Stay at Home Moms
LovieBear
member
Q's for SAHM's
LovieBear
member
I have a few questions for you ladies... I am not a SAHM but just curious
1. Do you like being a SAHM?
2. What is the best/worst part of it?
3. What kind of work did you do before being a SAHM?
4. When do you plan on re-entering the work place? Are you worried about getting a job after not being employed by a company for so long?
5. Any tips, advice, or anything you want to share about being a SAH?
6. Where do you live?
thanks!
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Re: Q's for SAHM's
1. Yes
2. Best: I get to drop off and pick up my oldest from school and be involved there. DH loves that I am watching our kids!
Worst: Limits adult interaction and I actually enjoyed going to work.
3. I was a data entry person at BCBS in MN. Mostly entry level work.
4. When all three of our kids are in school full time. Yes, I do worry about being able to find a job, cause I've tried getting a PT job with no luck. I may start my own thing when the time comes.
5. Before you become one, do research on Moms groups in your area. They will be your lifesaver! Find activites and events during certain seasons that you can take the kids to.
6. Madison, WI
1. Yes, I really enjoy it. It's fun to be with him.
2. Best is he's just funny and cuddly and I get to see all of that. I also like to cook and do outdoor stuff and I'm starting to be able to do all of that. Worst is that there are no breaks. Trying to figure out (force?) his naps is hard.
3. I was a compliance officer at a broker dealer.
4. I can only keep my licenses if I'm affiliated with a b/d so I am concerned about losing them. I hated my job but I don't think I'm ready to just give up my registration because it wasn't easy. I'm thinking of doing temp work sometime in the next year to keep them current. It would be difficult to get f/t work with a great salary, but temp projects could be possible.
5. My tip is - it's a job like any other. There will be good days and bad days. And there will be fantastic days. Remember that you are giving up your job to raise your child, not to be the maid.
6. I live in NJ. Moved here from NYC and commuted back for a few years until my son was born.
Happy to oblige!
1. I love being a SAHM. My mom was a SAHM until I was in college (younger siblings at home) and I always knew it was what I wanted to do if at all possible. DH was on board from the beginning. I am actually returning to work part-time next week due to financial need (DH is a full-time PhD student) while DD stays with DH at home. It is going to change a few things but we feel like it is the best decision for our family at this time. I will probably still consider myself a SAHM as I will only be gone 2 days a week!
2. Best - flexibility, high level of involvement in the day to day activities of your kids, as a family we are more organized and more calm, time to be involved in their schools, I love to cook and bake and really enjoy having the time to do those things both with DD and by myself.
Worst - you and DH have to really work together and communicate your personal needs outside of being a SAHM (some SAHMs find it hard to have any "me time"), some financial give and take, have to make it a priority to have quality time with other adults.
3. I was in PR/Event Planning out of college. When we first moved to the UK, I was an Executive Assistant at a university.
4. Well, I am somewhat reentering now although it is only temporary until DH is done with his PhD. I don't ever plan to return to PR. It was great when I was 24 and childless but would not work with my lifestyle now. In an ideal world I would like to be a wedding/event planner and be my own boss. I will pursue that once DH is done with school and we are settled back in the US.
I didn't have any problem getting my new job after being out almost 3 years. It was a very competitive field as PT jobs at this level in the university are very rare. My resume is good, my references are outstanding and was qualified for the job. Now, if I were going back to PR after almost 5 years of being gone, I think it would be different.
5. Get up every morning, get dressed and start your day. Find a play group, moms group, something to be part of where you can be around other moms. Don't desert your non-mommy friends - go out with them and don't talk about your kids the whole time. Make a date night a priority for you and DH - doesn't have to be expensive but it does have to center on your relationship as a couple and not as parents. Enjoy every minute of being with your little one!
6. Currently Oxford, England. Originally from Atlanta, GA.
m/c at 13 weeks - March 23, 2011
1. Do you like being a SAHM? Yes.
2. What is the best/worst part of it? The best part: getting to spend so time with my daughter. We get to do so many activities together and have so many fun outings during the week that we wouldn't get to do if I was working. The worst part: I rarely get a break. DH works long hours so there are days where the full responsibility of caring for DD and managing the house fall entirely on me. This can be extremely challenging when DD's teething, or sick, or just generally fussy. Being a SAHM isn't all puppies and rainbows.
3. What kind of work did you do before being a SAHM? I worked in finance.
4. When do you plan on re-entering the work place? Are you worried about getting a job after not being employed by a company for so long? I will return to work once we are done having children (we want 3) and the youngest is in pre-school. I'm not overly concerned about not finding a job. We'll deal with that if, and when, it happens. If I can't find one right away, I'm sure our kids will be involved in enough activities between school and extracurriculars that I'll stay busy.
5. Any tips, advice, or anything you want to share about being a SAH? If you think there's even a remote chance that you'll want to be a SAHM, start planning for it now.
6. Where do you live? Northwest PA
1. Do you like being a SAHM? Yes. We have taken it to the extreme and decided to homeschool, so I am in this for the long haul.
2. What is the best/worst part of it? The best part is teaching my kids things that I am passionate about. A working mom can do that as well but I have the luxury of time on my side.
