logo

Joke: Clerk Asks a Woman What She Does for a Living

Rebelander Basilan
Jan 29, 2019
05:27 A.M.

The clerk asked a woman about her occupation. Her response was precious.

Advertisement

Motherhood is the most important job of all since they are raising our future generations. Unfortunately, mothers hardly get the appreciation they deserve. In the story below, one mother cleverly explains to a clerk precisely what it means to be a mother.

A mother with her children. | Photo: Pexels

A mother with her children. | Photo: Pexels

A woman named Emily, renewing her driver’s license at the County Clerk’s office was asked by the recorder to state her occupation. She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.

“What I mean is,” explained the recorder, “do you have a job, or are you just a…”

“Of course I have a job,” snapped Emily. “I’m a mother.”

“We don’t list ‘mother’ as an occupation… ‘housewife’ covers it,” said the recorder emphatically.

Advertisement
A white concrete building. | Photo: Pexels

A white concrete building. | Photo: Pexels

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our Town Hall.

The clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient and in possession of a high-sounding title like, “Official Interrogator” or “Town Registrar.”

“What is your occupation?” she probed.

What made me say this next, I do not know, the words simply popped out, “I’m a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations.”

A woman at her desk. | Photo: Pexels

A woman at her desk. | Photo: Pexels

Advertisement

The Clerk Paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair, and looked up as though she had not heard right. I repeated the title slowly, emphasizing the most significant words. Then I started with wonder as my pronouncement was written in bold, black in on the official questionnaire.

“Might I ask,” said the clerk with new interest, “just what do you do in your field?”

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, “I have a continuing program of research (what mother doesn’t?) in the laboratory and in the field (normally I would have said indoors and out).”

“I’m working for my Masters (the whole darned family), and already have four credits (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities (any mother care to disagree?), and I often work 14+ hours a day (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers, and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money.”

A happy woman. | Photo: Pexels

A happy woman. | Photo: Pexels

Advertisement

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk’s voice as the completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants – ages 13, 7 and 3. Upstairs, I could hear our new experimental model (a 6-month-old baby), in the Child-Development program, testing out a new vocal pattern.

I felt triumphant! I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone off the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than “just another mother.”

Share this great story with your friends!

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

5 Stories about DNA Tests That Changed Lives Forever

January 31, 2024

After Mother’s Death, Man Arrives at His Parents’ Old House and Hears Sounds from the Basement – Story of the Day

February 02, 2024

Solider Forgets His Bride After Returning from the Army – Story of the Day

January 22, 2024

After Soldier’s Death, Mom Turns on His Phone & Sees Message from Unknown Caller: ‘I’m Pregnant’ — Story of the Day

February 16, 2024

Sisters’ Relationship Shatters after They Discover a Hidden Door — Story of the Day

February 05, 2024

I Found Strange Pictures of My Dad in My Roommate’s Bedside Drawer – Story of the Day

February 13, 2024

People Share Their Best Jokes to Tell Friends

December 04, 2023

Student Shouts Out Loud When She Sees Her Teacher for the First Time: 'My Dad Has a Picture of You' – Story of the Day

February 16, 2024

Poor Grieving Mom Forced to Sell Late Son’s Unworn Boots Hears Car Honking at Backyard Next Day — Story of the Day

February 12, 2024

Man Forgets His Bride After Returning from the Army – Story of the Day

December 07, 2023

Single Dad Adopts Girl with Special Needs Abandoned near Church, Birth Mom Shows up on Her B-Day – Story of the Day

February 26, 2024

Daughter Left Her Dad with Nothing After Her Granny's Death for a Good Reason — Story of the Day

February 09, 2024

Stepdad Almost Wins Custody Battle, Then Girl Says Three Words That Change Everything – Story of the Day

December 18, 2023

Man and Woman on a Blind Date Surprised to Find Their Kids are Mirror Images of Each Other – Story of the Day

March 13, 2024