SAHM and Latchkey Kids

During what has become quite possibly the week from hell (or shall I say two weeks of hell?), I came across this post at Dooce discussing the pros and cons of being a stay-at-home-mom (SAHM) or a working mom with the latchkey kids. I am hesitant to write too much about my own mother, who was herself a SAHM, because I don't think she'd appreciate me writing her business all over the net. But I am intrigued by the discussion (and wow--the over 1500 comments).

I loved having my mom there when I came home from school. Our house was always immaculate, the pantry was always stocked with goodies, my brothers and I could participate in any activities we wanted because she was always there to drive us, and sometimes we'd come home from school and there would be special treats waiting for us (an expensive snack on sale at the local Kroger or a new outfit she picked up while shopping). But more than all the more superficial advantages, it was just really comforting to come home from school and have her there to talk to.

As a law student, I keep oscillating back and forth with the kids question. By the time that I graduate, I will be in my late twenties, and then I will have to work a few years to establish myself and gain experience. Then I would like to try more than one job, I think--and I don't see having kids being possible career-wise or financially until I am in my early thirties. And that's with me working (ah, law school loans!). There's a part of me that would love to have children and give them what my parents gave me: the ability to have access to my mom 24/7, wheneverI needed. But then I cannot help but think: What was the point of all my hard work in college, at my previous job, and now in law school?

I remember one man I dated a few years ago telling me about women in his law firm. Apparently the men loved that the firm hired so many women, because by the time that they were ready to be considered for partnerships, so many women had left to have children that the field of competition was pretty slim. Most of the men became partners; most of the women became mommies. Hearing his snide recitation of this harsh reality made me decide on the spot that I didn't want to abandon my career for children as soon as all my hard work in school was about to pay off.

But this is me talking now. I know that as my parents age and my friends start their families, my biological clock and maternal urge are going to kick in. I just don't know what to do then.