The worst part is that I do not get a break often. We do not live close to family so there is no one around to let us have a break very often.
3. What kind of work did you do before being a SAHM? I owned a biotech company.
4. When do you plan on re-entering the work place? Are you worried about getting a job after not being employed by a company for so long? I don't ever plan to work for anyone again, so I do not worry about becoming employed. I will always own a business of some sort. We are consdering buying a farm if we stay here. If we move to a larger area, then I have other ideas of things that I want to pursue. We are here for DH's career and we have the same specialty and there is only one company that employs people with our specialty and we can not be in the same department, so I am free to explore other talents.
5. Any tips, advice, or anything you want to share about being a SAH? Live frugally. You don't know what life is going to throw out you, so you have to be ready. Also, don't neglect your retirement to SAH.
6. Where do you live? Small town in Midwest.
1. Do you like being a SAHM? Very much
2. What is the best/worst part of it? Best part is spending time with my kids and having time to keep my house in order without being constantly stressed (I've worked both p/t and f/t as well since having kids and it was very stressful to me). Worst part is that I feel very isolated, especially being in a major city where you never run into the same people twice at the playground or anywhere else
3. What kind of work did you do before being a SAHM? I worked in a local history museum, I loved it but earned about half of the insane cost of daycare in our area
4. When do you plan on re-entering the work place? Are you worried about getting a job after not being employed by a company for so long? I'm not likely to return f/t to the work world. Once the kids are old enough to stay home alone after school (high school or late middle school) I might consider going somewhere p/t, but am more likely to concentrate on volunteer opportunities in my community.
5. Any tips, advice, or anything you want to share about being a SAH?Get into a routine quickly and force yourself to stick to it. It doesn't need to be any sort of tight schedule but a routine helps.
6. Where do you live? New York City, but we'll be moving next year when DH finishes his PhD, hopefully we'll go back to NJ but it will depend on where he finds a job.
1. Do you like being a SAHM? Most days
2. What is the best/worst part of it? Best: being with my kids all day, worst: MH travels m-f most weeks so it can sometimes be isolating, especially with a new LO
3. What kind of work did you do before being a SAHM? Worked in the automotive software industry
4. When do you plan on re-entering the work place? Are you worried about getting a job after not being employed by a company for so long? Someday I may, I toy with the idea of getting another degree. I have a bachelors, but there's no set date for me to go back.
5. Any tips, advice, or anything you want to share about being a SAH? It's what you make of it. I never particularly loved my job so it was a no brainer for me when I had kids.
6. Where do you live? Northern Detroit suburbs
DD1, Kathleen 9/15/2007
1. Do you like being a SAHM? So far I just love it
2. What is the best/worst part of it? Best - this is my dream job! I love every part of it really. I can't think of a worst part? Sometimes I feel like getting out of the house but I'm too nervous with twin babies! I know we'll do it eventually though.
3. What kind of work did you do before being a SAHM? secretary at my dad's construction company.
4. When do you plan on re-entering the work place? Are you worried about getting a job after not being employed by a company for so long? Nope
5. Any tips, advice, or anything you want to share about being a SAH?I LOVE my schedule! I stick to it religiously.
6. Where do you live? Upstate NY wayyy out in the country in the middle of no where!
After 2 years, Injects, PCOS diagnosis and 2 IUI's, we were blessed with our beautiful twin girls!
Baby Girl #3!
I work 15 hours a week, so technically I'm not a full-time SAHM, but I'll answer for a different perspective.
1. Do you like being a SAHM? Yes, I love the arrangement I have.
2. What is the best/worst part of it? Best: being with my kids a lot, having the time to take them fun places like the zoo/pool/children's museum/etc on a daily basis. Worst: the kids mess up my house so much! I feel like I'm constantly doing housework.
3. What kind of work did you do before being a SAHM? I was a HR Manager. I still do that now but for a smaller company on a very part time basis.
4. When do you plan on re-entering the work place? Are you worried about getting a job after not being employed by a company for so long? Since I technically never left the workforce, I dont have any fears. But as a HR person, I can tell you that it's absolutely true that it is harder (in most fields, anyway) to get back in after an extended leave. I do plan on transitioning back to full time work (or closer to it) when my youngest is in first grade. I hope to find something flexible with hours (and maybe something like 30-32 hours) so DH can do dropoff/I can be home when they get off the bus. I'd prefer if one parent was always home with them if possible.
5. Any tips, advice, or anything you want to share about being a SAH? If you want to go back to full time work, stay active in your field. You don't necessarily have to work a paying job like I do, but go to networking events, go to conference, continue your knowledge in your field in some way. Don't SAH if you're sacrificing savings/retirement-it's not worth it long-term. My BILs parents did this and they regret it big time now that they are financially dependent on my SIL/BIL and it is a large burden on them. Considering that our generation will probably not get social security, we're going to need a LOT more money than previous generations have to retire comfortably.
6. Where do you live? New England.
1. I love it 90% of the time.
2. Best--Spending a lot of time with my children and having a flexible schedule. Worst--The winter when we are stuck inside.
