Working women almost certainly caused the credit crunch

lostinrates

harrup wrote: »

Haven't had any life satisfaction reports from the ironing, infertile gals staying at home, !

That would be me I guess :rolleyes:

mountainlioness

fc123 wrote: »

In my experience, those who could afford to SAH (in nice living space in nice areas) did so and those that couldn't afford to, didn't.

My experience would be that it depends on the individual and his/herjob... Money of course is one factor but if that wasn't the critical one then surely others come into play? Your own personalities will be a big part of this - DH and me understand ourselves well enough to know that neither would chose to SAH full-time and that having some kind of social and mental stimulation at work would make us personally happier people and happier people are likely to be better parents. My own mum's an academic and has always worked - it's her example that really gave me self-reliance and belief in my capabilities (not always rock solid but hey!) so I hope I'd pass that on to our kid.

Other people will be happier at home, it's not about one being 'better' but 'better for you' - assuming of course you're in the relatively fortunate position of being able to 'choose'... important thought that both people's needs are taken into account.

fc123

mountainlioness wrote: »

My experience would be that it depends on the individual and his/herjob... Money of course is one factor but if that wasn't the critical one then surely others come into play? Your own personalities will be a big part of this - DH and me understand ourselves well enough to know that neither would chose to SAH full-time and that having some kind of social and mental stimulation at work would make us personally happier people and happier people are likely to be better parents. My own mum's an academic and has always worked - it's her example that really gave me self-reliance and belief in my capabilities (not always rock solid but hey!) so I hope I'd pass that on to our kid.

Other people will be happier at home, it's not about one being 'better' but 'better for you' - assuming of course you're in the relatively fortunate position of being able to 'choose'... important thought that both people's needs are taken into account.

Just out of interest, how many children do you have already?

mountainlioness

None, one on the way...

I know I know people will just say 'you don't know until you have one...' well, yes, of course :rolleyes: (no-one's asked DH if he plans to SAH of course) but I know myself and I've seen what my friends and colleagues have done... almost all the women have gone back, some part-time, some full. Sometimes it's necessity, but for those who could have managed on the partner's wage, there were other reasons as well as the extra cash. Don't think that's particularly contraversial - though there is a tendency still to see women who are keen to work in a different way from men who are keen to work. Questions are asked of the former (by women as well as men) but people tend to accept the latter as being just naturally ambitious and committed.

People are individuals, and these decisions need to be made by the individuals involved - just don't get why we need to be so prescriptive and judgmental about motherhood choices (not that am saying you are!) The 'why bother to have kids if you're not going to stay at home?' brigade is no better than 'you're not a complete person unless you work as well' brigade. Both assume there is a 'should' involved.

Fly_Baby

I went back to work part-time and did a degree at the Uni at the same time, after birth of my first child. It was difficult but manageable (even got my Masters with a Merit).

In retrospect, I was happier then than I am now - staying at home with child No 2 and fewer financial worries.

In my post-natal baby group, three women out of 9 went back to work. Two more would like to too, but childcare prices in our area make it not worth it. Another two are pregnant with their next baby. One works from home. Just one is a voluntary SAHM and happy about it.