Yes, I’m a Homemaker, But That Doesn’t Mean I’m Free!
There seems to be a common misconception surrounding the role of a homemaker. The assumption goes something like this: because you work from home or dedicate your time to managing the household, you must be free — available for last-minute requests, random errands, or to be roped into activities at the drop of a hat. But here’s the truth: homemaking IS a full-time job, and it’s time society starts treating it that way.
The Misconception of Availability
When people hear that someone is a homemaker, they often assume the individual is unoccupied. If I had a nickel for every time I heard “I aspire to be this level of unemployed” or any other such callous comment being casually tossed around, I’d be rich. This stems from the flawed idea that being at home means having no pressing commitments. In reality, homemakers are often juggling multiple responsibilities — whether it’s cooking, cleaning, managing finances, running errands, or caring for family members. These tasks are vital to the smooth running of a household but are frequently misunderstood or overlooked by those outside the home.
This misconception not only disregards the structure and effort involved in homemaking but also devalues the individual’s time. While someone working in a traditional office may be unavailable to take on additional responsibilities, society often fails to extend the same courtesy to homemakers. The expectation is that, because they are home, their time is more flexible — something that can be interrupted without hesitation. This attitude is both unfair and harmful.
Undervaluing Domestic Work
The belief that homemakers have nothing pressing to do is often accompanied by a deeper, more pervasive issue: the undervaluation of domestic labor. Homemaking is frequently seen as less important than traditional, outside-the-home employment, despite the fact it involves a wide range of responsibilities. These can include but are by no means limited to organizing the household, raising children, budgeting, meal planning & prep, maintaining the overall health and happiness of the family; the list goes on.
Historically, homemaking — especially for women — has been tied to outdated gender roles that suggest domestic work is “lesser” or unambitious. Society has long placed more value on paid labor than on the unpaid often thankless work that keeps families and homes running smoothly. But this attitude ignores the complexity of homemaking which requires just as much skill, time-management, and dedication as any traditional job.
The Need For Boundaries and Respect
Just because we do not follow a 9–5 schedule doesn’t mean our time is any less valuable. Respecting the homemaker’s time should require the same consideration that you give to anyone working outside the home. Like them, we are constantly working — just not in ways that society easily recognizes.
For homemakers. It’s essential to establish firm boundaries. Communicating that your time is valuable can help shift this dynamic and encourage others to think twice before interrupting. It’s not only about defending your space but also about demanding the respect you deserve for the work you do.
Conclusion: Homemakers Deserve Respect
Being a homemaker doesn’t mean you’re free, available, or unoccupied. It means you’re working just as hard as anyone else, albeit in different ways. The misconception that homemaking is easy or unimportant needs to change, and the homemakers given the respect and consideration they deserve. Society’s tendency to undervalue domestic work is outdated, and it’s time you all recognize the critical role that homemakers play in your lives.
