Making the decision!

[Mumma]

Hi,

I have to admit first about being ignorant! I only found out today what SAHMs were! (I am hopeless with those kinds of things! heheh)

So, I started back at work part time when my DS was about five and a half months. He is now almost a year I feel like working isn't working!

My job is super stressful and getting him and I organised to get to work is stressful. I really struggle going from my 'mum' mode my non working days, to 'hyper super professional' on my working days.

So I am thinking about quitting. My worry is that I have always worked and I think I will be wanted to use my brain after a few weeks.

But I also know that I will be super happy and way more relaxed.

Has anyone been in this situation? Also, how do SAHMs keep from feeling twitchy about not working?!

Thanks! :)

[shed]

I will be watching this thread with interest...:)

[porridge]

hey mumma

I was a bit nervous about stopping work, because I always have been working and figured being at home just wasn't what I was cut out for.

You need to do what's right for you and for your bub. Being relaxed and happy at home is sooo important!

But keeping your mind active is important too.

I make time everyday to do something... I go for long walks/runs with the pram, read something besides magazines!! and I've made some new friends too, who I go walking with (without bub) and visit during the day (they have kids too)

Good luck with what you decide... :thumbsup:

[leenaomi]

Hi Mumma,

I went back to work full time when DD was 8 months old and then stopped again 6 months later because we, like you, found it all too stressful to manage which made for an unhappy household. I justified it by deciding to study part time externally so I am now doing a Diploma of Education. I love being a SAHM and I love being a student but we've realised that our bank account doesn't love it as much as we do. Therefore I am going through the process of becoming a Family Day Care provider so that I can still do all of the above while earning some money.

I find that the intellectual stimulation from studying and meeting with other students keeps me sane. That, and the fact that mum and MIL babysit DD for a day each a week!

Maybe you could either reduce work to part time to get the best of both worlds, or if you can afford to give up work altogether, take up some study for a bit of you time.

Hope that helps.

[IAdoreYou]

I'm a SAHM and have worked since I was 14 .. finished highschool of course .. just always had a part-time or full-time job until brooke came along.

Honestly - weeks DO fly and you wonder how you could ever go back to work!

I have a shiftwoker , so that makes life a little more exciting as well.

goodluck and just go with what feels right!

lisa

[Sarie]

I worked right up to my due date with DS1, then I had to go back to work as we'd bought a shop and DH was offered a great job. I was lucky that it was our own shop and I could take DS1 into the shop with me every day. He had his cot in the back room and lots of toys behind the counter.
As soon as we found out DS2 was on the way we sold the shop and I have been a SAHM ever since. I don't have any urge to go back to work.
I think you will love the time with your little one, I know I do, but everyone is different.
Can you take some time off without pay to see if it's going to be your thing?

[newmum2one]

I worried about being bored at home too, but by the time I wash, and do a bit of cleaning its lunch time, and then I do something for myself (DS is still in his sleeping all the time stage) such as scrapbooking or craft work or reading. DH works F/T so we go for a long walk together after he comes home. If you're worried about it and want to do some work from home (depending on your field) then book keeping or admin work may be a good idea, or maybe keeping the books for a local sports club or charity?
As long as you all are happy and healthy - that's all that matters.

[Little Gorilla]

Hi,

I have to admit first about being ignorant! I only found out today what SAHMs were! (I am hopeless with those kinds of things! heheh)

So, I started back at work part time when my DS was about five and a half months. He is now almost a year I feel like working isn't working!

My job is super stressful and getting him and I organised to get to work is stressful. I really struggle going from my 'mum' mode my non working days, to 'hyper super professional' on my working days.

So I am thinking about quitting. My worry is that I have always worked and I think I will be wanted to use my brain after a few weeks.

But I also know that I will be super happy and way more relaxed.

Has anyone been in this situation? Also, how do SAHMs keep from feeling twitchy about not working?!

Thanks! :)

Hi Mumma,

Well you have pretty much summed up me to a T about 3 months ago.

I too started back at work part time when DS was 5 months old. And boy did I love it for the first few months - i felt it was almost a break from my life at home, I felt like the "old" me again.

However (and a big however) - DS was in daycare 2 days a week and with my MIL 1 day while I worked. I found this very difficult. He basically had 3 routines going every week.

I found I never got on-top of house work or just general life organisation.

My job too was very stressfull and when I came home I was still dwelling on things I didn't get done at work rather than just switching off and devoting myself to my son.

So, when DS was 14 months old, it all got too much and I just quit (luckily my partner is in a solid good paying job and I could do this).

Well, my life has totally changed - i never thought I'd say this but I LOVE being a SAHM.

What keeps me busy...well, playgroups, spending quality time with my son - reading books, taking him to museums, the library, running along the beach. I've also become a bit addicted to geting my house organised - finding a place for everything and everything in its place. Ive also meet up with some mums I have met on bub hub who I see regularly so that is nice to have some adult conversation.

I found that going back to work for those months made me appreciate sooooo much more how lucky I am to be at home. I didn't realise how much I was missing out on. My son and me have bonded even more since I stopped working.

My biggest tip would be to have some sort of plan to the week - I try to get out of the house 3 days a week and be at home for 2 days just pottering around.

I absolutely take my hat off to mothers/fathers who manage to juggle both work/family committment - I don't know how you do it, you deserve a medal!!!

[Mumma]

Wow - thanks so much to everyone. I was fascinated to hear about your BubbaGanoush.

I am so nervous now about what to do! I had a really good week at work this week - I felt like I got some good stuff done. But I desparately would love a simple, relaxing routine each week.

I have got a couple weeks off work on leave so I wll see how I feel...........:confused:

[Little Gorilla]

Wow - thanks so much to everyone. I was fascinated to hear about your BubbaGanoush.

I am so nervous now about what to do! I had a really good week at work this week - I felt like I got some good stuff done. But I desparately would love a simple, relaxing routine each week.

I have got a couple weeks off work on leave so I wll see how I feel...........:confused:

hi mumma,

let us know how you go.

I basically had some time off from my job for a couple of weeks and that is what actually made me quit...I just didn't want to go back!