SAHM I have a question- help!

I am most likely going to leave work and become a stay at home mom I sept so I can be there when ds gets out of preschool and be home when he is off. I will most likely look for part time work. It is so expensive to live on Long Island. How hard is it to manage? Would you say the benefits out way the struggles? Any advice would be great! I am nervous I am making the wrong decision.

Re: SAHM I have a question- help!

Honestly, we just make it work. We definitely made some adjustments (spending frivolously, etc.), but for us the benefits absolutely outweigh the struggles. We dont really feel like we're doing without... we just cut out the thinga that aren't necessities. Being home wîth my DS (and soon to be twins) has been absolutely amazing!! This is time that I will never ever see again, so we're making the most of it! If there ever comes a time when it's not working out anymore, I will go back to work. But for now, I'm going to enjoy every second.

Re: SAHM I have a question- help!

I left my job just about a year ago. Left for pretty much the same reason as you. DS just turned 3 and my little guy wasn't even 1 yet.
Best decision ever. No more waking so early to get ready then pack up for the boys to go to daycare. Didn't see them till 5:30 only to rush them home, give them dinner, bath then bed. After they went to sleep I got everything ready again for the next day. Weekends were full of running errands.
Now I enjoy my time. Still have to keep a schedule of course, but much more relaxed. There are days I miss adult interaction. LOL! It is way more exhausting and days where they both are winey and moody. Still would never go back to the office.
I was lucky to get a part time job from home with an agent I used to work with so that helps with the bills. First few months were tough and tried to be thrifty. Tried not to spend much at all. Now I am joining some inexensive things and the boys are getting older so it's easier. We are busy with swim two days a week, a mommy and me with my almost 2 yr old while DS1 is at school. Also do a lot of playdates.
There are days we are home all day, but that is getting less.
I still watch my spending, but we do the free stuff too. Parks, sprinkler park, playdates, local playground, etc.

Re: SAHM I have a question- help!

How hard it is to manage really depends on your situation.

But as for the benefits outweighing the struggles- yes, absolutely! I love being home with DS and would not trade this time for anything.

For us, we've had to cut out a lot of things like eating out, vacations etc. But we still are able to do many fun things and try to find as much free stuff to do as possible.

I also started working part time from home which has really helped with some extra cash for fun things and given me better balance between time with DS and time for me.

Re: SAHM I have a question- help!

Well, I am excited to finally be able to say I am a SAHM. I planned to quit while pregnant. I love it! I know it won't be forever. One day I will be a working mom again. I honestly just make it work by budgeting.

Message edited 4/30/2014 2:57:26 PM.

Re: SAHM I have a question- help!

Thanks ladies!!!!