Ive been on maternity leave for four years now. The children are close in age, so my days are almost entirely taken up with being a mum. My husband works two jobs, and weve got our own flat, so we manage as best we can.
What have you actually accomplished by the age of 25? By now, you ought to have a thriving career, like my daughter, my mother-in-law told me.
My sister-in-law wasnt in any rush to settle down. She had big dreams and put her youth and looks first; she wasnt about to give that up for the sake of children just yet. But thats her choice. I made mine five years ago. As for her career, it wasnt all that brilliant anyway. Mostly, she seemed to resent those around her and spread gossip.
She made the most of her timetravelling, going on fancy holidays, living a wild life. Then, a month ago, she suddenly showed up at my door, desperate for help. Her supervisor at work was about to go on maternity leave, and they needed someone to cover the role. Whoever put together the best proposal would get the leadership role. My sister-in-law was never especially handy with computers and definitely couldnt cope with this on her own.
My mother-in-law started dropping hints too. I couldnt understand how I was supposed to balance the project with running after the children. But she swore up and down shed take care of everything at home, just so that I could help her daughter. So I agreed.
The very next day, though, my mother-in-law rang to say: I cant watch the kidsI need to get to the countryside and deal with some pickling later. Youll just have to manage on your own.
My sister-in-law never once came by, either. I tried to work on the proposal through the night, but of course, I was completely shattered. I genuinely wanted to help her, but there was simply no time. No one had once offered to look after my children so I could have a moment to myself.
Why isnt it finished yet? You promised! my sister-in-law shrieked at me.
And you and your mother promised youd look after the kids. Its impossible to do any proper work otherwise.
She flew into such a rage and swore shed handle it all herself. Naturally, nothing got done. Her laziness always got the better of her, so she didnt land the new job.
Youre awful. You sabotaged my daughteryoure just jealous! my mother-in-law accused me.
But I didnt need to justify myself to anyone. What mattered was that my husband understood everything completely, and he told me not to have anything more to do with his sister. Now, she can carry on as she pleasesfree and independent.
