[nodmicks]

I'm just curious. My kids are 8 and 11 and both in school fulltime. I get alot of flack for only working 25 hrs in a 2 week period. Sure the $$ would be nice as I only make about 10K currently.

Dh likes me here too. I'm ready if the kids need me except thur and fri. I get to shop sales. Our house runs smoothly. Dh has a rotating schedule so we get days off together during the week sometimes.

We have cc debt which could be paid faster if i worker full time. However we like our lives! I'm sick of others worrying about it!!!!

 

[paelthom]

I used to work 40 hours per week and have a child in school. For the last couple of years though, I have worked 25 hours per week and I am able to take my dd to school and to pick her up. I miss the 40 hour a week money but due to economic conditions in our area, I was cut back to 25 hrs. Now that I've adjusted to the 25 hour a week money, I would hate going back to full time. My dd is 11 and she goes to a Catholic school that is 30 minutes from where we live and then another 30 minutes to where I work. So I drive, lots and lots. As for paying off things if you work more, I've found that no matter how much I make, I spend it. It's better to make less and learn to budget and be with your family more.

 

[nodmicks]

Originally posted by paelthom
. As for paying off things if you work more, I've found that no matter how much I make, I spend it. It's better to make less and learn to budget and be with your family more.

You do drive lots! My job is 30 mies away. We did find your above statement to be true! Dh changed jobs last apr. His pay is quite a bit better. We have had $ to pay for things as they broke etc and not use credit and get a bit in savings. I agree we do spend more!!!!!

 

[mommy2many]

I hear alot of flack about me being home and i still have one that's not even 2 yet! My older children are allin school fulltime and everyone always thought that I would return to work once they were both in school full time (now three years ago) then I got pregnant again and they then assumed i would returned back to work when she was potty trained....she's almost potty trained now and i hear everyday "when are you going back to work?"

My Husband also likes me home, I like being here just in case the children need me during the day from school, I also get to shop sales, keep the house tidy and we are alot less stressed than when i worked full-time. I think that even when my little one goes to preschool I will be a SAHM, it just works for us.

It used to really bother me when comments were made about me staying home. I think it bothered me because i had a well paying job and I was depressed at first about staying home. I felt like I lost myself. But now I can't even imgaine getting up and leaving my family.

I tune out all the comments, I live my life for my fmaily and realize that no matter what anyone else thinks about it that we are a happy close and well organized family! Not to mention we SAVE more money now withme home than we ever did when I worked fulltime!

 

[nodmicks]

Originally posted by mommy2many
.

I tune out all the comments, I live my life for my fmaily and realize that no matter what anyone else thinks about it that we are a happy close and well organized family! Not to mention we SAVE more money now withme home than we ever did when I worked fulltime!

 

 :smball:Yeah! I love your above paragraph!!!!!!

I can't believe someone gaes your a hard time with a little one at home:toothy:

 Rude!

I also get alot of how can you not concentrate on your own career. Your not safe! What if your DH left tomorrow. First why would he after 14 yrs together? Second, I sure wont live in fear!

 

[qponfanatic]

I work part time as a librarian and I also homeschool our 3 teen boys. For 6 years though I was a full time homeschooling mom with no outside income of my own. When the boys were in public school I used to work as a substitute teacher.

 

[PrairieRose]

I was a stay at home for 99% of the time that my 3 dkids lived at home. Now that they are out of the home I still stay at home. Dh and I both love it that way. Makes both of our lives much more stress free and as long as we can afford it this way, we're gonna keep it I make no excuses and hear very, very few comments on it.

 

[pip]

I've been a SAHM for almost 11 years, and have just started a very part time job out of the house. I have two teens and a ten year old. I do feel like I get some comments at times from people...what do you do with all of your time now that the kids are in school all day? I love being able to be here when the kids or husband need something. I think it would be very stressful for me to work full time. I also think that money isn't everything and that the more simple of a life we can have, the better. It works well for us.

 

[nodmicks]

Thank you so much to all of you that answered. Its good to know I'm not alone in this!
I seriously think some of the more viscious commenters are a tad jealous. I tell them you could do it too. There are things we give up.

 

[DaisyLady]

Michelle, I have three teenagers living at home. I babysit 5 mornings a week and teach knitting 1 afternoon (sometimes 2) a week for 3 hours each time. I certainly wouldn't and couldn't imagine having to work full time. It's funny though most of the comments I get are the opposite.

