When Life Doesn’t Turn Out The Way It’s Supposed To

Posted on February 13, 2013 by

We met when we were only eighteen and nineteen; I, a three-semester college girl, he a high school graduate.  It was love at first sight. Our parents were thrilled we had found someone that would love us, piercings, dyed hair, dreadlocks and all.

Nine and a half years later, we married.  Probably one of the wiser decisions we ever made-no teenage elopement or early pregnancy.  College graduates, employed, and homeowners when we finally took our vows, but edging closer to that magic number: 30.wedding photo

After dating for so long, my goal was to be 30, married and pregnant.

Despite my non-conformist lifestyle, something inside me knew that I needed to make this milestone.  My twenties were chaotic at best, but eventually had smoothed out and created a life path that I had planned: marriage and motherhood.  I was of the generation growing up after the women’s movement, but before many of our mothers followed an nontraditional path. I knew how it was supposed to go.

I made my goal, and after that, nothing went as expected.

Turns out, working and mothering are an excruciatingly hard combination.  What I thought I could handle ended up rocking my world upside down and sideways.  Navigating an infant, a breast pump, a husband and a classroom full of fifth graders proved to be…challenging.  Full time motherhood and full time teaching didn’t seem to be a great fit. I wanted them both. I felt my dreams crumbling away.

jen and lily in kitchenThe next year I took a chance and changed jobs, thinking that 80% employment would be better.  I was right; working with my more familiar middle school aged kids allowed me to focus less on the curriculum and more on my baby, but…there was still no free time, no long nap times to get papers graded, and the household responsibilities were still there, waiting.  The 12:30 baby handoff allowed us to escape childcare, but our couple time disintegrated into late-night dinners and frantic eye-contact while trying to rock the baby to sleep.  This wasn’t how it was supposed to go. I grew frustrated that I couldn’t handle it all: job, marriage, motherhood.  Didn’t I have exactly what I’d always dreamed of?

Sixteen years and one more child later, I’m learning that actually, it went exactly as it was supposed to.  That’s how life is.  I learned I am living out my dreams.  I have what I wanted, and actually, much more. But more importantly, I’m learning that women like me, all throughout history, have and continue to walk this line of confusion in the search for their ideal life.

While we share the same desires and dreams for the milestones in their worlds – love, family, success, fulfillment, and comfort – today’s women face challenges like never before.  The centuries of liberation which benefited women have come with a price, and today’s we’re charting a new course. We have more options, more choices, and more demands than ever.  We try to balance it all, while maintaining that sense of what women are supposed to do with what we know we need to do.  Our mothers and grandmothers had no idea what a blessed curse they were bestowing on their daughters and granddaughters as they fought for equal rights, and with them, the absolute blossoming that would come decades and centuries later.

Today’s women push non-conformity in interesting, dynamic ways, all the while grapping with what happens to women who bend today’s rules of propriety and customary behavior? We wonder how we will have to pay for blurring the lines between what is expected of us as wives, mothers, and women and the urge to have it all, to do it all, and to blossom into what we were meant to be? Can we chart the course for our own daughters, who themselves will be past the image of stay-at-home moms as the norm?

Sixteen years ago, I had no idea this is what life had in store for me.  Sixteen years from now, will my baby girl blossom into a kind of woman I could never imagine?

I certainly hope so.

This post was inspired by Saturday Night Widows by Becky Aikman. After being kicked out of her widow support group for being too young, Becky creates her own support group with an unusual twist. Join From Left to Write on February 14 as we discuss Saturday Night Widows. As a member, I received a copy of the book for review purposes. Click here to purchase your copy of Saturday Night Widows at Amazon.

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Jennifer Wolfe

Jennifer Wolfe, a writer-teacher-mom, is dedicated to finding the extraordinary in the ordinary moments of life by thinking deeply, loving fiercely, and teaching audaciously. Jennifer is a Google Certified Educator, Hyperdoc fanatic, and a voracious reader. Read her stories on her blog, mamawolfe, and grab free copies of her teaching and parenting resources.

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Comments: 28

  • Lisa G

    December 25, 2016

    Dear Jen,

    You are an inspiration. Bring your friend over the past 30+ years, I have seen you continue to grow into an ever amazing woman. I totally agree with your description of ‘having it all’ and know I could never communicate it as clearly and meaningfully as you do. I am so grateful to have you in my life. You make me want to be a better person. You go girl!

