"There are many reasons women go into the work force rather than staying home with their kids. I'm sure they have convinced themselves that it's for the good of ______ (the family, the kids, the finances, so she doesn't go crazy sitting at home with "nothing to do" but talk to littles, lose the value of her education or become ineffective in her profession)."
YES! I think that's exactly what I find so tragic about it! It's like watching someone forage dinner out of a garbage can while a 5-star restaurant is giving out free dinners right in front of them.
I know of one woman who is struggling to find daily childcare for her toddler while she goes to a minimum-wage job. The childcare is costing almost as much as she makes. She is doing this NOT because she needs the money, but because she (by her own admission) can't stand to be with her own child! And other Moms who tell me that they have to "get away from the kids" and that's why they work.
Like you, I don't care for babysitters. DD has never had one. She DOES occasionally go for an overnight with her Godparents - because SHE wants to - not because we want rid of her. She does go to other events like camp of her own choice.
I know Moms who work who simply don't need the money, and didn't grow up poor - just don't like being with their own kids (by their own admission -sometimes, sadly, while the kids stand there hearing them say it
) . I find that more inconceivable than disliking chocolate, sugar, and coffee - all three!