The Most Important Job Title
The Bureaucratic Oversight
When Emily renewed her driver’s license, the clerk dismissed her proud declaration of being a “Mum” with: “We don’t list that – ‘housewife’ covers it.” Years later, another mother faced the same demeaning question at the police station – but this time, wisdom struck.
A Title Worth Fighting For
With sudden inspiration, the mother declared: “I’m a Research Associate in Child Development and Human Relations.” The clerk’s pen froze mid-air. As the title was carefully recorded in official records, the questioning continued with new respect.
The Job Description
The mother elaborated with quiet confidence:
- Continuing research program: Both laboratory (home) and field work (outdoors)
- Working toward Masters: The whole family as her thesis
- Four credits earned: Her four daughters
- Work hours: 24/7 with no vacations
- Compensation: Paid in love and life lessons
“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”
— Proverbs 31:28
The Victory Lap
Arriving home, her “lab assistants” (ages 10, 7, and 3) greeted her, while the “new experimental model” (6-month-old) tested vocal patterns upstairs. That day, bureaucracy finally recognized what heaven always has – motherhood isn’t just a role, it’s humanity’s most vital profession.
Promotion Path
By this classification:
- Grandmothers = Senior Research Associates
- Great-grandmothers = Executive Senior Research Associates
- Aunts = Associate Research Assistants
Perhaps it’s time we updated more than forms – but how society values the sacred work of nurturing human lives.
