Feeling confused about decision

Hi all..this past year I took a year leave of absence from my Catholic school job as our parents collectively had some health issues & couldn't watch our children. I was planningn on going back next year. Well DH told me b/c of a change in his job ($$$), I'm able to continue staying home & he would like me to.

I've been teaching the last 10 years (after another career change) & I truly love it. Of course I love being home w/ my kids, but I also miss having my own class & seeing kids "get it" & also having the interaction w/ other adults, etc. & something that is mine.

I'm just afraid that after being home until my son is in K or 1, that I won't go back. Has anyone been home for a number of years & then gotten back into it?

Secondly, if you have a professional license, how do you go about keeping it current?

Thanks so much!

Re: Feeling confused about decision

will you have childcare available if you go back to work? are you able to take another year off and return to your previous position?

i know a lot of women who stayed home with their children after years of teaching then had a great deal of difficulty getting permanent teaching jobs afterwards. if that isn't a concern, stay home. if you are worried about eventually returning, look into your contract to see how long you can stay while keeping yourself in their system.

how did this year fare for you? were you happier at home or do you feel happier when you have both worlds going at once?

good luck...i know it isn't easy, but am sure you'll make the best choice for yourself and your family.

Re: Feeling confused about decision

I think this is a personal decision and you need to make the best decision for you and your family.

Personally, I would not give up my teaching position unless I hated my job. My boss said teaching goes through 10-12 year cycles, but this is the worst cut they have ever seen - so who knows when you would be able to get another job if you wanted to try to get back into teaching. To add, I do not have children, so I am not sure if that would change my decision.

Message edited 4/24/2012 8:08:06 AM.

Re: Feeling confused about decision

I am a teacher in the city and get 5 yrs of childcare leave. I stayed home working part-time at a diferent job for 7 yrs. It was hard to go back to fulltime this yar but I did. And I love it. I only wish my day was shorter so I could see them in the mornings and pick them up right after school. If you have the option to stay home, I personally would because they will never be this age again....but only if I still had job security while out.