Column) Viscious circle

I have been self-employed for years now. Too stubborn to work for a boss, too much attached to my freedom, or both. It doesn’t really matter and both might be true. The financial insecurity that’s part of the job I’ve taken for granted. Although I have to admit the moment my first child was born, I thought about giving up my independence and become an employee.

The reason is simple: I wanted to be able to offer my children the best possible childhood, the best possible food both physically and mentally, and the best possible education. So they on their turn would be able to follow their heart and have a brilliant future. Given the fact that a professional practice is both sensitive to seasons and economic cutbacks, it isn’t always puppy dogs and rainbows. At times it can be difficult. My desire to be free ultimately kept me on the course of independence. It was the priceless freedom to bring the children to school or clubs, to be there for them if necessary, to be able to go out with them during their holidays without first having to ask an employer for permission…

But with six children, ay, it was not always easy to be self-employed. And secretly I lived for the moment they all left the parental home. No empty nest syndrome for me. The prospect of a significant reduction in the need for (financial) care was enough reason for me to never think about missing the kids.

In fact, missing them was (and is) out of the question. Because even though they are all standing on their own two feet, almost every day at least one of the children drops by to have dinner at home. Don’t get me wrong, they all have perfectly good reasons to come over. 

My daughter, for example, has two children of her own now, my grandchildren. And she cares for them, but she also needs her rest now and then. Hence, she eats at her parents place to relax. Of course I can’t refuse. After all, I want my grandchildren to have the best possible childhood, unlimited access to the best possible food both physically and mentally, and the best possible education… I guess for the coming years I’m screwed again.

 

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