Friday, August 10, 2007

SAHM or not...

Why in my rational mind do I know that I have to go back to work, at least part time. But, my everyday brain keeps looking for ways to make it work with me being a SAHM?

It is coming down to the wire now too. The nanny needs to set her fall schedule. I need to get clearance from my work. We need to plan out our budget (for either variable). My hubby needs to plan his schedule, depending on what I end up doing. Etc. etc.


I need help. Please put your 2 cents worth in, and let me know what you think.


PS-finally made it to the LLL meeting, and 2 times to a breastfeeding support group. We also got a new bed, which makes night feeding a ton easier!


Consider this:

2 comments:

maggafers said...

hmmmm. my instinct is to encourage you to be a SAHM, because that seems to be what you want to do....but i know from nannying, how exhausting (and lonely) it can be to have that as your job. i know that i miss interacting with adults. i'm sure it's a little different when it's your own child. perhaps the plan is to stay at home indefinitely, with the option of going back to work if you want to? (of course, that would mean finding a new job probably) i hope i've added to your clarity instead of confusion!

Lynanne said...

I went back to work full time after my 1st, part time after the 2nd and then became a SAHM after the 3rd.

When I worked full time I felt like I didn't see my child much. I didn't get home until 5:30 and by the time we were done eating and such, it was almost his bedtime. However, those hours were quality time and I knew my son had lots of time interacting with other kids and adults at daycare.

Working part time at a job that was previously full time was hard for me. I really didn’t gain much time with my child and I felt like I had to prove that I still was a valuable employee. I ended up doing more than half of my previous responsibilities, working more like 3/4 time in part-time hours. This was the nature of my job and my personality. It's not this way for everyone.

Personally, I like being a SAHM. I miss the daily contact with my peers but I like that I can choose what I do and when. It does take more effort to seek out the company of other moms but there are lots of options. Plus, being a SAHM doesn’t have to be permanent. I’ve thought about working part-time when my son starts preschool. That’s only 3 years at home – such a short part of a lifetime.

I knew when I became a SAHM that it would be very difficult for me to get another job. But, it’s impossible for me to get back lost time with my child. Also, I had to shift focus from my personal ambitions to my child. This isn't for everyone.

I don’t think you can’t make a wrong decision. Your child will grow and thrive whatever you do. The tough part is YOU feeling ok with your choice. It helps to have a supportive partner to remind you of your reasoning when the doubts start nagging at you.