A single mom, who tirelessly worked day and night to make ends meet, has moved many by choosing precious time with her children over financial stability.
Recently, Sunja, a participant in the 22nd season of the 'I Am Solo' divorcee special, announced on her Instagram that she would soon be ending her four-and-a-half-year-long night shift job.
Sunja shared, "I'm about to leave my night shift job of over four and a half years. Although my salary will significantly decrease, my worries have multiplied. Despite this, I was seriously concerned that the absence of an adult during my second child's childhood might leave a negative impact. If I continued with the night shifts, we could maintain our basic living, but my second child would only remember his older brother, Junbyeol, during his childhood. During the day, he's at school, and at night, he's with his brother... there's no mom, no adult. Fortunately, I have a home cam that alerts my phone with movements and sounds. I can only hear Junbyeol kindly guiding his sibling... because I have to work."
She continued, "Knowing that my income will significantly decrease with the change in work environment, I asked my ex-husband for an increase in child support. Although he lives far away and can't meet the kids often, I've noticed his efforts since the show aired, and he seems to understand my current situation. Despite neither of us having much income, he is considering the increase in child support, and with that, I'll continue to work hard."
According to her post, Sunja decided to change her work schedule despite the significant pay cut, fearing the negative impact of parental absence on her children's childhood. She expressed her concerns that continuing night shifts would mean her second child would only remember his brother, not his mother.
While working, Sunja listened to her children's voices through a home cam, worrying about them. She revealed that she asked her ex-husband for an increase in child support to address the income reduction. Sunja noted that although her ex-husband lives far away and can't meet the children often, he has shown effort since her TV appearance and understands her situation. She mentioned their conversation about adjusting child support positively and expressed her determination to keep striving.
Viewers commented, "You made the right decision," "Stay strong," "We're cheering for you," "It's a good decision for your health too," "It must have been a tough decision," "I'm genuinely happy for you," and "Knowing how thoughtful you are, you must have thought a lot before deciding."
Meanwhile, Sunja gained attention after appearing on the 2024 ENA·SBS Plus 'I Am Solo' 22nd season divorcee special, where she shared her life as a single mom raising two sons.
Sunja, who previously received congratulations for dating a younger man last year, recently announced their breakup after three months. Despite the challenges, Sunja's decision for her children has garnered warm support from netizens.
Reporter Chaeryeong Lim, TenAsia syjj426@tenasia.co.kr