MH really wants me to SAH

[bugandbibs]

I do too, but it freaks me out. Historically, I have always been the primary bread winner. The first time MH ever made more money then me was the year we had Genevieve and I took 5 months of unpaid leave. He got a raise within the last year and he will legit make more money than me now. I make more per hour, but he works more days.

I guess I'm just scared about giving up our security. I have to work some to keep my nursing license current no matter what, but I want to be home more. Especially if we have another baby. MH keeps bringing it up, but I'm just not ready to make the decision yet.

Any advice or suggestions? I can't really change my work schedule until June without burning a lot of bridges at my job. After that, anything goes.

[themysteriouswife]

I lost my job due to being pg. Then I did seasonal work( cookie delivery on holidays) to supplement our income. Child care was more than I was making. It only made sense. Now that I am slowly working a more full time job, I don't know why I didn't try harder before. This is a very personal choice. Try it out and if you don't like it/ can't afford it, go back FT.

[gnomesweetgnome]

I'm struggling with this question now, and I don't have kids yet. I can totally understand your feelings of trepidation. I don't have any advice except to really make sure your budget can work with only one income, and to remember that whatever decision you make doesn't have to be permanent.

[sosaystara]

I wish that this was an option for me to even entertain, but I just really do not think it is! I'll get a few extra months with a baby if I'm lucky enough to plan it back to back with summer break, but staying home FT is just not even an option for us.

Consider yourself lucky to have the option. You'll know what's best when the time comes and can always go back to work PT or FT if you don't like it!

[bugandbibs]

We are lucky to be able to have this choice. I think I worry too much. MH lost his job 3 years ago, and that is always in the back of my mind. As long as MH continues to work 2nd shift, I have a hard time willingly giving up employment. We don't have daycare for G, and he takes J to school. I almost think it would be an easier decision if daycare was a factor.

[sosaystara]

Yeah, I guess that makes sense. But think of how much more family time you'll have together!