http://www.vox.com/2015/2/12/8006733/stay-at-home-mom
This story hit the net early this year but I just discovered it about 2 weeks ago. I absolutely love it.
When I became pregnant with my daughter I felt like the world stood still and wondered if I would actually come back to work. I can’t count how many people asked if I would come back and when I answered yes, asked if I was sure. I don’t think you can ever be 100% certain of anything when having a baby because literally any thing can happen. You can be certain you will stay home and feel differently once the baby arrives and vice versa. When asked, I would jokingly say “I’m definitely coming back. I didn’t work so hard for this law degree to just wear the title of mom.”
This article describes my real reasons for staying in the work force. Is daycare an arm and a leg? Absolutely! Are there days where I feel like the sahm life is for me? Sometimes I do. But I know that this is temporary. We won’t be paying for daycare forever and if we find a good school district, we won’t pay for school either. Another thing that’s important to me is financial independence. I don’t necessarily need my FT salary but I love having my own money. We combine most of our money but I still love being able to contribute to the marital pot.
My mother was a sahm for the first 10 years of my life and went back to work when I was 11. I could tell the difference it made in her self esteem and her overall satisfaction. To have something to do outside of the house was very rewarding for her. It was also a very hard time for me. I had her available at my beck and call for the first 10 years of my life and now she wasn’t. I remember needing things at school and knowing my mom would be able to bring them without issue or inconvenience. To make matters worse she worked afternoons so when I would get home from school, she would be leaving for work. Eventually she got a day job and things were much better. I loved that she worked and was able to have some financial independence from my dad. She excelled at every job she held and continues to excel today. I do think she messed up hear earning potential however. She took 11 years off to care for me, with only a high school diploma. She’s worked retail her entire life but I can’t help but wonder how different things may have been if she had stayed in the work force and/or went back to school. Regardless, I’m proud of her. I had a wonderful mom growing up who gave up so much to make sure I was ok in all aspects; including her career dreams. I cherish our memories and apply them in raising my daughter. I pray that I can take care of her when she’s older and that she doesn’t want for anything.
I love that I work and that I was able to pursue my education and get married before starting a family. I love that I have a fulfilling career that I don’t dread going to daily. I love that I decided to go back to work after having my daughter. I’m thankful that I received 12 weeks of maternity leave. I appreciate having a loving husband. I love being able to significantly contribute to the family pot. Recently my husband lost his job. He walked into work one Monday and they disclosed that they were shutting down. It was devastating to him but in that moment, I was grateful I made the decision to stay in the work force 2 years ago.
What are your reasons for staying in the work force or electing to leave?
PrimalMomLife 