Right from our childhood, we are “encouraged” to strive to do our best. To be the best. This mindset permeates all aspects of our society. We look up to people and organizations that have become the top in their spheres. Of course, those that are not the best, those who cannot make the mark, fall by the wayside.
My SO for example, holds several degrees as well as a post-graduate diploma. She briefly was the head of her department. She gave that all up to be a stay home mom to look after our twins. We wanted them to have a childhood that had a consistent attachment figure. We also wanted control over their upbringing and discipline. We got a lot of flack for that. Our mothers were unsupportive and disapproving. I think they both felt that they managed to juggle work and childcare in their time and felt that it was possible to do both. But we have no regrets, our twins are growing up to be wonderful kids.
The flip side, the other price to pay is when after all that striving, you have become one of the best. Then the stress is when everyone looks to you for advice and to set the standard. There is no one above you to look for advice. It can be difficult.
