Previous sahm

blushingbride_08

Were any of you a sahm and went back to work? If so why did you make the switch and do you have any regrets while staying home?

Nechie122

Not technically a previous SAHM but I did work part-time from home for 7.5 months after maternity leave. I don't regret it at all and I'm so thankful that I had that opportunity. But I was bored and my previously exciting career was going nowhere. Now I'm back at an office full-time and so much happier.

chardonnay24

I SAH for 16 months before I went to work PT. I think it would have been really hard for me to go back FT, but I don't regret going back for a minute. Working is so much easier for me than SAH ever was.

hansa11

Former SAHM of three years. Although I always wanted to stay home with my kids, I'll admit it was a huge adjustment and it took me about two years to get into a groove.  I wasn't always happy, but I couldn't imagine going back to my old job, which I hated. I didn't have a plan of when I wanted to go back to work, but when a job opportunity came up, I reluctantly took it and surpised myself by how much I enjoy working outside the home.  Now I totally understand when others described their jobs as providing balance in their lives.  I do not regret one bit the years I spent at home.  I learned a lot about myself, had time to adjust to motherhood and made a lot of friends for myself and my kids through moms groups and such. 

bearfootz

I stayed home with my kids (twins) for 15 months.  The choice was made for me as I was laid off right before getting pregnant.  I tried finding a new job but no luck, and after the twins were born I had to focus on good paying jobs or it wouldn't have been worth going back given the cost of daycare.  I went back to work after a former job of mine opened back up.  It's not my dream job, but is one that I could transition back into with ease and my boss if flexible when it comes to family time (if I need to work from home if the kids are sick, leaving for dr appt's, etc.).

I'm glad that I had time at home with the kids, especially since the first few months were difficult with lots of sleepless nights and with them being preemies I'm glad they didn't have to go to daycare.  Sometimes I really miss it, but there were also days where I just was not happy.  I stressed out about money/finances and worried about the pressure being on DH, especially since he didn't like his job.  He was also laid off for a few months and we had to dip into savings.  I just didn't like that feeling of not being financially secure.

Going back to work was hard at first, and there are days where I wish I could be home with them.  But I think it's harder on me than the kids.  We found quality daycare (in our home) and the kids are very happy.  And I like being among adults during the day.  I've also found that I appreciate my time with the kids even more now and make the most of it.

But now that we're trying for the third I'm nervous as I'm not sure how I'm going to leave a baby...

bearkatjen

I was a SAHM for 3.5 years. The plan was to stay home for a few years and then go back. I planned grad school around staying home, so it was a productive period for me, and I was happy to be home with DS while he was very young, especially for the first year. As soon as I graduated, I got a position and started working again. DS and I were both ready for me to start working when I did. I was over the SAHM thing at the start of last school year, and DS wanted to go to preschool a lot more than two mornings a week. We're both really happy with me working, and him going to daycare full time.

bumpuser511563

I was for 6 months.and I had no regrets staying home. What I do regret was staying home with DH because he was awful with his depression and anger of being laid off. I actually was planning on being a SAHM but DH ran out of unemployment and I had to work for us to make it and he had to go to school and finish.

chels0120

I was a SAHM until my DS was about 2. Then I returned to work because my DH's job got very slow and I didn't want us to stress financially and DS was soooo ready for preschool. I REALLY miss all the time I got with my little man but I don't regret starting back to work or being a SAHM! I think both have been very beneficial for us all!!

KL777

I was a SAHM for 3 years.  I went back to work for financial reasons.  In my ideal world I would've went back part-time year around---currently it's part-time 56% of the year and full time 44% of the year.

No, I do not have any regrets while SAH.  I feel very fortunate to have had that time with DS. 

Also, I was ready to get back to working outside of the home by the time DS was about 3 years old due to the whining and tantrums---that drove me crazy.

Furthermore, homeschooling DS for early preschool was very taxing on me. While I was a SAHM it wasn't in the budget to send him to preschool.  DS gained a lot of benefits when he started preschool at age 3 (and I went back to work) and I could simply supplement and reinforce his learning.

I also enjoyed getting back in to my career.  I didn't realize how much I missed it until I went back to work :-)