Has anyone left their job to become SAHM-due to cost of living?

**Menifeemom** · 11-06-2010, 04:39 PM

I did the math when I was teaching and figured that I was making only $300 per month after all the expenses related to daycare, commuting, and etc. When I was pregnant with number two I knew that the increase in daycare fees would mean I was working just to pay the babysitter. That made staying home easy.

I would go over my expenses and see if you can make up the $400 you earn by cutting expenses. If that works than I would stay home.

**beingfrugalgreen** · 11-16-2010, 08:08 AM

I was working to fund the childcare, the car costs and petrol. It was a no brainer that I would quit work after my second child.

**frugal is fun** · 11-16-2010, 08:11 AM

the original post is from 2008

**Redmocha** · 01-21-2011, 07:27 PM

I just became a stay at home mom in December because of cost of living. In May last year I quit working. I had been working part-time and going to school part time. I continued going to school 3 days a week (max of 2 classes); the other 2 days I did the "carpool mommy" thing. I finished my degree in December. My husband is a police officer so he doesn't make a heck of a lot and we have a lot of bills, but he was willing to let me stay home at this point because our kids have some mild developmental delays and receive therapy at private clinics. So it was either I get a job and stop the kids' therapy treatments--that is not an option. My degree is in mass communications and jobs are mostly had to find now and wouldn't pay enough to cover daycare costs and gas to work. I'd be in the same situation as "Wendinbill". So my husband works part time jobs to cover our costs and I've been put in charge of cutting houshold costs and becoming an Extreme Couponer. So far, we are making it, but I'm over due for an oil change and having my hair done so that sucks. But I don't regret our decision.

**bumplett** · 01-21-2011, 08:00 PM

While the original post was from 2008, I do think this is an interesting topic.

I can't help but wonder what ever happened with our OP?

Red, good job on reducing costs - have you thought of doing your own hair? Or have a friend do it?

**froogs** · 06-18-2011, 07:13 AM

I left work 3 years ago due to the high cost of childcare. We're beginning to struggle now on just one wage but I am retraining while at home so the furture isn't too bleak but..... it is hard just now.

**freebs** · 06-18-2011, 08:18 AM

I also started being a SAHM in december. I made good money but spent good money on tons of gas, meals out, new tires often as i drove approx 70,000 miles a year for my job. WEll it has been rough but we are making it.

**Telephus44** · 06-19-2011, 11:34 AM

In my situation, I make enough we come out far ahead with me working. I know everyone's situation is different depending on childcare costs and how much you make. I have considered staying home with a second child (we're currently TTC) but I am still in the "thinking about it" phase because there's a lot to consider.