“I resent having to refer to my career as my baby in order to explain myself to parents. It suggests that as long as a woman has something she feels maternal toward, then she passes as a regular human being. "She want to swaddle her career! So we'll make an exception and give her a pass." Women don't have to have maternal urges to be women. My career is not my surrogate baby, just like my car is not my surrogate sex slave just because I turn it on and ride it. Men don't call their careers their sons or daughters. A fireman without kids doesn't have to pretend his job is his baby replacement. "Oh yeah, when I walk up those forty flights of stairs fighting back the burning and falling asbestos, I just cradle the hose in my arms and think, 'this is my baby'.”
Quote by Jen Kirkman
Work
This work examines the experience of remaining single and childfree, embracing personal freedom and self-reliance. Through a lighthearted lens, it addresses the humor and challenges of managing one's own life without the responsibilities of parenthood. The narrative celebrates the freedom to prioritize personal needs, pursue individual interests, and find contentment in solitude. The title itself plays on the common societal expectation that adults should eventually care for children, instead flipping that notion to explore what it means to barely take care of oneself—and finding happiness in that arrangement. The book speaks to those who have chosen or are considering the childfree path, offering reassurance and entertainment through relatable observations about everyday adulting. more
Author
Jen Kirkman is an American comedian known for her unique humor style and self-deprecating wit. Born on August 28, 1974, she has made a name for herself in the comedy scene since the early 2000s. Kirkman is recognized for her work in television shows, web series, and books, which often delve into personal experiences, gender, and interpersonal relationships. more