GTKY - NPR - What do you do for a living and/or are you a SAHM? Sticking with it?

MamaBish · February 2015

So in the interest of learning more about you lovely ladies, what does everyone do and are you planning on sticking with your current situation after baby gets here?

I'm a Marketing and Graphic Arts coordinator for an adhesive label manufacturer (yawn!) and I have a small Etsy store selling custom digital portrait illustrations (fun!).

I plan to continue working but they do offer flexible schedules so I may work half days from home so baby isn't in daycare all day.

laurendutch · February 2015

I'm a stay at home and have been for the last 4.5 years. I did work for 2 years part time with my old job. I was a coordinator for night classes for the local university. It was fun but it was becoming training and I wasn't making that much money. At first, it was just to get out of the house and get adult interaction.

karaelaine1991 · February 2015

I'm currently a grad student studying Library and Information Science with a specialization in Children and Youth Services. That basically means that after graduation I'll be qualified to be a children/teen services librarian haha. I graduate in August, which means I'll be returning to my normal routine of school and internship a whopping 2 weeks after baby's born. After graduation I'm HOPING to be a stay at home mom if DH and I can afford it. He's an accountant and works unpredictable hours, so for it to be worth it for me to work, I'd have to work full time, and I'd rather be home with baby. But if it's not possible, I'll hopefully get a job!

jbatch · February 2015

I run a daycare center with about 110 kids. It keeps me busy but I love that my 2 year old and soon to be baby are in the same building as me so I can stop in and see them whenever and I nursed my LO until she was a year without having to pump because I just brought her into my office and shut the door whenever I needed to.

Penwater1 · February 2015

SAHM who just became employed in my field. Working on emerging infectious diseases surveillance (don't worry no actual contact with diseases). Extremely happy. Will work PT to care for newborn and toddler. Daycare and my mom & hubby will help with the rest. Work knew about pregnancy at time of hire

Penwater1 · February 2015

karaelaine1991 said:
I'm currently a grad student studying Library and Information Science with a specialization in Children and Youth Services. That basically means that after graduation I'll be qualified to be a children/teen services librarian haha. I graduate in August, which means I'll be returning to my normal routine of school and internship a whopping 2 weeks after baby's born. After graduation I'm HOPING to be a stay at home mom if DH and I can afford it. He's an accountant and works unpredictable hours, so for it to be worth it for me to work, I'd have to work full time, and I'd rather be home with baby. But if it's not possible, I'll hopefully get a job!

I was finishing my BA while pregnant with my first. Had to become SAHM due to DD medical issues. But now she is doing great. Expecting #2 in June, start work next week. Mixed feelings but so happy my DH and I were able to take care of DD and that she is able to be a happy little girl. Moral if story have an idea of what you want but be flexible because what happens is often not according to plan.

KaLikeAWind · February 2015

I complained about this before so y'all may know this already, but I bartend part time (2-3 days a week) and that's all I do. Before we moved to super smalltownsville, which has really NO jobs to speak of other than waitressing or bartending (and really, they're pretty much the same thing) I worked full time for veterinary practices as either the receptionist or a veterinary nurse, depending on which position was open at my location of choice. I loved it, it was very rewarding, and I got to exercise my mind and learn a lot everywhere I went (DH is active duty military, so we move roughly every 4 years). I really miss that work, but there are only 2 practices here, and the one that doesn't suck has had the same people working there for ages.
After LO comes I will probably be a SAHM. I work so little already that it doesn't really seem to be worth the added hassle of working till 2am on Friday and Saturday nights after Ewok arrives, only to wake up at who knows how early when crying starts in morning. Also there is really no daycare here, everybody who has kids has them watched by friends or family while they work, and us being new in town with no family nearby we have no support system like that. I'm sure there is a daycare around here *somewhere*, I just haven't pursued it too far because I'm sure they won't watch my kid from 5pm to 2am, so its pointless anyway.

klkonwi · February 2015

L and D nurse. I am dropping down to part time status so two 12 hr night shifts a week and every 3rd weekend night shifts. Hope my husband can handle baby overnight without my boobs

FTM here.

karaelaine1991 · February 2015

Penwater1 said:

karaelaine1991 said:
I'm currently a grad student studying Library and Information Science with a specialization in Children and Youth Services. That basically means that after graduation I'll be qualified to be a children/teen services librarian haha. I graduate in August, which means I'll be returning to my normal routine of school and internship a whopping 2 weeks after baby's born. After graduation I'm HOPING to be a stay at home mom if DH and I can afford it. He's an accountant and works unpredictable hours, so for it to be worth it for me to work, I'd have to work full time, and I'd rather be home with baby. But if it's not possible, I'll hopefully get a job!
I was finishing my BA while pregnant with my first. Had to become SAHM due to DD medical issues. But now she is doing great. Expecting #2 in June, start work next week. Mixed feelings but so happy my DH and I were able to take care of DD and that she is able to be a happy little girl. Moral if story have an idea of what you want but be flexible because what happens is often not according to plan.

