Returning to Work After 7 Years Home

You have to do what makes you feel sane at the end of the day. I know alot of people come down with a hard opinion on either side of this issue, but I really think it is something that only you can decide.

I am a SAHM of five who has been home about 7 1/2 yrs. and there have been bunches of times when I have felt lost in the lives of my family. We would save more money with me staying home than with me working and I still have two that are pretty young (2 and 1 yrs.) so I am here for a bit.

I think if I were still feeling conflicted after a month, I would find some other options. If that is what you have to do, you could still find ways to get out there a be your own person. Hobby Lobby or Michaels have all kinds of arts and crafts classes and even cake decorating. You could find some local places that do cooking seminars, or hook up with the local tech school or junior college and do some adult education. I plan to put my two in mother's day out for a day a week and take a cooking class or volunteer at the local children's hospital.

I hope it all works for you, and in the event it doesn't, don't worry there are still other options for you. I promise it isn't all or nothing. It's just a matter of finding the way that works.

Oh, my heart ached when I read that, knowing it must tug on your heart for your daughter's to feel so strongly about it. If you heart is really tugging at you after another week or so, you might want to consider another opportunity. I've been home for 5 years and about a year and a half ago, started a business that I can work from home for the most part, but I do have to go to do "purse parties" about 1-2 times a week. I get a sitter 2 times a week to play with my kids so that I can make phone calls, do paperwork, etc. It isn't always easy balancing it from home, but I love bringing in $1000 paychecks and only leaving the house 2 nights a week. Sometimes I can work my business during "play date" hours and have a play date for my kids, while I'm doing a purse party. I can tell you more about my particular business if you want to know or I am sure you can do a posting to ask other mom's about their businesses. If you want to see mine, you may go to www.mythirtyone.com/inspire or you may email me privately. I am sure lots of moms can introduce you to different things that might seem to be a perfect fit for you...if it is what you want, that still allow you to be with your family more while making some extra money. Whether we need to work or not, it is always nice to feel like we are bringing home some of the bacon, huh?

I hope you find the right fit for you. The day care might be...but it just may take a bit for them to adjust not having mommy right there every second of the day.

Many blessings to you as you work through this decision!!

HI T. I am a mother of Five also. My Husband died when he was 33.(Heart attack) I have always stayed home with the kids, now that they are getting older and because I needed the extra income for my last three to stay in the Christian School I put them in. I got a part time job Driving Bus. I thought the hours would have me home enough with the kids. It does not.
I have children with Special needs and they do not like change, It took them longer than most to accept Mom being gone.
I think now that I should have stayed home and been with them more. I have cut back on my hours again and know now after loosing my husband so young,and getting my sanity back that they are only young once. We can never get these years back. I feel like I missed some of their growing up. And wished I had of did things differently. This is your decision and Whatever it is you should be proud of yourself. I can also tell that you are a great Mom. So maybe you do need to get out. As for me I wish I had those years back.
Mine are all Teens now and starting to do their own things.
I just want those two years back right after my husbands death.(I wasn't myself then) And I want to remember more of those two years. and the five that I have worked and should have stayed home.
My story is long, and I don't wish to bore you. I just don't want you to look back one day and wish for years already passed like I am doing. My Job as a mother was so much more rewarding and worth while then any other job I have had.
We don't get paid but when you hear someone say how wonderful your daughter has grown up and she's about to go off to college. Or How proud I should be that my son is a Marine and not sitting around doing drugs and living off his parents. Then I know that my Job was truly staying at Home and raising my kids and sending out into the world Loving and productive adults. Good Luck and I hope this helps you some. I truly understand the not wanting to be at home all the time. But for me I wished I had of thought things through and realised how important my job really is.

Hey T.! I can understand wanting to do something to keep your mind active and be able to meet with others also, but at the same time I did not want to have to put ANY of my 3 kids in childcare. I wanted to make sure they were getting the quality care they needed, and even when they are older, and in there teens, I think it's important to be able to be home for them after school or be there for their after-school activities!

Have you ever considered a work from home business? You can still get out of the home and this is a great way to meet others locally! I love what I do, and I actually have a 2 year old son, and 14 month old twins, so for me, it was nearly impossible for me to even think about working outside of the home and this business has been a huge blessing for my family, not to mention I get to talk with other moms all day, and at the same time be able to spend QUALITY time with my family! I've only been doing this for a little over 5 months now, and I cannot imagine my life without it, it has been one of the best decisions i've made for my family! I'd love to help you out if you are interested! You can request more info. at www.freedomhomewithfamily.com and we can set up a time to talk in detail! We do not sell, do parties, stock/ship inventory, and there is no risk! Look forward to talking soon!
Amberly

I just started working part time after staying home with my kids for 5 years. They are not to upset about it because we have worked it out where they can stay home with their dad. I am also a very social person and was feeling secluded as well. I am so happy about getting out into the world, and I think it gives me a fresh look at things at home. You have to do what makes you happy so you can be a great mom. The kids will get used to it and it may be a good thing that they go for the socialization. I had thought about sending my son to preschool only for that reason, but didn't. Now he is going to start kindergarten and I worry about his social skills. When it is time to decide you will know what the right decision will be. Listen to your heart.
Good luck.

Only you can know for sure, but college costs so much now a days, that its great if you can help out...

I'd say it's worth it, if the transition doesn't take too long...
hang in there & good luck!