Debating whether or not to return to work

I chose to go PT- working 5 days every two weeks and I really like the balance it has made. I would love to stay home full time, but I make really good money and I get some adult time lol. I'm also like you- I love buying my kids stuff! My 4 year old started preschool this year and I went nuts on her outfits!!!

I've been struggling with this decision as well but think I'm decided on going back part time at the moment. I get 6 months off for maternity leave so anything can change but as of right now, I think that's my decision. I just don't think I have the personality to be home all the time, tbh. But then I feel guilty that my husband and I are financially fortunate enough where I don't have to go back to work so why put my son in daycare or someone else's care? So it's a struggle.

I wouldn't say I regretted it… But I definitely did not enjoy it as much as I thought I would. I ended up going back to work after 20 months with my first… And I'm so happy I did! Not only has it helped with finances, but my sanity. I plan on returning to work after 12 weeks with baby number two.

I stayed home with our twins for 22 months. The first 18 I really enjoyed but after that I became quite desperate to go back. I really missed adult interactions and had no alone time ever.

Part-time would be great! Unfortunately in my current position it doesn't seem to be an option. After my daughter was born 13 months ago I asked to go down to 4 days/week and they countered with 4 10's instead working 3 of which from home. After doing that for a bit I asked about 3 days/week and was told no. That would be absolutely ideal but instead it's going to have to be all or nothing. I just don't know what to do. Part of me is terrified that I'm going to lose my mind if I stay home...

I'm not going back to work. With childcare costs it's pointless and my SO needs someone reliable to watch his other son outside of school. I'm very nervous about being home all the time and not having my own money but we'll see how it goes.

I've been a SAHM for 8 (I think??) years now. I never wanted to stay home, but we had so many kids we couldn't afford daycare. I planned to go back when they got school age. Fast forward to now, I happily stay home (and homeschool) and never dream of going back to work (unless it's for fun after my kids are all moved out!).

Just wanted to tell you though there's definitely a period of transition. It took me a solid three years to like being home with my kids. It was hard at first, but I think that was because I knew I'd rather go back to work, once I changed my mindset that being home and raising my kids was my job, it all fell into place. All in all though I never regretted it, best decision for our family for sure! Good luck with whatever you decide to do :)

Before me and dh got married we decided that I would he a sahm untill our kids were in school. Little did I know I would have 4 kids in the 7 years we've been married...also I didn't know I would want to homeschool. I did try to work last year before I got pregnant and lasted about 6 months. I quit when I found out I was expecting because the job was very dangerous and I didn't trust the people I was around to not hurt me or the baby. I'm happy to be a sahm again. Some days it is lonely and you lost your mind but I love spending time with my kids. I now homeschool my older 2 and my youngest at the moment is 2.5 so I get lots of rewarding cuddles and one on one time with all of them which I wasn't getting when I was working. Plus were extremely lucky and my dh job pays well enough that I don't need to work. My income was just fun money.

I think your daughter would prefer to have you than toys. However, staying home with two babies can also drive you mad. I work 2 days a week so I get a little break but, honestly, most of the time I would prefer to stay home. We just can't afford it.

For me, as much as I would love to not work, I know I would go crazy at home all day with no adult interaction. I want my daughter to be in a setting with other kids so she can be socialized and interact with other children aside from just me all day. We are super lucky to have a trusted family member be able to watch her all day who also has small children of her own and we will be paying much less than we would at a normal day care. I also want to be sure that my daughter sees her mama working hard and kicking butt at her career. That's super important to me ?

I guess my opinion would change though if paying for child care outweighed my salary. I can see why women quit their jobs when it becomes pointless to work because you're only paying to keep your child in daycare.

I am a SAHM and I enjoy being with my kids. It's not always easy but it is the best for them. There is nothing like mom to raise them and teach them values. I never miss a milestone or a moment because I'm always there. Totally worth the sacrifice of less spending money for sure.

My husbands job requires us to move every 3 years so it will really depend on where we live. Right now we live on an island in Alaska with a very small population and very little in terms of quality day care (or any day care) so I will stay home. When we move again in a years time we will reassess. I would prefer to work but at the end of the day will make the decision based on our current situation.