Yeah, I'm definitely going to be open to working if necessary after graduation. I have to graduate on time because I have a full ride, and it can't be deferred to next year, so I'm taking extra courses this semester so I'll only have 1 night class and 2 online courses during the summer. That way, either me or my husband will be able to be with DD at all times just in case she needs us to be

she's not going to be left with anyone else until she's a bit older!

briafields94 · February 2015

I'm currently working on my BA in English with a emphasis on creative writing and a minor in Communications! I also work part time for UHAUL from home. I schedule truck reservations for people and help with some minor issues, the pay is actually pretty good for working from home! once my baby comes in june me and my SO are moving to Louisiana so i'll be moving schools and creating a whole new life. I plan on either taking online classes once my son is here or just taking the fall semester off to really bond with him and let my SO take care of everything.

I feel kind of bad because i won't be able to work and contribute for a while, hopefully i can get over it or find a way to work and not have my baby in a daycare. (i am not a daycare fan at the moment) But we'll see how everything works out over the next few months.

BabyList · February 2015

I am a case manager/QIDP for a company that employs individuals with disabilaties. I am hoping I stay home once this baby gets here, but who knows!

LoriN103 · February 2015

I am in medical sales so I basically live in my car. I'm starting to freak out about how this is going to work once LO arrives since my hours can be unpredictable. I would love to be a SAHM but my benefits are too good to give up *sigh*

katester91 · February 2015

I work full time as a nurse on second shift. Unfortunately I will have to return to work but DH and I are talking about me possibly going part time. We will see.

queequeg09256 · February 2015

I work in insurance, auto and home (big yawn!). I'm planning on coming right back to work. Both dh and I were daycare babies so not so worried about her being in daycare. My job has lots of opportunities for advancement and my b.a. puts me in a prime spot for them. Hoping to start a law degree in the next few years as well.

amabarne · February 2015

I am an full time audiologist at a private practice. I plan on coming back to work 6-8 weeks after LO gets here. I just got my doctorate last May and those student loans aren't going to pay for themselves!

katyertl · February 2015

I'm currently in nursing school working two jobs. One as a server at a local Olive Garden and another as a bar tender at a country bar n grill type place. I'll only have one more semester in the fall to complete once our little girl is born. Then thinking of just getting a part time nursing job. I would be a SAHM if we didn't have my mom as our free babysitter. day care can be so expensive and wouldn't be worth me working. I'd like to just be part time once I get my nursing degree but we will see!

tealbee · February 2015

Certified nursing assistant. Planning on going back to work after baby !

ksimo6 · February 2015

I'm a project and progam manager in operations for a large corporation. I went to 90% after my daughter was born and would like ot drop to 80% after this little guy comes along. Ideally, I would like to work 3 days per week and then be home with my kids the other days. Hopefully, we can make that happen soon! I am not sure I could handle being home all day every day!

aj1327 · February 2015

I'm a teacher right now and flip flopping between staying home next year or coming back. My husband says it's totally my decision. On one hand I really want to be with my little boy, on the other I'm worried about lack of adult interaction. I have a few friends that stay home but not many. Any advice? I'm a FTM.

ksimo6 · February 2015

amccoy129 - any oppertunity to sub at you school or in your district? It may be a hassle with daycare, but it would give you oppertunities to interact with adutls and stay home with the little guy.

Frogger5 · February 2015

I am a speech therapist in a public school. I'll have the summer off and then take my 12 weeks in the fall. DH will stay home the week and a half from when I go back until winter break, and again in January, so daycare won't have to start until Feb. Not a bad deal, although the 12 weeks is completely unpaid. It's kind of like 6 months at 50%!

mrs1374a · February 2015

I am a SAHM

mccall35 · February 2015

I'm a SAHM. I graduated with my Masters in Occupational Therapy a couple of months before DS was born (he'll be 2 in March). I'm toying with the idea of entering the workforce once this LO is a year, but we will have to see where we end up when DH is done his Residency.

aliciac2008 · February 2015

I own and teach at my own piano studio from home. It is really nice because I get to stay home all day, the pay is fantastic (I only work 20 hours a week, but am paid like I work 40), and I get to set my own hours. I'll probably only work 15 hours or so once the baby comes, and my mom will babysit while I'm in lessons. Either that, or I'll just have her sit through my lessons. The parents are really sweet and flexible, so they wouldn't mind if I need to duck out for a couple minutes to change a diaper.

annatta79 · February 2015

I'm an attorney. I do mostly oil and gas work, but have done other stuff in the past. Most every weekend reminds me that I am no cut out to be a SAHM. Kudos to those of you who are. Plus, as a pp said, student loans don't pay for themselves. DH is a teacher and a coach. This will be our second, DS1 is 15 months old.

