Stay at Home Moms

Almost a SAHM...encouragement appreciated!

I have been staying home with baby Hudson since August when he was born. I am scheduled to return to work on Wednesday and am absolutely dreading it. My DH has checked our finances and thinks it will be feasible for me to stay home full time.

 Would appreciate your thoughts on making this change - what are some things you had to adjust?

Also, if you had to quit your job, any suggestions on making it the least stressful? I feel bad about taking maternity leave and then quitting, but I don't see any requirements about staying at work for a certain amount of time after a leave. 

I know this is rambling, so please don't flame, just a lot going through my mind and very emotional about not being with Hudson on Wednesday!

Re: Almost a SAHM...encouragement appreciated!

  • I think if you can swing it financially, staying at home with your child is a wonderful gift you can give to him, and to you and your husband.  But if it is not possible, do not feel guilty because there are lots of working moms all over the country and your little Hudson will be just fine.  I have no doubt the nerves and anxiety you are feeling right now are completely typical of a mom about to return to work.  All moms go through it.  

    I quit my job right when my maternity benefits ran out, as we had planned from when we got pregnant.  I felt horrible about quitting because I did not let on at all that I was going to do so but my boss took it in stride and was very gracious.  They did not give me a hard time.  I had to do it over the phone because of course I was on maternity leave when it happened.  If you do it, just be professional and upfront and if you need to work for 2 weeks (as in allowing them to have 2 weeks notice) and then leave I think that is fair to your employer.  As much as it pains you to quit like this, don't worry because they are a business and they will figure it out.

    Good luck, you are going to be a great stay at home mom!   

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  • Funny you post this as I am headed in to give my notice tomorrow. I think it is one of the best things to do if you can with your finances and if you want to. I have been off since 9/4 and am scheduled to go back on 2/1, so I am giving them a bit of notice as all of Jan is unpaid leave for me. 

    I would say go for it and then if you feel like you need something to get out of the house for work you can always try for a part time job.

    My deciding factor, besides finances and the want to do it, was that I did not want to miss anything that DS did for his firsts. GL!  

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  • I was unsure if I was going to return to work after having dd. I was on maternity leave before I decided to not return. For me it was the best decision! I love being the one there for her every day. I have gotten to experience all her firsts and wouldn't trade that for the world! We have had to make sacrifices to make this work and I will probably go back once our dd's are older and in school, but for now I thank God for this opportunity!!

    It is also important to take some time for yourself. As a stay at home mom your job never ends (as if you didn't already know that). I really enjoy going to the gym at night or out to dinner with the girls. I had a lot of guilt at first when I would do something for myself but quickly realized I really needed that for my sanity.

    Sorry for the long response and good luck with your choice!

  • Do it. Remember, it doesn't ahve to be forever. I stayed home for the first year of each of my 2 kid's lives. And am hoping to stay home again in the future - but even if I don't- the two years I aspent with my kids was invaluable.
  • I think everything WILL work itself out and you shouldn't worry too much as SAH is what you really want and feel is best for your family.  :)

    I wasn't in your shoes, with leaving after maternity leave (I left way before that point) but I think it's always best to speak to your employer about their policy for leaving without coming back after maternity leave (you can just call HR) and just to make sure you don't burn that bridge, maybe talk to your boss about your replacement (should you come train them, etc.).

    Best of luck!!!

    eclaire 9.10.06  diggy 6.2.11

  • I made sure that I used up all my maternity leave before resigning. I think it's pretty common. I also think many moms don't do it on purpose, but they don't know how bad they want to stay home until they've had their baby and experienced being home....then they realize how much they want it. I wouldn't feel bad. Do what your heart tells you. Don't feel that you owe your job anything. It's just a job, your child is way more important. If you can swing it financially and it's what you want, then by all means I would jump at this opportunity. :)
  • If you both have a car, call your car insurance company and find out what savings you will get by changing your driving status to "recreational".  When you don't use your vehicle for work then it is a lower cost of premium.  You can also look into downgrading your cell phone/landline plans, cable/internet plans.  These are just some areas that really add up month to month.
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