Decided NOT to return to work!

[bananiem]

the way I look at it, I'm still doing the same job, just on a much smaller scale. I'm still teaching and guiding, I'm still the bookkeeper/bill payer, I'm still in charge of ordering supplies and inventory control...Unfortuantely the cook calls in sick every day so I'm constantly filling in for her now.
The BEST part is that I don't have to hire and fire anymore!!

 

[browneyes]

When I was a stay at home mom, that's what I told people my job was. No need to elaborate or make up a new title. SAHM is not a deeming title, in my opinion.

 

[damo]

Never, ever make excuses for being a SAHM. Like I said before, I've never heard any SAHM say that they wish they would have gone back to work.

 

[Dream]

zulaya!!! LOL!!!!!

 

[s&k'smom]

Oh boy we could talk about this all day (someone put on a pot of coffee!). I came back to work at 371/2 hours with my DS. It was so hard but we thought we needed the money. When I had my DD last year I came back at only 25 hours a week to cover most of the mortgage. I put my foot down and told DH I couldn't work nearly full time again until DD was in school. I love it. I'm home by 2pm but I still keep up my office skills. If I could stay home FT I would but hubby works for an airline so right now it's good that I'm working. The funny thing is DH worred about money but now he loves that I'm home earlier. It can be a scary decision but I find this situation worked out well for us.

 

[Credit Man]

My DW stays home with our kids. We make some sacrifices, but my kids reap so many benefits. For us, it's worth it.

 

[minniecarousel]

(good story Zulaya!)

I was a SAHM for many years and wouldn't have traded it for anything! I went to work at a school when my youngest went into middle school (this was not the field that I had trained in). It was great being around when they got home from school (esp. when they were in HS - sometimes they need you around even more at that age!)
Good luck on your decision Susy!

 

[JerseyJanice]

Good for you!

We really needed my income when DS was a baby. Now I could afford to stay home or work part-time, but DS isn't a baby anymore.

You know something, Susy? Do what you have to; it's not a permanent decision. Up the road, you can always go back to work. But you'll never be able to replace your child's growing up years--not for all the money in the whole world.

 

[Pin Wizard]

Why does it seem that the women with a college degree are SAHM while those working would do anything to be a SAHM but can't swing it???? Not fair.

 

[susy]

Wow!!! What great responses! I really didn't mean for it to turn into a thread about working/non-working.Unless you are sitting by your pool with the maid cleaning and the cook bringing you your lunch, guess what ? You are working!

About the college thing.... my DH only finished high school, but he went to a five year (2 nights a week) program for his journeyman's license and he is a plumber pipe-fitter. He is the foreman now and making more money than I would have made if I would have gotten my master's in my field (that's sad). He works on the beach, building all of the million dollar condos on the ocean in Ft Lauderdale. We still live in the 2 bedroom condo that I bought when I was single. It works great for us, because our mortgage and maintenance for the month is less than half of what he brings home a week. Housing prices have gone beyond what the average family can afford.

Anyway, this is the best for ME. Everyone has their own unique situation.

 

[disykat]

Susy, I'm still home and my youngest is entering 2nd grade. I could have gone back to work last year, but my older son has lots of health issues and misses school frequently. We compromised and I substitute teach a few days a week at my boys school. I'll probably be doing that until my dh's job becomes more flexible and he can take some of the sick days.

While I admit there are days when it's really nice to spend the day at home while the kids are at school, for the most part I'm ready to go back to work! Every time I think I'm ready to get a job, ds gets sick (he had pneumonia twice last year) and I find myself in tears because I think I won't ever be able to go back! Right now I have lots of pros for going back to work and only one con - but since we don't absolutely need the money, that con outweighs all the pros.

It all comes down to making the choice that works for your family. Let's face it - either choice usually involved sacrifice.

 

[Dream]

A POOL MAN!! Dang...I knew there was something missing in my life! Ahhhh....a breath of humor is just what we need this Friday afternoon on the DIS!! Gettin' a little "tense" around here!
Dream runs for cover before people start attacking her on this thread too!!!

 

[jldriscoll]

you're the cutest Dream!

We love you!!!

 

[DVC-Don]

You made the right choice. I've been a SAHD since late 1992. If a family can swing it, they should do it.

 

[SeaSpray]

Another SAHM here! I am thankful to be able to be home and not have to work. My youngest is 11 yrs old and going in to 6th grade. Oldest is 14 and going into 9th grade. I feel it's just as important for me to be here for them now as it was when they were babies.

At this point, if I chose to go to work it'd be purely for "extras" like more vacations, new cars every year, etc. For me, there's no question. I will be here for my kids and also for the sake of the household, for as long as I'm able to. DH works hard all week. He likes me being home, my DSs like me being home, and importantly, *I* like being home.

Call me old fashioned....but this is what works for us

P.S. I have a lot of respect for women who HAVE to work and do work. As for women who don't have to work but who work simply to feel "fulfilled", well, let's just say we're very different.....

 

[bananiem]

I want to agree with Sea Spray. I am impressed with women who do "do it all". When I was working in child care I was happy to see so many parents that did do it all and had happy, well- adjusted kids. It can be done!!

 

[cotye]

Wishing you the best of luck.... Do what your heart truly feels in right and you'll never make the wrong decision.