Feeling on Mom's who go back to work....

who don't financially need to? USUK questions about being a SAHW got me thinking how we feel about woman who do this?

I know I for me I financially can be at SAHM but will most probably go back to work because i need to. I worked hard to get where I am today and love my job so I can't see leaving when I have a baby.

I also think for me I need the socialization of adults and work. Sometimes that makes me think I am bad to think that way, but that is just me.

What are your opinions?

Re: Feeling on Mom's who go back to work....

I think it is great!

Re: Feeling on Mom's who go back to work....

I also think it is great. However, if you choose to stay at home, that's great for you, too. I'm all for women doing what makes them happy!

ETA: I feel fortunate that I have found a career that I really enjoy. As much as I love my family, my own interests and goals outside of my family are very important to me, and I could not give that up, not for children or a husband or anything. However, that is just me, personally. Working is something that gives ME self-worth and meaning, but that's part of how I choose to define myself. Not everyone thinks that way.

Message edited 1/18/2006 1:57:37 PM.

Re: Feeling on Mom's who go back to work....

Personally, even if we could afford it, I would probably go back. Even though I feel very secure in my marriage, things still happen. I always feel badly for women who have to go back into the workforce after spending years away from it. That must be a hard adjustment.

I need to have a job. It reminds me that no matter what happens, I have a good salary and excellent benefits and it will always be there for me. It makes me feel safe.

Re: Feeling on Mom's who go back to work....

I think its great. A woman's place is anywhere that she wants to be.

Re: Feeling on Mom's who go back to work....

Re: Feeling on Mom's who go back to work....

I'm now a SAHM. I love it and wouldn't change anything. However, when Jared goes to school, I go back to work. I really miss it.

I like that quote though!!

Re: Feeling on Mom's who go back to work....

I'm a SAHM too, and I really enjoy it. I never thought I'd be staying at home, after all, I worked my a$$ off for 10 years to get my Masters and my PE license, I thought I'd never want to give it up.

I applaud moms who stay home and those who work. Its what's best for them that makes a happy family.

Re: Feeling on Mom's who go back to work....

Re: Feeling on Mom's who go back to work....

I think a woman's identity is encompassed by a lot of different roles. I know a lot of women who have gone back to work, not just for money, but for the identity it helps them define. Personally, while I would like to be a SAHM, I think at some point I would need something else to benefit my mind.

Re: Feeling on Mom's who go back to work....

I'll preface this with the fact that I'm a working mom.

For me, if I was completely finanically set with my OWN money, then maybe I wouldn't work. The fact is that one day all of our marriages will end whether through divorce or death. I feel that it would be irresponsible for me not to go back to work or have my own financial means of supporting myself and my child - without relying on DH's or family money.

I also like the idea of teaching my daughter that she needs to be financially independent.

Re: Feeling on Mom's who go back to work....

My salary is piddly squat compared to hubby (and I'm an attorney! ) so I by no means have to work. But, I want to teach to my daughter that she can do whatever she wants and that she should have her own career goals in life. Also, though, I know I would be such a huge disservice to her if I stayed at home with her all day - I'm not cut out for SAHM. I need the stimulation from work, the interaction with adults and just time to do my own thing.

Re: Feeling on Mom's who go back to work....

I think a liberated woman is the one who does what SHE feels is right for her and her family. Not what society dictates.

My SIL works at a day care (and is a HUGE know it all) and she is always saying disparaging things about working moms who don't need to work financially. It really annoys me -- what is right for one person isn't necessarily right for others. She left her "wonderful job in corporate America" (she did the books for a manufacturing firm in Freeport but according to her, she was the cojones) to raise her 2 daughters..and she judges anyone who doesn't make the same decidion she did.

I say live and let live, to each his or her own.

I know a lot of women who NEED to work once they have kids, just to get away once in a while. For me, perfect would be to work part time. That's part of the reason I decided to start my own business, in the hopes of becoming a mom some time soon ( ).

Message edited 1/18/2006 2:59:35 PM.

Re: Feeling on Mom's who go back to work....

I have the best of both worlds...Kids are in school....Have my own company so I work around there schedule....I am there when they are off the bus and it makes me very happy....

Re: Feeling on Mom's who go back to work....

Message edited 9/16/2011 1:09:27 AM.

Re: Feeling on Mom's who go back to work....

I agree that a woman should do what makes her happy and feels good- and either way, it doesn't make her a worse or better mom.

Personally, when we have a baby one day I think I would rather be a SAHM, but it isn't an option for us....who knows though, maybe when a baby comes I will change my mind....

Re: Feeling on Mom's who go back to work....

Considering I plan on being one of them, I think it is great! I just could not see myself staying home. My mom did and I give her all of the credit in the world- she is amazing. As a teacher, I would almost feel like it would be a waste to stay home. Teaching is definitely a great career for a working mother!

Message edited 1/18/2006 5:28:38 PM.

Re: Feeling on Mom's who go back to work....

I am one of them. I just had my daughter in September and returned to work in December. I am financially able to stay home, but chose not to at this time. I am a teacher and I LOVE my job. I never pictured myself doing the SAH thing and I give a tremendous amount of credit to those who do; it's actually a lot tougher IMO!

Now, having said that, I am very lucky to have family watch my daughter and do plan on staying home after I have my second.

Re: Feeling on Mom's who go back to work....

Re: Feeling on Mom's who go back to work....

I think women have to do what they feel is right for them. I feel that it is best for me and my daughter to be a SAHM and I am willing to make the sacrifices necessary to do that.
I will be going back to work 1 day a week and DH will watch her which I think is important bonding time for him.

Re: Feeling on Mom's who go back to work....

I think all women should do what makes them happy. I am a SAHM and I love it. I couldn't imagine leaving him all day. Although, it is hard and I miss the interaction I had at work. I worked hard to get where I was professionally but I didn't mind giving it up. I know I always have a degree and experience to fall back on. Although, once Alex is in school I might consider doing something part time.

Right now I have a son, if I was to have a daughter (IMO) I don't feel the need to work in order to teach her to be all that she can be or that by staying home I am teaching her to be dependent on a man. My mom was a SAHM and I went onto college, got a degree and worked hard. She instilled in me the importance of an education and the need to be able to self sufficient in many ways, not just financially without being a "professional" woman.