Study: Working moms are happier than stay-at-home moms

On any given day, if you ask how I feel about being a working mom, my response will vary. On Mondays, for example, I'm riddled with guilt and miss Maggie terribly after I leave her in the morning. On other days, I confess, I'm eager to get to work, but she's never out of my mind. Would I say that I am happier than moms who stay at home? I don't know. The grass is always greener ...

According to a new Gallup analysis of more than 60,000 U.S. women in 2012, working moms tend to be happier and report fewer signs of depression, sadness and anger than stay-at-home moms. The study also reports that stay-at-home moms lag behind employed moms in terms of their daily emotions. They are less likely to say they smiled, laughed or experienced enjoyment "yesterday."

I love that I am able to raise a family and have a career — a career I genuinely enjoy. This works for us. Who knows what the rest of my life will bring and if I will be happy one way or another later on, but for now, I'm content. I know that Maggie is well taken care of, and I can't explain how I feel driving home after work knowing I'm going to see her. Whether we go for a walk, read books, have a dance party — it's the quality of time I spend with her that matters most, regardless of when it is. As any mom can attest, it's your children's happiness that matters most.

Moms, tell me: Are you happy with your employment/stay-at-home situation?