Sahm

[mhsjax]

I am sitting here trying to decide what to do about life in general. I am here quite a bit and it seems to me that almost everyone works outside the home. I was just wondering how many SAHM moms there are and how old your kids are. Mine are getting older and I am starting to contemplate going back to work. I haven't worked in over 14 years. I never finished college but had a great job in a very large physicians office, but again that was 14 years ago so really no one will even look at me, so maybe off to school I go. I love opinions and as some of you probably figured out, am very opinionated myself. lol

Free free to let opinions fly.

PS: don't actually "need" to work financially, but would be nice.

 

[superme80]

My son is 2 and I am expecting another baby this February. My mom hasn't worked outside the home since she was 19. She got married to my dad and promptly quit her job to stay home. Right now she spends most of her free tmie caring for her father and helping with my dad's parents. She prefers not to work outside the home and I don't think my dad would have it any other way. I would talk to your husband and see what he thinks. Good luck on your decision.

 

[beattyfamily]

SAHM mom ere.

I worked in Boston as an Admin Assistant at the Hancock tower before I left.

I don't regret it for a second. Only thing I miss is lunch in Chinatown with my friends.

I worked part time here and there but for the most part have been a full time SAHM.

There isn't a job that would have me home for all holidays, vacations, summer time, sick days, home when they get off the bus and to go to school shows, meetings and activities etc...

I also feel that the teen years are the most important time for me to be here when they get home from school or when they are home from school for whatever reason.

I do get bored from time to time but for the most part the day flies by with school stuff and errands.

I say do whatever feels best for you and your family.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

My dd's are 19 and 14. I am going to be getting a job soon and end my SAHM reign. I am so ready.

I did work off and on in that time, directory assisant operator, garden nursey. Last job I had was just part time in the school cafeteria when I was in TX 2 yrs ago.

I love working.

 

[mhsjax]

Thanks everyone.I think what makes it hard for me is that DH now works from home and is able to be here for the kids in the morning and when they get off the bus. Also I have talked with DH but he is just one of those irritating men that say"sweetheart, that is up to you, I am here for the kids if that is what you are worried about" He isn't much help is he? lol

I know that he will be here, but he does get busy and they in activities that sometime collide with each other and it takes 2 parents for logistics unless I depend on others and I don't want that. Also it would probably take me a couple of years for school, so I am trying to weight the positives about spending money for school, then clothing, wear and tear on the car, extra gas. I need to shut up now, I over think everything.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Thanks everyone.I think what makes it hard for me is that DH know works from home and is able to be here for the kids in the morning and when they get off the bus. Also I have talked with DH but he is just one of those irritating men that say"sweetheart, that is up to you, I am here for the kids if that is what you are worried about" He isn't much help is he? lol

I know that he will be here, but he does get busy and they in activities that sometime collide with each other and it takes 2 parents for logistics unless I depend on others and I don't want that. Also it would probably take me a couple of years for school, so I am trying to weight the positives about spending money for school, then clothing, wear and tear on the car, extra gas. I need to shut up now, I over think everything.

Since you are younger than me, I will tell you to go back to school NOW. If I could redo things, I would have gone back to school.

Now I am 45, soon to be 46 and it seems like that is just silly. Now I should sign up for Excel and Microsoft classes though. I have been looking at jobs and it seems to be the number one thing you should have down.

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

Have you considered just picking up a little part time job? Just to have something to do?

In June, I'll be stepping away from the FT career world for a bit, but I still intend to work a couple of days per week to beef up our rainy day fund. Not sure what/where it will be, but I'll do something - I'll need an adult break!

 

[luvmy3]

I have been a SAHM for 13 years and I am starting to think about going back to work but since I do not have a college degree and I've been out of the workforce for so long I know my options are very limited. I love my kids, and I have been so fortunate to have been able to stay home with them but there is a small part of me that regrets doing nothing else.

 

[gator75]

I'am a stay at home mom of 14 years as well. I know at some point that i will go back to work, but as of right now i'm taking care of my elderly parents and that takes up my time. I remember when my son was in 5th grade he thanked me for being at home and being there for him. Its a choice that i will never be sorry i made.

 

[LuvOrlando]

I'm home 14 years too, seems we're all in the same place. I already have a few degrees but since there are no corporate type jobs here I picked up studying towards a RN when my kids were 2 & 3 and took all the sciences. I got into the Clinical program about 5 years ago but withdrew because I decided I didn't want to leave the kids during the day as I traveled to & from hospitals. Now I'm bored and am considering what to do, either wait until the kids go off to college, move back to the city and try my luck back in the corporate world or I could finish the RN program and stay right here. I'm not sure what to do but i like the idea that I get to again choose what I want to do with my life, it seems like 1/3 was spent young and in school, 1/3 was spent raising children and the idea of having a whole new 1/3 to play around with is pretty cool I'm ready for a new adventure

 

[mhsjax]

Since you are younger than me, I will tell you to go back to school NOW. If I could redo things, I would have gone back to school.

Now I am 45, soon to be 46 and it seems like that is just silly. Now I should sign up for Excel and Microsoft classes though. I have been looking at jobs and it seems to be the number one thing you should have down.

I am going to make your day, I am older than you. But not by much, I am 47.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I am going to make your day, I am older than you. But not by much, I am 47.