I am quite happy with our lifestyle but I can see how it might not suit some one else.

 

[qponfanatic]

I have been a SAHM full time for the last 15 years.....my dks are 17 and 11 and both in school full time. I have heard comments on how there really isn't a reason for me to be home since the kids are in school (mostly from SIL) but I ignore her. I think my dks need me more now than they did when they were really little. I have thought about working PT but haven't committed to doing it.

 

[nodmicks]

Daisy lady,
Whew you are busy! Maybe thats it. I don't babysit etc. I have 2 schooldays a week kid free. Not that I'm not busy though.

Mom2knk,
I agree they may need you more as they grow up. My Mom was home and we got into less problems than our teen frinds who were home alone alot.
Hard 2 say 4 sure though.

 

[pkellyc]

I have been at home for 17 years now and my extended family hates it when I talk about budgeting. They just can't understand why I would budget when all I would have to do is go back to work and I would never have to budget again. Fairy tale or what?
Guess who is the first person they go to when they need to borrow money? Ticks me off, when I live on one income and they all live on two! My vacations are twice as nice as thiers, my bills are paid and my holidays are nicer too. Oh, did I mention the fact that I know how much these people make a year? Well I do. Guess who does their taxes every year?

 

[pkellyc]

P.S. One more thing, I think it's none of anyones business what I do with MY time and MY life.

 

[dmvezina]

I'm a SAHM. My kids are 16, 13, 12 & 7 and all in school full time.

My husband and I discussed this when the youngest went to school first time and he is happy with the way I do my "job" and my being home. If one of the kids is ever sick or gets sick at school, I don't have to worry about trying to get the time off from work.
Sometimes, we wish we had more money to do more things or buy things we want, but we survive just fine the way we are too.

Lately, my family has been trying to tell me I should get a part time job with the school system so I can have the same days off as them. But, one, I love what I do. I love being home and believe it or not cleaning and cooking. I feel that is what I was put on this earth to do, take care of my family! Not take care of someone else's needs! lol
Also, like I said, I'm here for the kids when they are sick or have vacations!

Ok, there's my 2 cents!

 

[Bessiemae]

I worked full time until DS2 got sick and Immunologist told us he could not return to childcare. That was almost 5yrs ago. He is now healthy and in school fultime.

I work part time at a boarding prep school, so I have nice long breaks and a kid friendly environment. Not a real career booster, but it works for us. Besides, someone's gotta be available for the kids when DH is in China. Or Lux. Or Slovenia......

My kids frequntly brag to their friends that their mom is home with them after school.

 

[Mamawolf]

I tune out all the comments, I live my life for my fmaily and realize that no matter what anyone else thinks about it that we are a happy close and well organized family! Not to mention we SAVE more money now withme home than we ever did when I worked fulltime!

Don't you hate it when people cant mind their own business?? I think you hit the nail on the head. I like what I do, thank you very much!

 

[bamamomto4]

I've been a SAHM for the last 7 years. Steve works rotating shifts every 2 weeks and likes/wants me home with the kids and here when he's here.

I don't really have people asking me if I work or that I should.Everyone that knows us knows we have 4 kids and that is a job

 

[nodmicks]

Originally posted by bamamomto4
I've been a SAHM for the last 7 years. Steve works rotating shifts every 2 weeks and likes/wants me home with the kids and here when he's here.

I don't really have people asking me if I work or that I should.Everyone that knows us knows we have 4 kids and that is a job

 

I think the reason a few unpleasant people have hassled me is I have 2 kids that are in school full time. My boss is one of them.

 

[nodmicks]

Originally posted by Bessiemae
I worked full time until DS2 got sick and Immunologist told us he could not return to childcare. That was almost 5yrs ago. He is now healthy and in school fultime.

I work part time at a boarding prep school, so I have nice long breaks and a kid friendly environment. Not a real career booster, but it works for us. Besides, someone's gotta be available for the kids when DH is in China. Or Lux. Or Slovenia......

My kids frequntly brag to their friends that their mom is home with them after school.

 

Wow! Your dh goes some neat places!!!! That is so cool that your kids brag!

My PT work is as a stylist. I don't make a fortune but I enjoy it.:smball: