Quitting work to be a sahm?

rosielx

I'm thinking about becoming a sahm next year when my children are 3 and 7. We are losing child benefit because husband is over the limit. I'm a low earner so we are breaking even paying child care with me working and will have the same amount of money coming in if I stay at home. :eek:

I'm finding it hard to make a decision as I'm on a permanent contract but have to commute 20 hours to work a 28 hour 4 day week for below average earnings. Have tried to get new jobs but rejected post interview. I also have a serious life long illness so am very tired from working and can't enjoy my children . Husband will continue to pay my private pension and living expenses but I'm finding it very hard to walk away from having a job. I would love to spend more time with my children as my youngest has been in childcare almost full time since he was three months of age and we have recently taken on some chickens to start having our own food supply (eggs not chickens).

I've asked for a govt state pension forecast and also a letter showing my current NI contributions record. I will not be claiming benefits except for child benefit so that I can keep my NI contributions up to date until my youngest is 12. Does anyone have any advice or have had the guts to make the decision. I'm such a wimp

Amanda65

The thing that stands out most to me is that your communte almost doubles the time you are out of the house :eek::eek:.

I would say if you can afford it, do it and see if you like it. Who knows how things will have changed by this time next year or what local part time jobs might be round the corner? I know it sounds blase in the current climate but you may find out about opportunities because you are there rather than looking for something specifically advertised. And who knows, you might love being at home and turn into Barbara Good (apologies if you are too young to understand that reference )

Mojisola

As your financial position won't be any different, I would go for it.

Without work and being tired from travelling, you will feel better. Your family will benefit from this - you should be able to shop more efficiently and will have time to get stuff done round the house so that the weekends can be quality family time.

Once you get settled into life at home, start looking at training you can do to improve your job searching later on or any small business opportunities.

Don't look on it as giving up work - it's a wonderful opportunity.

rosielx

Now have the tuen to the good life going around in my head :T:rotfl:. Showing my age. Thanks for the advice. Problem is I have a wonderful childminder at the moment and will never get the kids back in with her if I take them out but that's not the way to live life. I feel very guilty when I drop my little boy off as I only see him 1-1.5 hours a day for four days when he is awake. The joys of being a working mum

Person_one

You won't need a childminder for much longer, they'll both be in school soon.

Once they are, I agree with Mojisola that you should have a think about what you want to do for the rest of your working life and work towards that. Training, voluntary work etc. until you are ready to apply for jobs again.

rosielx

:rotfl:Will have to think some more. I already have a B.Sc, Masters and PhD plus a BTEC ND in animal care but no idea what to use them for apart from lab work :rotfl:

Mojisola

rosielx wrote: »

:rotfl:Will have to think some more. I already have a B.Sc, Masters and PhD plus a BTEC ND in animal care but no idea what to use them for apart from lab work :rotfl:

Would you want to go back to lab work or is there something else you've always fancied trying?

Person_one

rosielx wrote: »

:rotfl:Will have to think some more. I already have a B.Sc, Masters and PhD plus a BTEC ND in animal care but no idea what to use them for apart from lab work :rotfl:

What are your academic qualifications in?

Do you like what you do now and its just not practical or do you hate your job?

rosielx

Lots of work i cant do as i have crohns and on bad days spend long time in bathrooms . Qualifications are in molecular biology mainly. I used to love lab work but had problems at work last year due to long period of illness and the situation has not improved. I always wanted to be Quincy or Columbo when growing up - shows age again. Now on 2hr commute home.p

kj*daisy

In your shoes I would like a shot, I am in a similar dilemma, but only work 3 days and earn good money which isn't all used up by child care now my kids are at school. But I also have health problems and a stressful job, which means work are getting most of my energy even working reduced hours, and that leaves little for my family. But I'm no where near ill enough for ESA or anything like that. My DH also earns less than yours, so for me it's a very difficult decision as it would greatly affect us money wise as a family. For you, if money wise you'll be the same, go for it. It makes sense in so many ways. Good luck

Just seen your latet post, I must be a similar age to you as I wanted to be Quincy too and did science at university!! I don't work in science now though - wish I had stuck with it. Once you are not working you might find it easier to think about alternatives for the future and may feel better without the stress as well.

McKneff

Go for it, think about how much your children will love having you at home, and when they come in from school, theres mum to tell what they've been doing all day instead of the childminder.

Good luck