Quitting my job to be a SAHM. To be or not to be?

Question

It will be our first baby. I already don't make much. So I don't see a point in making only $13 an hour to pay someone $15-$20 an hour to watch my child if I could myself and save the extra cash. I live in LA so for all I know it costs even more for infant child care. I have always dreamed of getting to stay home the first one or two years and then maybe going part time. I figure while I stay at home and raise our baby I can cook, clean, and finish my teaching credentials. Any advice or recommendations?

Answer

My mom stayed at home until my sister started 1st grade. Before that, when we were toddlers, my mom begged my dad to let her get a part time job in retail so she could socialize with adults. Having been home with 2 kids under 3 years old she felt like she needed mommy time away from the kids. I think she worked 2 or 3 evenings a week for 4 hours. My dad stayed home with us and took us out of Daddy / Daughter dates. If mom missed seeing us at work, Dad would bring us by the store for a few minutes. I actually remember trying to fold a men's shirt just like my mom did while we were at the store once.

Answer

I am a SAHM. I quit teaching when I became pregnant with my first four years ago. I miss working but I wouldn't trade it. My husband isn't as supportive as I thought he'd be, which makes it tougher. He doesn't value me like he use to. Find yourself a moms group for extra support on those rough days because they will come. It is worth it, but it won't be as easy as people think it is.

Answer

I am now a sahm. I am not going to lie there are good days and ups and downs but I am glad I made the decision. After my 3 yr old was born I felt the same way you do why pay someone to watch my youngest when I can do it myself and I would be spending my check in after school care and daycare just to go to wrk. I am glad I made the decision to I wish I had with our other children

Answer

Utilize help if you have it, make sure you get "me" time! Look up mommy and me groups to meet other people with babies, it will keep you busy! Try to get outside everyday!

Answer

I've been a sahm for 6 years now, there are good days and bad days. I quit my job when I was 20 and it was definitely an adjustment I had to get used to but its so worth it! Being stuck inside has been the hardest part for me.

Answer

We did just this when our first baby was born and we had to move for my husbands job. I had just been working in retail so I wasn't making a crazy amount of money and my husbands job pays decently. Our son was in daycare for a whole month before we moved out of state. The whole trying to find a home/daycare/ new job thing was a bit stressful and after talking with my husband we decided it would be better if I just stayed home. All my paycheck did was basically cover the cost of daycare and he said he felt better knowing our son was at home with his mommy instead of spending time elsewhere. I was nervous at first but it definitely works and is way more than worth it. I do all of he housework,/cooking/taking care of our child and making sure things are good to go at home. I feel like me doing my part is my way of chipping in since I don't make any notable money. If you can swing it I totally recommend it. Plus we did save by not eating out as much, using coupons, and just looking for ways to save. ( sorry it's so long good luck!)

Answer

I did it with my first two until they hit school and then I went back to work. While I was home with them I finished my teaching degree. Now I'm going to quit again for my third and finish my masters. My pay doesn't justify the cost of daycare or missing my babies first moments, if it's doable and you want to do it, then go for it!

Answer

I'm in a very similar situation! I live in NYC! I quit my job to be a stay at home mom when I was about 8 months pregnant. My daughter is about a year old now and I love my job! Being a stay at home mom of course has its ups and downs, but this is honestly my dream job. I didn't really feel like I made enough for it to be worth sending her to day care or getting a nanny. Plus, you really can't put a price tag on quality time with your kids. I totally understand people using day care, it's not a bad thing, and being a sahm definitely isn't for everyone. But, I myself, couldn't imagine leaving my daughter with someone else for the day. I love being able to witness every moment and always being there for her. If you have the opportunity to be a stay at home mom, I'd say go for it. If you decide it's not for you, you can always change your mind!

Answer

I am a nanny and when the baby comes I'll start my child care out of my home after spending time alone with my first child for a few months, then move back home with family. (Military family) 
Good luck to you in being a SAHM some can do it and some just can't, and that's okay. Have patience and make sure you go outside and meet others!

Quitting my job to be a SAHM. To be or not to be?

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