Careers

I was a high school teacher and a swim coach. I loved it, but I never saw my son! I wanted to be involved in his life, and my husband and I were wanting another baby. I knew I wouldn't be able to continue teaching. My son's pediatrician helped me start working from home and I have been doing it ever since. I am able to work with my kids right next to me which is amazing! They are learning work ethic and responsibility everyday! Now as a single mom, I am so blessed that I do not have to worry about daycare and I am able to help my 4 year old through this tough transition period. Now, I help other moms do the same thing I do. I love it!

Hi J.,
I was in retail management but had to leave because it became too complicated with all of the child care issues. I have three children, and I had one in child care full time, and the others in afterschool care. Well, all of my children were very ill with strep/pneumonia over a two week period, so I had to stay home of course (where I wanted to be!) but that didn't go over well with work. Then the childcare place had a water pipe burst, and closed for a week. We don't live by family, so I didn't have backups. It just wasn't meant to be. Besides, child care expenses were taking half of my monthly income! So I decided the best thing to do would be a childcare provider myself. I did that for a year and a half, and I plan to go back to having my own childcare business when we move again. The hardest part of that job is finding clients. (And keeping your sanity- hee hee!) But I really did enjoy it.
Good luck to you!

We just moved and I was thinking I'd have to get a job to make ends meet, but I realize how much it would complicate our lives and stress us all out, not to mention how much it would cost to put the three-year-old in daycare, and the six-year-old in after school care, and having to pay higher taxes, and gas, and all the other expenses of working. It just wouldn't be worth it, so that I could be exhausted and stressed all the time, and what would we do if a child was sick... It would take too much away from the family right now, and the family is most important. So for my part, I make it work on the income we have, by not shopping or paying for things we don't need (excess/trendy clothing, revolving home decor and furnishings, eating out, cable/direct tv, cell phones, etc.)

I did have to work while my husband was in vet school (he couldn't work and do well in school - and we had to live on something), and I had a baby during that time. I had specifically found a job (well before getting pregnant) in a hospital, where I could work on Saturday and Sunday, and then just two to three days during the week. My shift was 5:30am to 2pm, so my hubby took the baby to the home sitter (I asked a friend at church if she would do it, and she was delighted) around 7:30am, then I picked him up at 2 (so he averaged about 18 hours a week with the sitter). It worked out well, and hubby was able to care for baby on the weekend. But with an active family, you probably wouldn't want to be away from your kids/hubby all the time. Latch key kids aren't happy and look for fulfillment in the wrong places. When ever I do get back in the work force, I would want it to be something professional (I do have a bachelors degree) so that it is worth my time, and something that I would enjoy. My job at the hospital was quasi professional, but I did not enjoy it (was a diet tech). I might start working on a master's degree when the time comes, in social work or counseling or something, that I could do part time, and would enjoy. Or I'm always thinking I should get a nursing degree because there is so much demand... but then I kick myself for not just having done that in the first place. I've known of people who worked one shift a week, including one weekend a month, which is really reasonable, and paid well. Anyway, good luck on your quest. I've also known of people who got nursing degrees in their 40s, and pulled themselves out of poverty.

Hi J.,

I was a Middle-High School Math teacher prior to having my son. I too decided to be a SAHM. I love it. Due to complications during pregnancy, I am no longer able to have any more children. However, I am very blessed to have my little boy who is perfect! We are adopting or trying too now. That being said, I have decided to take on a work at home business. I do not have to work, I just wanted to make a little extra to help or feel like I was contributing financially. I looked for about 6 mths and finally found a company that would fit my lifestyle and allow me to spend time with my son. I chose to sell Discovery Toys. There are a lot of perks with this company, but the best part is I make money selling the things I use anyway - Toys! They are all educational and very durable and the company has not had a recall in 30yrs (very importnt to me). My son loves them and thinks he sells toys too! Working with this company allows me to make money and earn free toys! I just got to order about $50.00 worth last night for reaching a new level!

Needless to say that this is working out well for me. Most of my networking is done at the places I go anyway ..grocery, Dr., or the mall. Lots of people have heard about the toys so it is easy, and I actually get paid to play with my son (job training LOL). If you would like me to tell you more feel free to call me: ###-###-####, or you can visit my website: www.discoverytoyslink.com/rassega.

I am having a ball, meeting lots of new people, and I choose how much or little I work. Hope this helps!

Take Care, God Bless....
A Toy lady!