    Reply
    • Jennifer Wolfe

      December 31, 2016

      Lisa, Thank you so so much for sharing this. You have been right by my side longer than anyone I know, and my gratitude for that is deep. So happy we are traveling this journey together. Your strength, intelligence and courage amazes me. Love you.

      Reply
  • Feminism Gone Wrong: Wounded Deers or Wonder Women? - mamawolfe

    September 25, 2013

    […] written before about the idea that women today have more choices to make than ever before, and with those choices comes a whole assortment of wonderful opportunities and enormous challenges. Debora Spar writes on this idea, stating that “the challenges that confront women now are more […]

    Reply
  • Savvy Working Gal

    February 16, 2013

    I work full-time in a demanding job and often comment to my husband I never could have done this if we would have had children. I would have had to work part-time. My sister recently had her third baby (Opps) and is really struggling. She changed her hours, so she could be home when her oldest gets off the bus – day care is running havoc with their finances. Now she has to be in bed by 7:30 to get a decent night of sleep. Yeah, that happens. My mom was helping out by babysitting became disoriented while driving to her house and was in an accident. Now she can’t drive or babysit. She doesn’t want to quit her job, she feels they need her income and benefits. I live to far away to help out. It is very hard.
    Savvy Working Gal recently posted…How to find a support group?My Profile

    Reply
    • Jennifer Wolfe

      February 16, 2013

      I wish there was a better way to balance work and motherhood…I have friends who rely on family, like your sister did, and that is hard, too. Living in CA almost always requires two incomes just to survive, and now we’ve got college expenses to worry about! Thanks so much for commenting today. -Jennifer

      Reply
  • Melissa

    February 14, 2013

    Drats! I tried to cOmment, but it disappeared. Your blog made me recall a discussion of women’s rights when I sudied abroad in Latvia over 20 years ago. The women there wanted the “right” to be able to stay home and NOT have to work. Now a working mother, I finally get what they meant!

    Reply
    • Jennifer Wolfe

      February 16, 2013

      Melissa, that really is an interesting twist to the discussion. Do we want more ability to do what we want, or more acknowledgement for what we want to do? Thanks so much for commenting-twice! -Jennifer

      Reply
  • Melissa

    February 14, 2013

    I studied abroad in Latvia when I was in college. When I talked to women there about my feminist desires to be a mother and work a full time job, they laughed at me. They wanted the right to jot have to “have it all.”. Now, I see where they were coming from. Thanks for a thoughtful post!

    Reply
    • Jennifer Wolfe

      February 16, 2013

      It would be interesting to watch how their perspective might change over time, as did ours in America. Thanks so much for commenting!

      Reply
  • Brenda

    February 14, 2013

    I don’t think we ever know how life will turn out. We pick a path and with are dreamy ideals make believe our way into thinking it’s going to be everything we imagined. Years later, in the middle of the night we wake in a cold sweat and look up at the night sky, and say REALLY! Why me, or why this..? For some there is no option but to turn the other way and run.. always running in search of something more. Most run their entire lives in search of that special meaning to someone, never once realizing they themselves have the rights to the happiness – the meaning and the someone they are searching for – is inside. I remember the moment I realized this…the earth moved, and my heart grew – bigger than the Grinch’s. Since, I light my path. We are an entirely difference generation compared to our foremothers, as will our own daughters and sons, have theirs. Beautiful post, Jennifer. xo
    Brenda recently posted…Magical ThinkingMy Profile

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    • Jennifer Wolfe

      February 16, 2013

      Thank you, Brenda. To me, the paths keep appearing, taking me in different directions. I am grateful, though, that I always have my home base to run back to when I’ve chosen a challenging direction! Thanks for writing today. -Jennifer

      Reply
  • Ariane

    February 14, 2013

    Hey, I loved this post. I love your realization that actually, even though you didn’t think it at the time, you actually DID get everything you wanted. I think, for me, it puts it into perspective when I remember that the women’s movement is relatively very young, that we are still pioneering over here, all of the many ways we can choose to live our lives, raise our kids, be in this world. Thanks for making me think this morning. XO

    Reply
    • Jennifer Wolfe

      February 14, 2013

      Ariane, I love how you used the word ‘pioneer’ to describe what women are doing…we are a sort of pioneers in our quest to find our dreams. I think it’s so important to remember that life doesn’t always move in a straight line, and that sometimes, it is in the curves we’re thrown where we find true beauty. Thanks so much for writing! -Jennifer