AmyCee · February 2015

I am a former teacher/director of curriculum development. I stayed home for a year with my first - went back part-time after he turned one...failed miserably in everything I did and resigned almost two years ago...told DH to plan on me staying home at least until this one is in first grade - I'll go back as a para-pro initially then back to teaching it is...

As for the adult interaction - I'm going to be proactive in coordinating playgroups this time - I lost a bit of myself when I was home last time. I don't have the extra money to go to coffees, lunches, and do a million activities - but I can provide some snacks, clean floors, blankets and a place to get together

katier29 · February 2015

I'm a stay at home wife right now.. I'll stay a stay at home mom/wife for a while. In the fall I'll go back to school and finish my ultrasound degree.

BchBaby5 · February 2015

Attorney practicing estate planning and real estate law. I will be going back full time after baby. Just took an enjoyable week vacation and was itching to get back in the office by the end of my vacation.

FirstTime41 · February 2015

I have a law degree, but don't really practice. I work full time writing contracts for a large mine, so big company with good benefits but teeny tiny little town. The only hospital is an hour away, which freaks me out as a FTM! I'm told I'll get 6wks fmla, and only 12 if my dr says I need it. I will be a single mom so will absolutely have to return to work full time (and I have those fun student loans, too!), but am having the hardest time imagining going back to 9 hr days when LO is only 6 wks old! I also moved my 75 yr old mom into my house last year, she was getting lonely and has pretty bad arthritis. She assures me she'll be able to care for LO once I go back to work, but I'm not sure how long I can realistically count on that with her health declining and LO eventually crawling & then running!

Katerina&Baby · February 2015

Attorney - corporate practice (private investment fund specialty). I'm in "big law" so I work insane hours. I'll definitely be returning to work after my maternity leave - DH is a teacher so he has a lot more flexibility, which is key for us.

janat1717 · February 2015

I supervise business analysts at a Fortune 500. Not going back. May even homeschool eventually. I've already joined some cool parenting groups here and plan to stick with my yoga group which is pretty child friendly.

rwelzjensen · February 2015

I am a background investigatior for a private company. We do backgrounds for various law enforcement agencies. I have an incredible boss and ill be dropping to 4 days/week once LO gets here. Myhubby is a probation officer, so he works 4on/3off, so he will be helping with LO quite a bit! ♡

knwilliams01 · February 2015

I am graduating in May and starting a surgery residency in July. Since this will more than likely include us relocating (we find out in March), my husband is going to stay home for 6 months or so before finding a job in our new town.

shannonhogan12 · February 2015

I'm a teacher and plan on taking a few weeks off in the fall then going back to work full time.

Emilywooddesign · February 2015

I'm an interior designer, mostly high end residential with some commercial spaces. I've just stopped taking on projects so I just have a few things to tie up and I will officially be retired. I hate working and am looking forward to being a stay at home mom, forever!

AngelGurl83 · February 2015

I'm a NICU RN and I plan to return to work. It's definitely a Mommy friendly environment and only 5 minutes from home. DH could even bring baby by for me to nurse the first couple feeds of the night and then pump in the wee morning hours.

Zeuskay01 · February 2015

My husband and I are both Active Duty Army. I thought about getting out because I'm really not looking forward to putting my baby in daycare after 6 weeks but I decided to stick through it. I can imagine it'll be twice as hard once the little one comes but it'll be worth it. I have less than 2 years left in my contract and then I'll see where I go from there.

wendy5326 · February 2015

I am (well was until we found out we were expecting) an embalmer for a top mortuary in socal. Now I'm doing paperwork for the same company but hoping to take as much time off as I possibly can once our little girl comes along. Love my job but it can definitely be hard to mix new baby and work.

ngaines27 · February 2015

My husband and I are house parents at a group home facility for teenaged girls. For me, it's very similar to being a SAHM just a grander scale. My DH and other house dads work to keep the ranch grounds looking nice and the animals fed. We love it and are looking forward to adding to our already large family here.

silvilu · February 2015

I'm a school psychologist. I'll only be working until the end of May and then stay at home with my baby through August. I plan on returning back to my full-time work duties in September.

Kovak · February 2015

I am currently a stay at home mom. I had to quit working shortly after I found out I was pregnant with DS back in 2012. I was a Wellsite Geologist in the Bakken Oilfield. It was too dangerous. I am planning on going back to get my masters in geology in 2016 (we'll see). It isn't cost effective for me to work right now. Daycare is way too expensive and wages here are way too low! I currently knit and sell stuffed animals just to get a little extra income.