I used to judge stay-at-home moms until I became one. I was surprised at how much I love it.

• I always judged stay-at-home moms and never wanted to be one.
• I got pregnant around the time my career was taking an unexpected turn.
• I feel lost when it comes to a career, but I have a newfound passion: my son.

It wasn't intentional, but it's been two years since I've worked a full-time job.

When asked what I do, I stumble over my words. I write articles occasionally as a freelance journalist, but I can't sugarcoat it: I'm a stay-at-home mom. Even typing it, I cringe a little.

Before becoming a stay-at-home, I saw my friends who were well-off and stay-at-home moms. Their days seemed to be all about lunches and playing tennis.

I was judgmental, for sure. I used to think, "Must be nice."

Now I know — yes, it is nice, but it's also a very challenging job.

My life took an unexpected turn after getting pregnant

When I was 25, I moved to Los Angeles with big dreams of working in Hollywood as a sitcom writer. That didn't pan out, but I did meet my husband.

When COVID-19 hit, it was even harder to find a steady job in television so I took a position in podcasting. I was there a little over a year but left when things went south — the company declared bankruptcy a few months later. I was also newly pregnant.

I didn't look for a new full-time job while pregnant. Becoming a sitcom writer had been an uphill battle and one I was ready to give up. I took a few short-term contract positions, and after giving birth to my son, I wasn't working at all.

When I finally started to consider working again, there'd been a shift in the podcasting openings I found — many producer roles also required editing experience, which wasn't a skill I had or was interested in.

Since becoming a mother, I can't seem to find a career path that excites me

I'm a self-admitted lost soul when it comes to a career. I still look for jobs and often apply.

However, when I really think about what it would mean to take any of the jobs I apply for, sadness washes over me at the thought of being away from my son.

Maybe it's time to accept what I do feel passionate about: my son.

Also, if I returned to work I would need to find childcare since a day job would likely go to 5 p.m. and my son is out of preschool by 3 p.m. Plus, my son only goes to preschool three days a week.

Whether it's day care or a nanny, the amount of money it would cost makes taking any job less appealing. It's just not worth it.

If I had a clear career trajectory, it might be a different story.

I was surprised that I enjoy being a stay-at-home mom

I was with my son every single day until he started preschool at 1 ½ years old. I was there for all the milestones: first word, steps, giggles.

I was amazed at how this helpless being transformed into a chatty toddler, full of personality, right before my eyes. Though cliché, it was true: The days are long but the years are short.

Of course, some days are just hard. His naps offer me a much-needed break but then sometimes they don't happen. Food gets thrown on the just-washed floor. If he doesn't have a cold, then he has a stomach bug. It feels like a week without an illness is a rarity.

Even now that's he in school part time, my hours alone fly by, and I never accomplish all the to-dos I hope to. At 3 p.m. I switch back to mom duty and I must entertain him, keep him away from the remote (although sometimes you just have to put on the TV), and manage his multistep bedtime routine.

Even with all the trying moments, I've realized I'm the happiest I've ever been. My son makes me laugh constantly, and I can't tell him enough how much I love him.

I am privileged that my family can afford to live on my husband's salary alone. An additional salary would certainly be helpful, but the opportunity cost of me finding work — and not spending my days with my son — is too high.

My name may not be in the credits of your favorite comedy show, but I know people whose names are and I wouldn't trade places with any of them.

Although my days may not be glamorous and are often monotonous, I love my life as a stay-at-home mom.