/2015 10:51 by DeirdreODonovan to DeirdreODonovan's Blog
Filed under: MummyBloggers
In late July, we were on our two weeks holidays in sunny West Cork – my hard-working hubby, the two kids and myself were renting a house, as we do every year. But what’s completely different about this year is that as a County Councillor, I am never off the clock.
 
I remember one gloriously sunny day when the kids couldn’t wait to hit the beach to build sandcastles, surf and hunt for crabs; the kind of day when memories are made. Unfortunately, I wasn’t a part of those memories because I was in the only café within a 10km radius that had wifi, catching up on emails and calling constituents who had queries with the Council. 
 
That same time last year, I was still in the very early stages of my new role and so I wasn’t that busy – I just had to keep an eye on things and answer the odd email. But 12 months on and heading into a General Election, the community groups I work with needed advice, while pensioners were panicking about planning developments on their doorsteps.
 
It is my job to help them. When I knocked on doors asking people to vote for me, this is what I promised to do.
 
As the school holidays began, after-school clubs closed and lessons were suspended until September, I found myself winding down. I slipped into holiday mode, and waited for my inbox to do likewise. I am still waiting!  For me, this job as County Councillor is full-time, 24/7, 365.  When the kids are in school that is much easier to balance, but when they are off, so is my balancing act.
 
On the plus side, the lovely holiday house we rent is so remote that there is no email or mobile phone signal so while we are there, I belong completely to the children and I get to unwind and switch off.
 
But when I do arrive at that café to catch up on work, I must endure the dagger looks of the other holiday makers who don’t want to hear me talking on the phone to the Planning Department. I also feel guilty about taking up a table for four and often order more than I need to make up for it. 
 
So I stuff myself with scones and coffee in the single hour I have been given to take care of my constituents before I need to get back to my kids and pray the wifi holds long enough to send my emails!
 
Déanta in Éirinn - Sheology
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