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SAHM vs. Working

MommyAndHerLatteMommyAndHerLatte member
in Stay at Home Moms
I recently became a SAHM (well, about 6 months ago), and I've really been loving it.  But I'm starting to worry about the future (i.e. how difficult it will be to find a job in a few years, what if something happens to DH, etc).  I have great references from my previous job, but those references may not be there later if I decide to take a few years off.  How did all you ladies reconcile these fears when deciding to be SAHMs?  

In an ideal world, I would be a SAHM until my LO (and hopefully more LOs) grew up, but I know life can be unexpected.  My aunt was a SAHM with 3 little ones when my uncle passed away suddenly.  At the same time, it makes me sad to think about working, especially the fact that DS would be in daycare for most of the day and I wouldn't be able to see him grow up.  Any advice/tips would be greatly appreciated!  :)
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Re: SAHM vs. Working

  • Disneygeek77Disneygeek77 member

    Well, I have stayed in contact with my former boss, I have a small part time job ( not in the same field) that I can have references from and well... I have resigned myself to knowing that if / when I re-enter the workforce, I will most likely have to start at the bottom again. 

    I might take a computer class to update my skills, but again, I have accepted the fact I will start at the bottom. 

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  • littlemermaidlittlemermaid member
    I've been a sahm for 13 years and have no plans of returning to work.  My husband made sure to get a sizeable life insurance policy on himself so that way I wouldn't have to return to work right away if something were to happen to him.
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  • littlelamb99littlelamb99 member
    Ditto on the life insurance.  If DH passed unexpectedly we'd be okay for a loooong time.  Also, I have life insurance on me so we can pay off our house which is the only debt we have and also pay for a many years of extras (summers in daycare, etc.) since DD is almost 5.

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  • MommyAndHerLatteMommyAndHerLatte member
    Thanks for your input! We have been talking about life insurance too. Other than life insurance and supplemental life insurance through DH's work, are there any other options we should consider? And companies are good/trustworthy? I'm totally unfamiliar with life insurance... (And all this talk about life insurance is kind of sad...)
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  • Marymak07Marymak07 member
    We use Northwestern Mutual.  They have a great record.
    SAHM to Eli, born 11.26.11
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  • MommyAndHerLatteMommyAndHerLatte member
    cjcouple said:

    Make sure you all have Life Insurance on yourselves too and your kids

    Heaven forbid, something happen to you, there is a huge hole left in the family. Not just the loss of mom, but now you need to consider childcare, and possible loss of income from dh having to change hours/careers/etc. 

    There are some great child options as well, for a term life insurance which is usually a one time lump sum payment (ours was $295 for each child for $10K coverage) and they are covered until 21 - AND they are then guaranteed coverage when they age out into an adult premium, (it also avoids any issues with pre-existing conditions etc) just something to ask about

    Oh wow, I hadn't even thought of that. Thanks for the tips. And thanks for the tip about DH's insurance at work--I didn't know that either! Glad I asked this board!
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  • SocialworkgirlSocialworkgirl member
    When I got life insurance on me before DD was born, I went through one of those companies that will find you the best deal. I think it was which ever one that Suze Orman advertises. It was pretty easy.
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  • freezorburnfreezorburn member
    No one has mentioned disability insurance. If the breadwinner is unable to work, you will need to cover expenses while SAH looks for work, childcare if the disabled parent is unable to watch kids, and possibly medical and home help costs for the disabled parent, depending on the nature of the illness or disability.
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  • kcisthebombdotcomkcisthebombdotcom member
    Do you work in a field where you can take on a consulting role? I do something like this and I can do it on my own timeline and its only a few hours a few times a year. It keeps my résumé active. If that's not an option (or Even if it is) attend networking events to keep your contacts active at all times. Take classes that are field specific and keep up any certs you may have (or consider getting certified if that's an option in your field and you haven't already). Yes, it is difficult to get back to the workforce when you've taken a break. Yes, you're going to take a paycut and a step back when you get back in. It isn't impossible though and I've seen many do it. Good luck!
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  • mrsrobinsontobemrsrobinsontobe member
    I went pt, and now that my kids will both be in school ft this year (sniff, sniff!) I plan to remain pt! I am a teacher, and I can't get over the struggle I'm seeing some former teachers turned SAHMs going through! It's not easy to get back into lots of fields these days, especially when you are already a mom! I love that I have a solid, good job, that takes very little (if any) time away from my family!
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  • ILoveBoysILoveBoys member
    Don't laugh, but I do direct sales. I'm in charge of a team of 8 right now, and use many skills that can be put on a resume.
    If you're concerned about a specific field maybe you could do some volunteer work or take continuing Ed classes
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  • heedy07heedy07 member
    Try Zander for life insurance. They find you theand best deal and are Dave Ramsey approved :)
    K, born 05/06/10 B, born with a few surprises 07/20/11  

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