Did having kids make you rethink your career path?

So I had a really good career, I decided to become a SAHM (for now), but plan on going back to work at some point.....but now I am thinking that perhaps I was in the wrong field and am rethinking everything!! Maybe I just needed to get out of it to see that even though I was good at what I was doing, I wasn't really happy. Anyone go thru something similar?

Message edited 5/29/2008 9:22:32 PM.

Re: Did having kids make you rethink your career path?

I did it before DH and DS. I went back to school and did a career change.

I love what I amd doing. It gives me so much freedom to do whatever I want. I set my own time. I can work as much or as little as I want.

I am so glad I had a "vision" for the future. I could not see myself running like a mad woman from the office, to daycare, etc... I know lots of moms do it but that was not what I wanted my life to be as a mom.

Re: Did having kids make you rethink your career path?

it certainly made me rethink it, however, financially we're not in a position for me to change. If I had to do it all over again I'd be a teacher. I still would l need to work. However, I think I would still be challenged everyday and enjoy the benefits of shorter hours and summers off.

Re: Did having kids make you rethink your career path?

funny it never did but i feel i totally lucked out.
i'm a public and school librarian..
while on maternity leave from my school job i work p/t at the public library which is great pay and schedule.
when i go back to the school job it is great pay, summers off, and day ends at 2:30
i thank God every day i have a job i love and that allows me to be with DD a lot too.

Re: Did having kids make you rethink your career path?

I went through this many moons ago.

At 17, I started college. (skipped a grade in HS ).
So here I am at 17, and the Professor went around the room, first day of school and asked how many children we each wanted.
most of the answers were
"1, 2, 1, 2, none"
"1, 2, 1, 2, none"
"1, 2, 1, 2, none"

my answer.

"6"


so I guess I knew early on that I knew that a big family would be the focal point of my life.
Well I only have 3 kids, and dont plan to reach 6, but 3 is more than enough

So the Prof said "well are you SURE ? becuase if you are, youre in the WRONG FIELD !! (retail management/buying).

But being the determined yet stubborn person that I am, continued my degree, did an internship, got a f/t job from it, worked as an asst buyer, and after about 5yrs realized that it was NOT for me. I loved many aspects of it, but it was just not something that I could see myself doing ALL my life.

One of my bosses was away from her child maybe 12-14hrs a day. She was a walking OCD control power trip maniac.
She was everything I DID NOT EVER want to be.
I should call her and thank her for helping me drop out of the retail world.

Well I then went into the computer field. It seemed that's where the REALLY good money was. I did really well for several years, (luckily I was a big saver ) and then moved out here (from nyc/queens).
and decided to follow my true calling: teaching.
(Ive always done volunteer stuff with children my whole life)...

sorry to ramble.. im overtired

Re: Did having kids make you rethink your career path?

Nope, has not made me rethink it one bit. If anything, it has reaffirmed why I commit my days to being a teacher. It's so great kids like my daughter can get the great education they deserve. I can say though that it has definitely made me believe in the independent school model more than public schools for my child and my career. That's the only thing that I can really say has changed. I thought I would eventually end up in public school. Having a child and knowing what I know now about my school, I really, truly would never give up my job to work in a public school.

Re: Did having kids make you rethink your career path?

I knew once I had a child I would have to do something different. I spent the last 17 years working weekends, holidays and 6 days a week in the summer. There is no way I would do that with a child.

Re: Did having kids make you rethink your career path?

Not necessarily my career, but definitely the niche I'm in. Before I got pregnant I was working as a litigation attorney in a law firm. I quickly learned, after going back to work from maternity leave, that it wasn't the ideal situation for raising a child, so I quickly looked for other alternatives. I landed my dream job working for the federal government - wonderful benefits, great pay, I still work as an attorney with an even more interesting, challenging and rewarding case load, but I work federal government hours So, yes, I made a compromise, but one that is much more rewarding anyway

Re: Did having kids make you rethink your career path?

Yes. I had a very good job and career was a big part of my life until having children. After having child care issues and a year of working, I also decided to become a SAHM - something never in a million years I thought I would be. I just had a career and hours that weren't quite conducive for family life and never really thought about it before having kids. I guess before I thought I could have it all. I am home now and miss my career terribly and miss working. I want to go back someday but by then I will be outdated (I worked in IT - - I am outdated now and only totally out for a a year or 2) and most likely will have to find a new career path.

Re: Did having kids make you rethink your career path?

Re: Did having kids make you rethink your career path?

I knew i needed a new career path when i was pg with #1. The stress from that job, put me on bedrest at 24 weeks pg.

I had totally changed paths, when i got pg again and had to become of SAHM out of necessity.

I've seen both ends since i was a working mom and now SAHM, and I can surely say for ME, i can't wait to go back to work. It's truly bittersweet. I just hope i can get back to the new path i was on when i was forced to stay home, i just hope i won't dated out of the workforce/field i was in.

Re: Did having kids make you rethink your career path?

yes, while I love my job to death and my boss I know I only want to be here for a little longer.

I want to enjoy my Sofia Ava and then my 2nd.. At home...

Re: Did having kids make you rethink your career path?

I work in the mortgage business and it's scary nowadays. There is almost no job security. I would love to be a sonographer, but to go back to school would cost too much money. So I guess for now I'm stuck here until I'm forced to look elsewhere or I win lotto

Re: Did having kids make you rethink your career path?

Yes, while I did love my career and I know I have always wanted to be home with Ella until she starts going school. This is very important to me and DH. After that, if I choose I can work as a consultant on a part time basis.

Re: Did having kids make you rethink your career path?

Loved my job then, love my job now.

It shifted my priorities. Taking another job at a higher salary isn't an option because it would interfere with my time off with my kids. I'm not willing to sacrifice that. I'll work all hours of the night when they're sleeping, as long as I'm home for dinner & the bedtime story.