Alpha Female, Beta World

My Alpha Origins April 10, 2007

While you may be shocked to hear it (cough*sarcasm*cough), I am not thrilled by being able to bring home the bacon and fry it in a pan.  I’m much happier to have the bacon fried for me and served with a frosty beer.  But, such is life as an accidental alpha. 

As the sole breadwinner in my two-person home, it falls on my shoulders to cover all the bills, from the mortgage to the occasional splurge.  And as a woman who has a Monica Gellar-esque streak, the cleaning usually comes down to me as well. I also take care of the dog, do my best to make our house a home, and make nice with the in-laws at least twice a week. The end result?  An odd mix of pride, financial security, and hair-pulling frustration. 

How did I end up on this path?  I certainly didn’t plan on it and most of time, I can’t believe I’m actually here.  Being the alpha female of the house happened more by random circumstance than a carefully planned decision.  The short story is that I graduated from a good college, got a decent job with pretty good perks, grew into a smart, financially capable woman, and then fell in love. Now, as the husband steps out of the 9-to-5 grind and begins his own small business, it’s up to me to keep us afloat. 

The good news is that I know I’m not the only woman out there in this compromising situation, which is why Alpha Female, Beta World exists.  There’s a wonderful community of alphas out there who are alternately proud of their go-get-’em status and sick to death of the pressures it can bring.  Feel free to join in the conversation whether you’re an alpha or not.  As an accidental alpha, one of the most important things I’ve learned is that misery loves company, but usually bails on the party once others show up.