Today I learnt that I am a monster because I think it is more loving to work all the hours you can to pay for your child to have the best possible healthcare, best pre-school teachers and most fun nursery times. Instead of making do on less money and thinking that hugs and kisses can make up for cheaper food, less educational toys and the chance for my child to interact with others their own age all day without smothering them.
Sentimental bullshit is what causes bad parents, people who have children so that they themselves can feel loved and pretend all the staying at home and caring is for the Child's benefit instead of their own desire to feel needed and somehow superior.
Affection is needed, and as missmisa said can be given when the parents or carers get home from work.
Constant affection is no replacement for child raising skills, so yes you can compare it to a career and if more people did, perhaps they would research it and take it more seriously than thinking all it takes is "love"