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I chose motherhood & a freelance writing career

By Marsha Maung

Looking back, there were many reasons why I chose to freelance as a writer, later on a graphic designer and then web designer. Why? The moment did not come to me in a flash, neither did it hit me one fine day – and nobody, certainly nobody told me that I had to choose. But after giving birth to my first son, Joshua, I started growing up and realizing what I wanted to do for the rest of my life in an effort to earn a living.

 

Of course, it all started out with working outside of the home. After having found a job in a dotcom, I went into search engine marketing. It was a never-heard-of industry then and there weren't many professionals out there in the market in Malaysia who did this stuff. So, it was enticing, it was new, it was exciting and the potential was overwhelming. How could I refuse? And the pay was good too, of course.

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But despite being offered a position like that and having the opportunity to grow with the dotcom (although they bombed out a couple of years later because of mismanagement), I chose to quit, stay home and struggle with a career none-too-enticing in Malaysia as well….freelancing as a writer.

 

The first few years were harrowing. Never had enough money, I would sometimes go around with a couple of Ringgits (Malaysian currency) in my pocket with my kid hoping that I didn't have to spend a single cent in my pocket because there was still tomorrow to deal with. My husband was also going through a tremendously terrible time too – so, we were both stressed out and penniless with a kid to look after.

 

At that point in time, sure, I've thought of going back into being employed and even sent a couple of half-hearted application letters out but I knew my heart wasn't in it. My heart was to stay at home with my kid(s) and earning a living. Thankfully, I stuck through. Call it bull-headed. Call it determination…whatever.

 

You see, my kids will only be babies once; to me if I miss this one chance to be with them, coach them, understand, love and protect them now, I've had missed the boat for life. It wasn't a completely selfless act, I have to say. I felt that I was their mother and I had a responsibility to be with them. I just couldn't bear the thought of someone else teaching them all about life and imparting their knowledge to my kids. I may not be perfect but that was role for me to play.

 

Being penniless and hungry remains a very painful memory for me. My kids may not remember it but later on in life, I hope they will remember the reason why I chose motherhood over a career outside of the family.

 

Freelancing as a writer also gave me the chance to grow as a person and as a mother. I am grateful to myself for giving myself this chance to be a person free from employment. I now earn a comfortable living from my freelance writing business AND am here with my kids as their principal source for advice, love, hugs and kisses.

 

Thank you, me.

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Marsha Maung is a Malaysian freelance writer with focus on search engine marketing, article marketing, online promotion and search engine optimization. She has 8 years and more of experience in the field of content writing and blog updating services. For more info on Marsha, visit her blog at www.marshamaung.blogspot.com