go back to work, or not...

[buttercup]

I've been a sahm for 9 years. I've worked part time jobs, but not full time. I have my teaching degree, but have zero desire to teach.
I feel like if I'm going to work I want it to be full time, but then I have to factor in childcare and the summers.

We don't "need" me to work, but extra money is always nice. I also struggle with feeling a little worthless now that both my kids are in school full time. The problem is that it seems like their schedule is very spotty. They only had one full week of school in November and have lots of early dismissals and time off in December. I have plenty to keep me busy, but I still struggle.

I think what's really tough is that I will still have most of the responsibilites I have now, but will also work. I know DH will help out, but he's never had to worry about any of the house/kid stuff and it would be a hard transition for us.

On one hand I feel like I need to focus on being a wife and mother and find a career when the kids are older (2nd and 4th grade now) or commit to being a working mother and make a huge lifestyle change.

My main reasons to work would be to have extra money and a career.

I guess I don't want to look back and regret my choice. I may feel I lost out on the kids growing up and being their classroom mom ect. or I will regret that we don't have more money.

Sorry this is rambling. I just need some input.

[Deleted]

What about subbing? Because your certified you could also do long term subbing.

[vanillacourage]

What about a part-time or retail job where you can design your own schedule?

I would not go back to being a FT teacher if you admit you have zero desire to do so.

[GailGoldie]

i work part time and love it - i get to have a career, but still get time with the kids, can go on field trips, volunteer for school stuff, etc.

if i got laid off I wouldn't find a new job though (b/c what i have now is golden - part time but with full benefits).... but I'd likely sub - just to pull in some extra cash and feel like i had a job and purpose other than just being a mom/wife. I used to teach, too - and have no desire to teach again- but subbing would be fun for me.