3. I was a sixth grade teacher.
4. I plan to re-enter the workforce when my youngest goes to K, so at least four years from now. I'm not worried about it as I'm considered "highly qualified" with a Masters Degree, and can keep up with my certifications.
5. Go with the flow, enjoy every second, don't overbook your days/weeks!
6. We live about 8 miles outside of Washington DC.
1. Do you like being a SAHM? Love it!
2. What is the best/worst part of it? Best -I haven't missed a single "first" for my son, I love being his primary care-taker and getting to play with him everyday. Worst -I sometimes miss the social aspect of working. It is also really challenging when DS has an extra fussy day. Those always seem to happen on the nights DH is working late or traveling!
3. What kind of work did you do before being a SAHM? I taught 4 year old kindergarten.
4. When do you plan on re-entering the work place? Are you worried about getting a job after not being employed by a company for so long? I plan to go back part time when we are done having children and our youngest in in school full-time. I don't think I will have a hard time finding work because if I can't find a teaching job, I can sub or work in a preschool.
5. Any tips, advice, or anything you want to share about being a SAH? If you think you might want to SAH try living off one income and see if it works. DH and I started living on only his income when we got married, and by the time I started staying home we had some nice savings from my income. Make sure you set up a routine and a support system. Both are lifesavers!
6. Where do you live?Southeastern WI
Sorry to hijack the post but I thought this was really funny! I lived in the actual city as well for 4 years but grew up in the suburbs. Everyone within 30 miles of the city says they live in Atlanta!
m/c at 13 weeks - March 23, 2011
1. Do you like being a SAHM? love it!
2. What is the best/worst part of it? best - spending lots of quality time with DD and being there for all of her milestones so far...and also not being around my annoying and b!tchy co-workers! worst - lack of adult interaction, and running out of ways to keep a very active 7 month old busy who doesn't like to nap!
3. What kind of work did you do before being a SAHM? worked with the developmentally disabled
4. When do you plan on re-entering the work place? Are you worried about getting a job after not being employed by a company for so long? I plan on staying home until DD starts kindergarten, or if we have #2, whenever he/she starts school. And yes, I am worried about not getting a job because I really, really want a total career change. I'm hoping to use this time at home to learn some new skills, possibly by taking professional development courses or going back to school.
5. Any tips, advice, or anything you want to share about being a SAH? Enjoy every minute of it because it won't last forever!
6. Where do you live? in the sticks of upstate NY
1. I love it, best job in the world.
2.Best- I get to cook and watch my little ones grow up, I get to teach them new things. Worst- I don't get to spend a lot of time with adults without the kids around.
3. I was an accountant
4. I haven't decided, I will probably start getting a degree in buisness managment when all my kids are in elementery school. Maybe when I finish that? A little only because there might be people who have been working at their career longer than I have.
5. Drawing a blank...
6. Hawaii
1. Do you like being a SAHM? Yes
2. What is the best/worst part of it? Being with my family all day long (DH works from home). Worst-sometimes feeling out of the loop of adults.
3. What kind of work did you do before being a SAHM? College admissions.
4. When do you plan on re-entering the work place? Are you worried about getting a job after not being employed by a company for so long? I don't plan on returning ever.
5. Any tips, advice, or anything you want to share about being a SAH?
6. Where do you live?NJ
1. Do you like being a SAHM? Most days.
2. What is the best/worst part of it? Best: I can tailor appointments and get togethers to my schedule at home. Worst: I live in my office and my bosses can be relentless some days.
3. What kind of work did you do before being a SAHM? Bank teller and personal care attendant
4. When do you plan on re-entering the work place? Are you worried about getting a job after not being employed by a company for so long? I reenter when DD#2 starts school in 2 years. I'm not worried about it as I'll probably just take a more active role in our business.
5. Any tips, advice, or anything you want to share about being a SAH? My house is rarely clean...it's not a pigsty by any means but it's lived-in. I'm okay with that as I'll have plenty of time to keep it clean when the kids move out.
6. Where do you live? South central MN
DD#1~8/17/96------DS~10/24/05
1. Yes I love it. I have been doing it for about 5 years.
2. Best: sleep in, set my own schedule, work at my pace, flexible schedule, and do not have to answer to a boss for sick days, vacation, etc.
Worst: No pay, and even though I love staying home with DD, sometimes being home with her 24/7 drives me nuts.
3. I have cleaned houses, cooked, and worked in a crappy factory.
4.I am not sure yet. I want to raise our children and by the time they move out, I will be 42 if they both move out at age 18. By then, I don't know if anyone would hire me just to retire in 13 or so years. I was pursuing a bachelors degree in Advertising. I have completed about 90 credits but DD happened so my plans changed. I guess if I did return to work, I would complete my degree and work in the Advertising industry.
5. Sit down and make a schedule of when you need to do everything. Get in a habit of cleaning every day but also make sure you at least take off one day from your normal cleaning, errands, laundry, chores, etc. If you get sick or you just do not get around to everything that needs to be done for that day, always remember the house work will wait for you. And one of the most important rules is to make sure you get me time every day! What works for someone else might not work for you. Good luck!
6. 90 miles south-west of Dallas/ Fort Worth, Tx.