SAHM or Working Mom?

I'm surprised anyone has the luxury of choice when it comes to working or not working after having children. The cost of living being what it is, too many women have no alternative but to return to work. And good luck finding affordable, decent child care.

I chose to leave my job and stay at home with my son, a decision I do not regret except for the financial impact it has had on us. I just went back to work last summer when Connor was 3 1/2 years old. My husband stayed at home with him for 6 months when he also started a 2 day a week preschool program. My husband went back to work this February and Connor is now enrolled in a full-day preschool program and loves it. The only thing I would do differently is perhaps enroll him at least part time around 2 years of age when they are more open to new things. Otherwise, I see benefits on both sides of the fence having been a stay at home mom and now being a working mom. Either way, the most important thing is to let them know they are loved and that you're there for them.

I really think being a SAHM is great. I did it for the first year for my daughter...and i honestly really wish i could have done it longer. Being a SAHM you create such a beautiful bond with your child, especially in the beginning when your baby is in their nurturing stage. I've been working for 5 months now...and i must call my daugther at least 4 times while at work just to hear her baby talk to me on the phone. I would recommend being a SAHM especially for first time parents. Its really difficult just learning everything about a new baby as it is...to have to then work would be really hard.

I stopped working to be a SAHM and it was the best decision I ever made! I will admit that being at home is the hardest work I've ever done, I wear more hats and have so much more responsibilty raising my kids and running a household then I did at work... and I was head of IT!

I just went back to my old work-place today to visit some co-workers and leaving there I did feel nostalgic for a moment, because I do miss the work that I did and the recognition for work well done, but the minute I got home to my babies, I knew that home is where I am supposed to be. Kids grow up so fast and I'm not missing anything, and I know that I'm raising them well, with my values and I don't have the worry about leaving them with a care-taker who I know wouldn't care about them as much as I do.

Children have so much value and these years as so precious, I wouldn't miss them for any job out there.

I love being a sahm! i worked many years in retail and i was ready to be at home. i was put on bedrest so i had a little bit of time to warm up to the idea of being at home all day long. some days i do miss the contact with older humans, but i wouldn't trade it for the world. I have gotten to experience things with my daughter that my hubby doesn't get to. I feel like we have such a strong bond with each other. sometimes the day to day does get monotonous but thats when we change it up and do something different. i am hoping for another child in our future and i will stay home for that child also. i just remember coming home from school and my mom being there for us with a snack and helping us with homework. nowdays , most households need a 2 income salary but we make do with what we have. i feel like just as long as we are clothed, fed, loved an have a warm bed and house to live in, that life is great! but i dont dismiss moms that want to work. each individual is unique and different. just so long as the child is loved and cared for is all that matteres

I have been a SAHM to my 15 month old son since he was born. It was ultimately the best decision for our family becuase my husband works a LOT of hours, and had I continued to work I would have as well. The decision as worked out well because our husband really only sees our son on the weekends anymore (since he gets home after our son is asleep) and I know that had I still been working as well I would also not see our son that much. Being at home, I am able to take care of our son, our dogs, and our house, leaving DH less stressed to tend to his work. There are days that I miss the thrill of working (i.e. completing a big project, my Blackberry, my dayplanner, coffee breaks with colleagues)...but I know that if I was working I would wish that I could be home too. It is one of the "grass is always greener" situations I think. If anyone is considering staying home, I would strongly urge you to envision how your daily life will be. You are home a lot. You have to be a self-motivator to get the housework done (since it does get old). Talk with your DH about what he envisions your role to be (i.e. is he now free from housework too?). Consider setting aside some money to join a play group so that you can meet other moms in your area. The hardest part for me is the routine. Everyday is the same, and that gets old. I mean, how many times do I really have to unload the dishwasher in a week or do laundry? But...I am also the first to admit that this is my "dream job". I love being home with my son EVERYDAY and getting to watch him grow up. My heart aches for my husband as I know that he would love to be able to spend so much time with our son too. All in all, if you can afford it and think that you can tolerate the negatives to the job (chores) than I would HIGHLY recommend it.