      Reply
  • Thien-Kim

    February 14, 2013

    Jennifer, your post resonates with me. I’ve only been a mother for 7 years but it took me 5 of those years to realize that I just cannot do it all. And that was ok. This year, I’m focusing on working smarter and listening to my body and my intuition before taking on new projects.
    Thien-Kim recently posted…Choosing Between Vietnamese or African American GrandparentsMy Profile

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    • Jennifer Wolfe

      February 14, 2013

      Kim, listening to our bodies (and our hearts) is such a gift of motherhood. I never knew that power before, and now, I trust it above all else. Isn’t it grand? Thanks so much for writing! -Jennifer

      Reply
  • Carrie @ poet in the pantry

    February 13, 2013

    It is a very, very difficult job juggling everything that we want, especially when we get it. I remember the 18 months I spent working after my daughter was born, and they were hell. And then the next 18 months, spent as a stay-at-home mom to an infant an 2-year-old, were worse in many ways, as much as I love my kids and am grateful I was able to leave my job to be with them. I had no idea how hard it would be… and it still is. Stay-at-home mom, work-at-home mom, work-out-of-home mom… it doesn’t matter. Balancing marriage, children, career, and home responsibilities and life can feel like it’s sucking the life out of you, at times. And yet, it’s all worth it, and it helps us develop into the people we’re supposed to be.

    SAHMs are getting rarer and rarer. I’m willing to bet they will be nearly non-existent by the time our girls are moms. How strange.
    Carrie @ poet in the pantry recently posted…From Left to Write: Saturday Night WidowsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Jennifer Wolfe

      February 14, 2013

      Carrie, isn’t it interesting to step back and watch history unfold? We have so many choices today-so many more opportunities, and the ensuing dilemmas. While I know we often long for the ‘simple life’, honestly, I wouldn’t trade living now as a woman for any other time in history; well, except maybe in our daughter’s futures to see all the amazing doors that will open for them! I’m grateful that you wrote to me today-thank you! -Jennifer

      Reply
  • Desi St. Amant

    February 13, 2013

    I truly enjoyed reading this. I have a toddler and I am expecting another baby next month. I also teach full-time AP English. Balancing everything is insanely difficult (this is even the case for those with no children). While I continuously oscillate between frustration, contentment, and anxiety, I am greatly comforted by the fact that, indeed, I am not alone: others understand and have experienced a wonderful journey despite the struggles. As of now, I am trying my very best to streamline work (and, yes, cut back), so that I can be the mom and wife I need and want to be. Again, thank you for your story and insights.

    Reply
    • Jennifer Wolfe

      February 13, 2013

      Desi, I am grateful that you took the time to write-I know so well how challenging it is to be a full time English teacher, mom, wife, and…well, much of anything else. The best I could do – and still strive for – is to create clear boundaries between work and motherhood, with my children always coming first. The papers can wait – I want to make sure I don’t miss a moment as a mom. Good luck, and lots of love with your new baby! ~Jennifer

      Reply
  • Bill Habicht

    February 13, 2013

    “The 12:30 baby handoff allowed us to escape childcare, but our couple time disintegrated into late-night dinners and frantic eye-contact while trying to rock the baby to sleep.” Ahhh, the parenting pass-off. We know that one. While I don’t fit the demographic focus of this post, I certainly appreciate the insight and reflection. It was a great read. Thanks Jennifer!
    Bill Habicht recently posted…Repairers of the BreachMy Profile

    Reply
    • Jennifer Wolfe

      February 13, 2013

      Thank you, Bill. Even though our kids are teens, I still feel the pull of the ‘pass off’ – never want to leave them unsupervised for too long at this age. I’m so thankful you wrote today! ~Jennifer

      Reply
  • Dawn Wink

    February 13, 2013

    …So very, very grateful to share the journey – in all of its wholeness.

    Reply
    • Jennifer Wolfe

      February 13, 2013

      Ditto. Couldn’t make it without the support of my friends…thank you. ~ Jennifer

      Reply
  • jodifur

    February 13, 2013

    I love that you talked about the idea of “having it all” That something always suffers. I work PT since having my son, but I feel like I am never all it one place, never all at home, never all at work.
    jodifur recently posted…When The Unthinkable HappensMy Profile

    Reply
    • Jennifer Wolfe

      February 13, 2013

      Jodi, I can totally relate to being all over the place. One thing I really try hard to do is to create boundaries for each of my “jobs”-it’s not always easy, but I never wanted to look back with regret on my kid’s youth and realize that I put work, or anything else, before them. I only get 18 guaranteed years with them under my roof, and I wanted to make every second count. Thanks so much for writing today! ~Jennifer

      Reply
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