I want to work so that I can bring in my own income to help support my family. I have 3 wonderful kids and my oldest I homeschooled last year with iQAcademy. Now, I am really missing being at work and having the interaction with other adults. I just can't seem to get over being with my kids and feeling like I'm abandoning them if I take them to a daycare/babysitter and my oldest goes to school.
Am I being selfish by wanting to go back to work? I was in the Navy for 10 1/2 yrs and I've been a SAHM since I got out in 2006. Is this something that every mother or father goes through? Is there a recommended job that is legit that I can work at from home and have the kids go to school/daycare? Is there a daycare/babysitter that is recommended and not expensive that my 4 yr and 2 yr old can attend without breaking the bank and will give my kids the education and fun with attention they need while I work?
I am receiving great replies and it helps to know that I am not the only mom that struggles with this issue. I went to college and graduated with my bachelors in technical management last year and my associates in business administration before that. I was also an electrician in the Navy and enjoyed doing that as well. I really loved the response people gave me when they heard that I was a female and an electrician in the military. Now, if I could figure out what I wanted to do when I grow up would help me even more. :)
Thanks, for all of the great responses.
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As hard as it is to leave the kids and go to work, I actually think it is good for them and you. Ideally, I'd like to have the best of both worlds by working part time, but I work Full Time. My kids very much enjoy interacting with other kids on a daily basis. They have structure and things to keep them busy 8 hrs a day. They learn how to take direction from other adults and respect adults and other children. Other than my own guilt and my 3 year old saying every now and again that she wants to stay home with me all the time, I am happy they get out of the house and are being educated. Yes, it's a lot on them, but I think it builds character and helps to prepare them for life down the road. I think I am a better mom some days to for having been at work all day. I MISS them and am so excited to pick them up. I don't have as many hours for them to drive me bonkers by being away all day.
Not selfish at all. There are plenty of households where the mom works. There is no right or wrong here. It's fine to work, it's fine to stay home. Do what makes sense for your family.
I work part-time and love it! I get in my intellectual challenge while also having time with the kids.
I have seen both of my kids flourish in daycare. It can be a very positive thing. Our oldest was two when he started and it did wonders for his talking. He said a handful of words when he started and within months was using sentences. He really thrived being around other kids.
Be very careful looking for work from home jobs. A lot of scams out there. I work from home, but I'm self-employed as a freelancer. If you really want to work from home, think about your professional skill set (what did you do in the Navy?) and whether you could market yourself as a consultant. Keep in mind you'll still need daycare in most cases when working from home.
Good luck!
Have you considered waiting until your kids reach the age to where you can place them into Pre-K/school? You don't have that much longer to wait. Here in Georgia they have the lottery funded pre-k which usually there is a waiting list for the places that have it but you have enough time to get them on the waiting list for one of them. The other one should be starting kindergarten soon and then maybe find a part-time job???
That is what I did. I work Part-time I go in at 7 and work till 1:00 still allowing me to be home in time for the school bus but currently I am working full-time since they fired the other gal-which now I remember why I didn't like working full-time. I miss my kiddos and I don't feel like I am able to accomplish as much-lol! It's a perfect blance for me to work part-time though because it gets me out of the house and paid while they are in school and I am home for them the rest of the day. Perfect balance......
Well if your interest is more financial then social, why not BE the babysitter? I've watched a number of kids over the years to supplement income, worked out well for me!
:)
I work full time, and I have a 7 year old and a 4 year old daughter, and, honestly, I think my kids benefit more from getting a break from me. They learn new things and new experiences from other people that aren't me! And truthfully, they love it, they look forward to it, and I wouldn't want it any other way.
To answer your question I think yes, most Moms do struggle with this. Leaving our kids is not ideal and it's not something that people imagine doing when they think about having kids, but life is expensive and the reality is that most people can not afford to raise a family on one income. Most of the families I know with SAHMs are struggling big time. It helps me to know that I can provide better opportunities for my kids by working.
I work in the oil & gas industry and there are lots of WAH positions available in the industry. I've worked at home in the past (I choose not to now, I'd rather work in the office) and work with several people who choose to do so. But I think most legit WAH positions require seniority or experience within any given company or field.
I don't really like daycare, it's like mass babysitting. My kids never got the individualized attention they deserved and needed. I prefer our babysitter who watches a few kids out of her home. We have used her for years now, and she's wonderful. You just really have to find a care provider that works best for you, I think it is a highly individual choice for sure. Daycare is much more expensive than at-home sitters in my experience, but expect to pay quite a bit for a 4-year-old and a 2-year-old. You could put your 4-year-old in preschool come fall though.
Hi, I left my well paying job 9 years ago to be home and raise my daughter, I loved every moment of it and now she is in collage and I continue to stay home and work from home on my home based business. I can work few hours around your kids and have great income.
I will be happy to share more detail if you would like.
Best Wishes!
I have to work because of finances. I don't really want to so my situation is different from yours. I work from home but I'm not really sure how its going to work out now with my family situation changing. The company I work for is Convergys. They are a huge company that do contract work for other companies like Guthy Renker, AARP, The Scooter Store, etc. Right now, I am working for Convergys under the Directv project. You must have highspeed internet, a router and be able to pass their tests. The web address is convergys.com. You must be able to have a completely quiet background, no dogs, no children, no phones, no dishwasher or washing machine noises. I
I think it is something that every mom struggles with. With my first daughter, I went back to work when she was six months old, I couldn't find a babysitter that I liked and could afford so she was in daycare for 10 months (I was a school teacher). She was sooo sick and always getting hurt, we didn't want her to go back, especially when we found out I was pregnant. I took a leave of absence for the last school year, stayed home with my daughter, worked part time in the evenings and on Saturdays, and babysat a little girl (another teacher's daughter). In Jan. the gym I was working part time at closed down leaving me with just a little babysitting job. I started working from home then and am now staying home with both of my girls this next school year. PM me if you would like information about working from home like I do. :)
Good luck with your decision. Kids are so adaptable, they will be fine no matter what you choose. A happy mom makes a happy family!
