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Am I crazy to be considering leaving my high paying job to spend more time with my kids (2 & 5mos) in this economy? Is anyone else struggling with this decision right now? I don't want to stay at home full time, but with this career I never see them. I worked so hard to get here, and now all priorities have changed.”

Asked by Evansmom on 20th July 2009 | 20 replies

20 replies so far...

I'm "katsmom", but I can't remember my password. Congratulations to Evansmom! You can congratulate me too, because my husband just got a job offer yesterday after 11 months of searching! I will be turning in my notice in a few weeks. This is going to be a huge change, and I do love my job (and they pay me entirely too much), but live forever with the guilt that i chose money and things over my children? No way! My husband may earn a good bit less, but we will we have enough to live comfortably and that is what matters.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by katsmomagain on 30th July 2010
Thanks Katsmom, I gave my notice last week!!! You will see I posted this question back in July, so it took me a while to make the move, but I feel great. Tomorrow is my last day and I am excited, scared and really I don't know what I am feeling. I wish you the best of luck, I hope you husband lands a job soon!

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Evansmom on 15th April 2010
Do it! I'm about to do the same thing! Well, as soon as hubby gets a job. He is a stay-at-home dad to our two little ones and I am so jealous. It will be a pay cut, but I don't care. I used to be so career-driven, but now my priorities have changed (for the better). I will drive a cheap car and live in a smaller house, but nothing can replace my presence during these formative years. I am not going to work at home either, I've worked hard enough for the last 10+ years, I just want to be a full-time MOM for crying out loud!

Flag as inappropriate Posted by katsmom on 14th April 2010
Go with your gut. While it is true they are only little once, it is also true that certain opportunities may only present themselves once. The only right answer is what works best for your family. I swore up and down that I was going to be a stay at home mom, but it wasn't unitl I was in that situation that I realized how much I needed to work and what an enormous benefit it was to my family for me to be happy and confident. For me it took a part time schedule for 1.5 years and then a step up into full time work. For you it may be a complete stop or a step down or no change at all. Don't beat yourself up over the decision. There will be missed opportunities and amazing moments no matter what you decide to do. Either way you will make the right decision.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by klg on 30th July 2009
When my daughter told me they were expecting their first child, they also asked if I would consider being caregiver so the baby would not be in daycare. I had some concerns - I had a very good job at the time. But after hearing of mistreatment and abuse in the daycare system, I decided I would do it for a year. Well.. here it is almost four years and three kids later - latest is one month old - I am still doing it. It is my privilege to be at home with these babies. The joy you get will far outweigh the sacrifices you will have to make financially. I wish my daughter could afford to stay at home and enjoy the children as much as I do. Good luck with your decision.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by knitter71 on 30th July 2009
Follow your heart! They are only young once! I have been an elementary school teacher for 13 years and started working from home with an awesome company so I could afford to stay home. It has worked out GREAT and I don't regret my decision at all!

Good luck with your decision!

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Lucky Mama on 30th July 2009
Thanks! I wish I could work part time..but not an option. I was told at the executive level they will also not allow flex time as I was trying to come in earlier and leave earlier. I wish I had those options, if I did I would never consider leaving. But it seems once you hit the executive level it is a joke to even ask for that. Thanks for everyone's support, hopefully I can figure something out this year.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Evansmom on 28th July 2009
I agree with DebR. Sometimes it's better to try it part-time and see if you can make it work before leaving 100%. In this economy companies seem to be more flexible to alternate work arrangments and may welcome this change. I have a 10 month old and another baby due in December. When my 8 week maternity leave is over, plan to work part time until the second one is about 6 months.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Nik on 28th July 2009
If you can afford to quit, do it! You can always re-enter the workplace. You can always do part time freelance work and keep your resume updated, so you do not have a gap in employment.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by SavingQueen.com on 26th July 2009
I quit my "high paying job" (after 13 years) as soon as my maternity leave was over. My kids were both about a year old at the time. I do not regret it at all. I became a partner in a small, all-women company where I still work hard, but I am more of a "back-office type" so I have a less demanding schedule in terms of travel, BS face time, etc., and I am with my kids for breakfast and from 5-9 most days. I took a huge pay cut but I honestly do not care. As long as I have enough to support the three of us without dipping into my savings, what does salary matter?

It didn't take long before I was so far removed from my old job that I had no thoughts of going back to that career. My current job was designed to develop and build on my strengths as much as the old job ever did, even though I'm in a very different field. It was hard but also refreshing to make a completely new start. And, I have never regretted having the time and energy for my kids, or being able to model better attitudes about work.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by SKL on 24th July 2009
I am in the exact postion. Somtimes I say I would rather be on one income even though it is hard, just so I can stay home with my one year old daughter. I am struggling witht the decision right now, but you have to look at what you want in the future, and if your already there and making the money than sopending time with your kids is more valuable. We will never get the time back! Good luck! I am glad I am not the only one going throuhgh the same tough decision.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by lovesmommy on 24th July 2009
I don't think your crazy, I think about doing this all time. If you have someone at home who can pay the bills and allow you to do it then go for it. If not look for something with hours that will allow you to have time with your kids and make decent money.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Mommy2 on 23rd July 2009