Working Mothers

Dear Mrs. Bacon,

How have you been? I am writing to you because I am currently seeking employment, and I was hoping that you may have known of some opportunities. Yes, I know that the last time I spoke with you, I had spoken of my husband's ability to make enough money without needing any of my wages. I am still so, so proud of him. But truth be told, his wages are not enough to feed us and our six children. I know this, and he knows this. I would have admitted this to him aloud long ago if it weren't for his dignity, god bless him. So much of his pride rests on me staying at home to care for the children that I can't bear for him to know that his hard work is inadequate.

I know that your husband also has had a similar problem when he became unemployed. You decided to earn your own wages. I wish to do the same, except I dare not let my husband know. If he knew, he would never stand for it. His dignity blinds him and impairs his judgment, to be honest.

My husband has said that he will always keep me from the reaches of abusive white employers - but they can't all be abusive and too overbearing, can they? I need an employer who is kind enough to be flexible with hours such that I can work during specific hours when my husband is away and unaware. I thought I might seek advice from another working mother about reputations of employers, since friends are always more reliable than the newspaper advertisements and employment agencies.

I wish you and your family the best.

-Carrie Nancy Fryer