Well heck you did make my day.

I need to go back to work financially and mentally.

 

[HM]

Go back to school. Figure out what you'd like to do, go to school to get the skills/knowledge you need for the job market. And by the time you are done, you probably really will be ready to work, as your kids will be even more independent at that time. Good luck with your choice!

 

[olwyngdh]

I am the chauffeur, I mean SAHM, for an 8 yr old. I have 17 years between my two girls, and worked off and on when my older daughter, was young, although I haven't had a paying job since my younger one was born. I do miss it, at least the interaction with other adults, but as a military spouse dealing with deployments and other aspects of the military lifestyle, it is just easier to stay at home...and I do enjoy it. Also, I will be 50 this month, and getting back into the workforce at this point, even with a degree, is not something I want to think about if I don't have to

And I know from experience, the minute I get a job I enjoy, the army will cut orders and we will be moving across the country

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

52 here. Kids are 22, 20 and 18 in a couple of months. I've been a SAHM full-time for the last 19 years (worked very part-time for the 3 years before). I have a college degree, but not in anything I want to do now. My mother passed away recently, and my DS is going to college next year, so I'll be looking for something to do...I'm thinking I can't really pull off being a SAHM without a SAHK. I've been looking into courses and certificate programs, but not really sure what I want to do.

I don't regret for a minute being a SAHM all those years.

 

[kirstenb1]

I'm 44, and worked til I was 37. Our dd's are 12 and 5. As soon as the younger one starts kindergarten next year, I'll go back to subbing, which is what I did when I quit my full-time job. I really enjoy teaching, and being in the schools.

 

[SaraJayne]

I've been a SAHM for 13 years. My kids are 13 and 9. I have a college degree that I finished when my son was a toddler.

I don't have to work for financial reasons and with my husband's job, it's much easier for me to be home. For vacation days, sick days, half days, activities, etc.

I've considered going back to work in the last year, but for right now, things are easier/less complicated the way they are.

DH will support me in whatever I decide to do.

 

[Glynis]

I've been a SAHM for 13 years, and have 5 kids, ages 13, 11, 8, 8, 2. Before kids I was a teacher, but know that I never want to go back to that, again. Before my baby was born, I took most of the classes to get a library certification, but even now, I'm lacking motivation to finish up those classes. I started because I wanted to be able to work in a school library to have the same hours as my children. Then, our state board of education, in their "boundless" wisdom, decided that hiring certified librarians didn't make any sense when volunteers or cheaper aides could do the job "just as well." To make matters worse, our little town doesn't have a library, and the closest one is 30 minutes away.

So, at this point, I'm stuck. I need to be able to supplement DH's income, but I'm stumped. I'd love to find something I could do at home, but don't know what. I took the courses for medical coding, and they gave me an ulcer. I passed the courses, but could never bring myself to take the test, as the thought had me throwing up blood (sorry!). So, I'm back at square 1.

Anyone know of anything reliable, and honest that I could do in my home to bring in a bit of money??? I'd be grateful for any advice! I really do need to stay in the house with my kids, as my oldest is going through a rough patch, and needs me there. Not to mention my baby is only 2. Thanks!

OP, sorry to hijack your thread!

 

[Tosie]

Since you are younger than me, I will tell you to go back to school NOW. If I could redo things, I would have gone back to school.

Now I am 45, soon to be 46 and it seems like that is just silly. Now I should sign up for Excel and Microsoft classes though. I have been looking at jobs and it seems to be the number one thing you should have down.

I am 44 and am currently taking Anantomy & Physiology to boost my chances of getting into Ultrasound school next Sept. The schools are competitive and my chances are slim but I'm trying anyway.

If you want to go back to school - DO IT. I went back and forth for a long time - thinking I was too old, but then I thought, well, if I succeed and start this career at 47 I can still put in at least 20 years! I can be a role model for my kids and to boot my husband has MS so there's always that "what if his health declines" hanging over our heads. It would remove a lot of stress to know I could support the family if I had to.

Life is short - if you have a dream - make it happen.

 

[mhsjax]

I've been a SAHM for 13 years, and have 5 kids, ages 13, 11, 8, 8, 2. Before kids I was a teacher, but know that I never want to go back to that, again. Before my baby was born, I took most of the classes to get a library certification, but even now, I'm lacking motivation to finish up those classes. I started because I wanted to be able to work in a school library to have the same hours as my children. Then, our state board of education, in their "boundless" wisdom, decided that hiring certified librarians didn't make any sense when volunteers or cheaper aides could do the job "just as well." To make matters worse, our little town doesn't have a library, and the closest one is 30 minutes away.

So, at this point, I'm stuck. I need to be able to supplement DH's income, but I'm stumped. I'd love to find something I could do at home, but don't know what. I took the courses for medical coding, and they gave me an ulcer. I passed the courses, but could never bring myself to take the test, as the thought had me throwing up blood (sorry!). So, I'm back at square 1.

Anyone know of anything reliable, and honest that I could do in my home to bring in a bit of money??? I'd be grateful for any advice! I really do need to stay in the house with my kids, as my oldest is going through a rough patch, and needs me there. Not to mention my baby is only 2. Thanks!

OP, sorry to hijack your thread!

No problem, and yes that coding is a real PITA.