Well, financially, it is hitting us harder than we thought. We overdrafted 3 times in 2 months!! I made a mistake, and forgot to leave some $$ in the account as a cushion so that we don't overdraft. We are only putting $200 into a savings account per month, and at this rate, it will take 10 years to buy a house. It's between buying a house and staying home I guess. Otherwise, we would be fine with living check to check.
Basically, it's been hard to completely eliminate things that we tried to 'sacrifice' so that I could SAH. It's impossible to say no to everything, if we did, we'd have no life. If we eliminated things like buying gifts for others and doing home improvements we might save some but it's hard! We don't eat out a lot, but other people take us out, and then you can't say no all the time, and we don't want others paying for us, so we have to pay sometimes too. I don't even get manicures and pedicures, so I thought that was something else that I eliminated, but I guess it's still not enough.
DH and I never go out together anymore, but we know it's important to. Now, we will have to say no to going to a movie or dinner??
I really, really don't want to work FT, and leave Lyla with a sitter, especially since I'm totally not prepared to do so. I think I will just have to find a PT job on weekends and evenings in retail maybe. I actually found a FT position at a local hospital that fits my qualifications perfectly, and last night I stayed up doing my resume. It can't hurt to send it in. I just want to see what the job is about, and maybe there's a chance that the hours might be flexible.
Anyway, just wanted to share since those that are going back to work are feeling bad, it's hard either way unless one spouse makes a TON of money!
michele31
Posted:
Member since
Re: Being a SAHM is harder than we thought
We didn't understand why we should go off to work to pay someone else to watch our child and teach her everything that we should be and experience all the milestones she has. As hard as it can be it was worth it 100 times over for me to stay home with her.
I don't think most of us want to leave our child. And I KNOW for a fact that Molly's daycare is not teaching her what I am suppose to be....WE will be doing that. Just because your child is in daycare doesn't mean you are not raising your child.
kptoys
Posted:
Member since
Re: Being a SAHM is harder than we thought
Michele I NEVER meant ANYTHING even remotely close to that!!! I know there are families where both parents have to work, its a fact of life. I know if they had the choice most would both stay home. If FH couldnt support us on his $$ alone I would be out working as well!!! BUT since I don't HAVE to work I stay home with her. People who have children in daycare have my utmost respect. They have extremely full lives, working, keeping house AND raising a child. My hat goes off to all of you. This is JMHO
TrayLu47
Posted:
Member since
Re: Being a SAHM is harder than we thought
Hubby and I don't have children yet, but for 2 years I was a SAHW! I felt guilty most times, b/c I didn't have an income. But I was finishing school and doing an internship which was non- paid.
It actually was GREAT practice for us, but although things were really tight at times, I was amazed at how well we managed everything. You definitely have to become very creative about everything and try not to spend which is a problem for me.
If possible, it would be so great if all the women who wanted to stay home with their children do that. I feel it gives everyone involved great security and it takes away the guilt of having to leave them. I've seen women on jobs who are very pregnant and have to putter to work everyday to help make ends meet. It makes me sad b/c it's not an easy thing.
Bottom line, staying home is a challenge, but with sacrifice and creativity most people can do it!
