Has Anyone Left a 6-Figure Job to Go P/t or Stay Home?

Updated on July 21, 2008
T. asks from Frisco, TX
11 answers

I am trying to decide what to do with my life. I am thinking about doing p/t work, that will mean a significant reduction in income. However, I will have more time with my family and greater job satisfaction. My friends who have chosen to stay home left jobs that paid $30-50K, which seems an easier choice.

Please do not see this as bragging on my income, or a choice between money or children, we all have reasons for choosing to do what we do. I'm just trying to determine if this is a feasible choice, in a tight economy, from someone who has done it.

Thanks for your feedback.

1 mom found this helpful

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M.M.

answers from Dallas on

Hi T.,
Many people on my Work at Home United team left 6 figure jobs for the flexibility and focus on family.
They have all replaced those 6 figure incomes with our team however it takes approx a year to do so. I left a 40,000 a year job but now in 3 years have a 6 figure income + per month with this team. We actually grow faster in a bad economy.
I would suggest getting started on your work at home while you are still working then leave the 6 figure income when your work at home opportunity increases to the income you desire.
For more info on my team visit www.WorkatHomeUnited.com/TEXAS
Blessings on your decision,

1 mom found this helpful
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P.B.

answers from Dallas on

Hi T. in case your needing options on adding onto your part time www.wewteam.org/bethechange LOVE IT!!!

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K.S.

answers from Dallas on

I ended up staying home with my twins and our income went to a little less than half. At first it was very, very difficult and stressful. I will not lie about that. I felt like I was somehow failing myself since I just left a great job and promotion, and traded it for just being a stay-at-home mom. I think some of my friends thought I was nuts.

It has been two years now and I would not trade my decision for ANYTHING. Once my husband and I figured out how to budget and realized we can pay our bills and have fun without spending so much, life has been great. I am glad for my decision because I have realized what really makes ME happy. It took a while b/c I was so used to working that a complete change threw me off at first.

I just kept thinking about if something happened to me would people say "Oh, she was great at her office job" OR "Wow. What a fun mom who loved life and gave her kids special memories." Granted, there are days I miss my job and want a new house or worry about our financial future, but I also know that this decision won't last forever.

I don't think you'll be a bad mom or person for whatever choice you make. Best of luck on deciding what will be best for you and your kids! :)

S.

answers from Dallas on

i left a 6 figure job to go part time when i had my second kid.it was a easy trasition for me.Because we still lived like one income family when when we both make 6 figures.If you need some information PM me.

Also its totally worth it.

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A.B.

answers from Dallas on

T.,

I left my almost 6 figure job few years back to stay with my son. My children loved me staying home full time. I think it was more difficult for me and my staying home was possible only because my husband and children supported me.

I am back to working full time now. When I look back I think it was different and enjoyable time of my life. If you have child/children who does not go to school full time yet then you get to spend a lot of time with them.

P.S. - it depends from person to person but I like coming to work and do not have many friends outside my job. It keeps me organized and active.

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T.

answers from Dallas on

As my mom has always said, "It's only money". You have to follow your heart and do what feels right. I work part-time and was so relieved to get that balance. I have no regrets. The kids are only young once, and I'm glad I'm there to see them grow up. Good luck in your decision!

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C.P.

answers from Dallas on

Hello T.,

if you are regreting every moment you spend away from you kids then I think you answered your own question. pray as you make your decision. Now, to get ready, for the next 2 months see if you can manage only with one salary.

Take into account mortgage, house insurance, county taxes, ira and "cash" for 6 months expenses. (although 2-3 months is more realistic) if you know any moms that have left their jobs, contact them and see how they're doing. be subtle. if you decide to stay at your job you don't want it your employer to find out that you were thinking about quitting. maybe you need a different job. it's not easy walking away from a great salary but it's doable! keep in mind the current economic conditions.

Any chance you can change your hours so you're more available to your sweeties? Good luck! pray! ~C.~

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J.D.

answers from Dallas on

I did that... I cut our income in half, but I would never want to hear from someone else that my child said her first word today or called them Momma or took her first step...etc. I'm too selfish. Material things come and go, you can never get back moments in time. It took me a lot to bring Elizabeth into this world and now she is my world.

So you don't get that pedicure every other week. You grow your hair out so that you don't have to get a hair cut so often. I don't have to drive as much, so I save on gas. I have learned to shop effectively so I have cut our bills there. You just figure it out if it is what you want.

You can do it! :)

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L.S.

answers from Dallas on

been there done that. Like most jobs with higher salaries, the hours were about 40-60 (even more) a week. I was also on call a lot. I figured, I just couldn't do both well. I'm so glad I made the decision to stay home. Yes, it was an adjustment going from working full time as a type A person. I just refocused my energies on parenting, volunteer and other activities.

It's very feasibile, it just requires a re-examination of what your values are imho. Yes, we eat at home a lot more and cut back on a lot of things. It's not like we're suffering though. I think staying home has allowed me to really pare down on things that I really didn't need after all and to simplify my life. It took a while to adjust, but it's been well worth it.

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L.M.

answers from Dallas on

I left a very high 6-figure job once I had my first child. I had enjoyed many years of extremely blessed business success--traveling high class all the time--assistants--large staff. So when I left it all, I felt like I had achived success and felt good about myself and knew that if I ever wanted it back that I could do it. Yes, there have been years when it's been extremely tight (my husband owns his own company) but I wouldn't change a thing! If your heart is ready, your head will figure out a way to make it work! Now, I'm always doing funny little things to keep me occupied. It's a game to me to see how much money I can save the family! It may sound silly, but you need your mind to focus on something and mine always analyzs things financially. You'll figure out what works for you.....I'm happy for you and your new life!

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A.K.

answers from Dallas on

Hi! I cut back to part time with an almost 6 fig job in Oct. I went through a little bit of depression trying to decide what to do (I was going to quit), then a little more when the "OH MY, what did I just do" mentality hit me. I have worked since I was 15 yrs old - and sometimes 2 or 3 jobs at once. I have been raised by an independent hard working single Mom too. It was VERY difficult for me to think that I was leaving my "safe zone". However, it didn't last long! Since I've cut back, we now can have dinner at home, I don't have to drop my kids off crying at daycare every day, I have WAY less stress, life is wonderful!!! I feel like I have time for the kids, time for me, and I get to work some since I stayed on part time. I also am very fortunate that I can work part of the time from home! The only regret that I have is that I didn't do it sooner! I have a 7 & 4 yr old...I feel like I missed out on my 7 yr old since I was full time then. If you feel overwhelmed with life, stress, a yearning to be with your kids, etc - don't let work stand in your way! It stood in my way and I wish I could go back in time and stay with my kids sooner! I was so tired of people telling me "don't leave, you have such a wonderful job"...my kids are worth A LOT more than my job any day! Anyway, just thought I'd give you some of my thoughts - it was a very hard decision for me, but I'm so much happier now! My husband even comments on how our lives are better and less stressed!

Good luck in your life journey - your heart will tell you what to do!

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