When/Why you stopped working (for pay)...

[oceanchild]

My hope, assuming we can make the finances work (and I think we can), is to convince my office to let me work part time (about 3 days a week). That's because I love my job, and I feel like I contribute to society, which is really important to me. I like knowing that I'm part of something larger than my own family. I'm also willing to be flexible on this point, depending on how things go. If I feel like I really need to be at home, we'll reevaluate.

[Pollyanna]

My concern is that my teenager will need me more of my attention... just as I could start getting a real groove going in the workplace. That happened with my mother and my brother really needed more attention paid to him. I think he could have made better life choices as a teen had our parents been less busy at that time. Its something I really think about. I guess there isn't anything to do about it now though. Thoughts?

This is a reality. Honestly if I had to choose a time to work with children it would be birth through 5th grade. Once they hit middle school and beyond children need someone around when they get home from school, someone to get them to extracurriculars, someone to be there when they want to talk, etc. everything just gets much more complicated as they get older.

[moonlight]

This is a reality. Honestly if I had to choose a time to work with children it would be birth through 5th grade. Once they hit middle school and beyond children need someone around when they get home from school, someone to get them to extracurriculars, someone to be there when they want to talk, etc. everything just gets much more complicated as they get older.

Thanks for your honesty. I know I can't plan for everything, but I don't want to set myself up for disappointment if I need to take time off again in 12 years.

[ides]

I stopped working when O was born. There was no financial benefit due to childcare expenses to keep me in the workplace. I hated working and never looked back. I don't plan on going back. I'm not sure I'm the volunteer type either but I would volunteer at Os school and I plan to be involved with his education until he's in college or beyond.

I have hobbies and enough to do to fill my day without work.

Who knows, maybe I'll change my mind in the future but I don't see it happening.

[mommax3]

The only way my life works with me employed is the fact that I can be done at work (although I may have to go back in later) when school is out if I need to be. The reality is that with practices for athletics, my kids don't go straight home from school most days, and my youngest is in my building, so he can come to my room after school instead of ride the bus home if I need him to. Being available for my kids is a big part of why I chose to be a teacher, and I know that's true for a lot of my teacher friends too.

[migirl]

Same question. Does volunteering fill some sort of busy bee instinct you have since you are not working or would you have done those things regardless of you working outside the home or not?

I look at volunteering as just a way to be involved with my kids' education, so I guess I would do it - to the extent that I was able - even if I WOTH. But I do tend to like to keep busy and feel like I'm contributing to something more than just our family. That being said, it's partly due to the wisdom of Pollyanna and Peggy and other teen/tween parents that I'm determined to still be an at-home parent when my kids are much older.

[Ladybug]

It truly is a choice after training. That's the amazing blessing after all the years of training and sacrifices. Depending on your skill set and your family's needs you'll find the perfect fit. I've worked and benefitted from that experience beyond what I expected. That work experience has also helped me to be a better mom at home too. They have complimented and deepened each other...and my family. As they say, happiness is a journey not a destination.

[SuzySunshine]

That is a good point and I do plan to be available for my kids when they are not in school regardless of what I plan to do whether its working or volunteering.

[weeniegeniewife]

I have several friends that have started businesses because they have the idea for something but they don't know how to market it/themselves so I've thought about starting my own mom marketing business not really for money/profit but to help those moms that have those kinds of ideas.

My best friend and roommate from college did this. She invented Boogie Wipes, sold the company for millions, then started a company called JuiceBox Consulting...she helps "mompraneurs", as she calls them.

[alison]

I'm itching to do something. I've recently been throwing around getting a teaching certificate (maybe a M.Ed once dd is in school). I love teaching, and would have vacations that correspond to dd's. My parents both worked, and you can throw things at me, but for daughters...seeing their moms have an expertise outside of the home can't be a bad thing.

I also know that I wouldn't have been able to stand my mom being around 24/7.

[MrsK]

My best friend and roommate from college did this. She invented Boogie Wipes, sold the company for millions, then started a company called JuiceBox Consulting...she helps "mompraneurs", as she calls them.

Too funny! Just yesterday my mom was telling me about the clever woman she saw on tv who invented Boogie Wipes.

[alison]

LOVE Boogie Wipes!

[weeniegeniewife]

Too funny! Just yesterday my mom was telling me about the clever woman she saw on tv who invented Boogie Wipes.

Yep! Her name is Mindee: http://www.juiceboxconsulting.com/

[MrsK]

I just broke down and bought some. I wish they weren't so expensive!

[SoonerTexan]

Vgirl there is where I heard the Boogie Wipes story! Of course wal mart has copied them MrsK...

They are awesome. Just don't use then on an already raw nose. OUCH