I have contemplated on writing this post because I can see a lot of people not understand where I am coming from, but we each have our own opinions and I hope that this at least helps some of you if you have similar feelings.
I had my first child 3.5 years ago. At the time, I worked in banking doing Marketing and Advertising. I wasn’t happy with where I worked and my husband got a new job in the Air Force which meant 2 years of traveling in order for him to train. I gladly quit my job after I had my daughter and we packed up to move to Texas. (This was a HUGE, but exciting move for us!) Igot pregnant with child #2 while he was still training and we were set to move back to Kentucky/Indiana, but in a different city than the one where we first lived when I worked. We purchased a house and my husband continued to train.
In the meantime, I decided to enroll and get my MBA. I figured I would work on this while I stayed home with my children for my son’s first year. The plan was for me to go back to work then and finish my MBA at the same time. Well, somebody else had other ideas because when my son was 7 months old I got pregnant with #3. So, this halted me going back to work and I just worked on my MBA while staying home with my other kids (and working on the blog obviously).
Fast forward now to child #3 being 4.5 months old. I am beyond ready to go back to work! I finished my MBA last month and feel there is more for me to do with my life. I love my kids terribly, but I was meant to do more. I can only stand so much whining, snotty nose wipes, fighting/arguing out of the older 2 kids, poopy diapers and feedings. I am content giving my children corn dogs for lunch and will admit to feeding them popcorn for dinner before. Oh yeah, I said it. A Stay at Home Mom has one of the hardest jobs ever and kudos to all stay at home moms. I will deeply miss those wonderful smiles, giggles and cuddles, but that just means my children will get even more on the weekends and each night!
On a side note, my husband is gone for about a half of a year and I am a “single parent” at this time. We don’t have family around, so it is all up to me. He is heading to Afghanistan again in November, so I hope I can get a job by then. Finding a job has been slow so far. I am excited and anxious. I am not a patient person. It is hard for me to send a resume off and wait for a call. I want it to happen and I want it to happen now. 😉 Extra points and a huge shout out to anybody in the Kentucky/Indiana area that has job ideas or hookups. haha
This is a hugely debatable topic as many people believe a mother should stay home with her kids while others believe a mother can work if she desires. What are your thoughts on staying home vs. going to work for mothers? (You won’t hurt my feelings. We all have our opinions.)
I’ve been a working mom; and, for more than fifteen years, a stay-at-home mom.
For me, I couldn’t imagine being anything but a stay-at-home mom; and, granted, I am one of those who thinks a mother should stay home with her children. In the least, however, one of the parents. I believe, overall, there is a huge difference in the turnout of children between the ones with one parent home or working parents.
I have a 3-, 6-, 16-, and 17-year-old. So, it’s not always paradise; but I still wouldn’t trade it for the world.
However, when it comes to my own creativity and accomplishments and just things I do for myself, I have a whole arsenal of hobbies and such to accomplish these things–baking, cooking, sewing, crocheting, needlepoint, tole painting, crafting, couponing, rebating, sweepstaking, and so on.
So, whether the weather is calm or in turmoil, I always have something there that defines me as an individual and who I am. I never feel lost and never feel a need for something more.
So, for me, I don’t have that need or want to go back into that crazy world where someone is always telling what to do and such. Everything I could ever need or want is right here at home.
🙂
I work, my husband stays home. We have a 3 year old daughter who goes to preschool 2 days a week, soon to be 3. It works because he enjoys staying at home – I have always told him I couldn’t do it. I love my daughter to pieces, but I cannot be with her all the time – it’s just not me! So, kudos to you for knowing that you need to go after what you want.
I hear you girl! I have been a stay at home mom for 10 years and while I loved the time with my child (I was only blessed with 1) I want to go back to work. So, I am taking an online course in medical transcription, about two months left. My husband thinks it is some sort of a lark, (He makes plenty of money). But I need to do more to contribute to our home than just taking care of a child and mowing the lawn! Some people don’t understand, it isn’t about money but personal fulfillment.I can only be the best mom when I am happy being me. My husband is gone alot too and the endless days at home alone with your only adult conversation being with the check out clerk sucks. I pray you find a job you really enjoy and a great daycare soon!
I think staying home with children is great, but if you’re so over it now that you need a change, then you need to do what is right for you, so you’re even actually more there emotionally and physically with your kids when you are actually there.
Just because a mom is home with her kids doesn’t mean she’s connecting mentally, emotionally, physically with them the whole time anyways.
So, do it the way you need to do it, so you still have the energy you need to have a good mother/child relationship with you children.
Besides if you go back to work in this economy there is no guarantee you’ll find a full time job anyways.
Like a previous poster, my husband is a stay at home dad & I work. His family isn’t as supportive of our decision but, it has been about 3.5 years & works for us. Congrats on knowing what you want. I know I am not the type that could stay home, either. Bless those ladies & men that do. 🙂
If you live in the KY/IN area, look at Amazon.com as a potential employer. I have been with them for over 9 years & they offer amazing opportunities to grow within the company. They have a few Fulfillment Centers in your area. It wouldn’t be all manufacturing work, they have a number of support roles as well. You should check it out. http://www.amazon.com/careers
You know my mom was a single mom and she worked two jobs to make sure we did not go with out. She couldnt be there for us all the time, but thats what she had to do. I think my sister prefers to work then stay at home with her kids. We all came out just fine with going to daycare and after school programs. I think just being a good parent will be enough for your kids, don’t let anyone tell your making some kind of devasting mistake on your kids. I appreciate that my mom worked so hard for us kids. You and your husban will know whats right for your family. Thank your husband for me for serving our country!
Thanks, everyone. Life is short and we can only do what we feel is right, right?
In most cases it will take at least a year and sometimes up to three years or more before you are really making a profit significant enough to support you and your family. You are the only one that knows how much money you need to make in order to support your lifestyle. Put in the hard work and dedication to your home based business and you will reap the rewards in the end.