Saving money by becoming a house wife

suki1964

I didn't have any skills other then a willingness to work hard at whatever came my way that suited my life around the family

Yes I can get better paid jobs, yes I can get jobs using the qualifications I worked for. But I don't want the feeling tied to a place, taking work home etc. I now work for the extras, pocket money, I work when it suits me, not feeling like I HAVE to work to keep employers happy


I think though that because I took a break down 15 years back it was easier for me to make the transition. I think that anyone who has worked full time since leaving school does struggle with the idea of being a sahw because the work ethic is so ingrained

My personal way if getting through it is we don't claim any benefits. We ( hubby and me) both work hard to make this work for us with out relying on anyone else. Since we done it we have become mortgage free and are now bringing up grandchildren and saving for our pensions.

Money isn't really tight, just we know how to make every penny count and I can afford the time to do that

Tenyearstogo

Blether I probably made it sound like it's his decision. But it's more that my husband thinks I'd benefit from it. I didn't word it well in my original post but it's something we've talked about a lot. I was a single mum before I met him and he knows that if I want to work, I will.

Financially I control everything. He wouldn't know how much any of our bills are, he doesn't have a clue of our household income either.

Pension wise, we on track to pay off our mortgage early and have pension pots in place, those will still be paid for if I gave up work.

I wouldn't lose independence because I'd probably do a bit of volunteering at the school and I have lots of friends who don't work. I probably would do some part time work or retraining at some point.

Bella56

If you enjoy being at home, there's alot to be said for contentment. I hear people say how they "deserve" a holiday because they've worked so hard, well we're really happy as we are & don't feel the need to spend loads to escape our reality for a couple of weeks. (Not that I don't enjoy holidays, just that we've been more content with me at home with the kids and just don't feel the same urge to get away.) Saves a small fortune each year, as we used to do big holidays abroad but now its just camping for a couple of nights.

Goldiegirl

My first thought on reading your OP, was that your husband wanted you to become a housewife..... But, as someone already said, I was going to ask what you wanted.

But your've clarified that it's something you want too, so that's cool.

I've got a foot in both camps.

I worked full time from age 16 to 50. Was then made redundant, took a pension as part of my redundancy settlement, and then found a part time job.

I think, to a large extent, we define ourselves by our job. I could be described as a housewife, or semi retired, but when asked, I always describe myself by my job, even though it is only two days a week. So be prepared for a change in how you perceive yourself (and how others see you)

Also, something not to be under estimated is the social side of work. Even though you don't do the social events, you are still seeing the same people everyday, and you probably know them well. If I hadn't have been made redundant, along with everyone else in the office, I'm not sure I could have just walked away after 28 years. Sometimes I hated the job, but it was the people that made it bearable, many of whom I'd known for years. You could be spending a lot of time by yourself - are you happy with that?

Now that I only work 2 days a week, I have started a very small business selling hobby related things on eBay. I will continue this, even after my planned early retirement. I enjoy it, and it gives me added purpose. You may, after a while, need more than the house to occupy you - maybe a little bit of self employment that you can do at home, adult education on something you are interested in, or volunteering. All that sort of thing keeps the mind active.

Just a few thoughts - but generally, if you feel you will be happier, and you can manage financially, I'd say go for it

paulineb_2

Have you thought about going part time, because to be honest, if your kids are at school all day, you arent staying at home because you have young enough kids who need you at home. Its all very well saying you wont lose independence but theres always independence in earning your own cash, even bank or agency work to keep your hand in might be an idea, because if you do retrain, the money for that will have to come from somewhere.

JayneC

Interesting discussion.

For what its worth I'll share my experience/opinion.

If it's what you want go for it. For many years when my children were little I worked very part time jobs - bar-work and shop work, evenings and weekends, that kind of thing and I liked being at home most of the time. Money was always tight but that had more to with being married to a compulsive gambler (but that's another story) than my not working full-time. I had more time to bake and decorate and that kind of thing. I started working full-time when my youngest was 4 ( I have 5 kids) and although it was fine I really cannot believe how much faster the time seems to pass. I reduced my working hours 3 years ago to 2.5 days because I wanted to spend some time with my son before he becomes a grown man ( he's 15 now)! I'm separated from his dad now so I have only my income and I'm lucky that it's reasonably well paid (My older son earns less on minimum wage for a full time job!). I have found that the time more than makes up for the money. If I didn't have to work at all I'd quite happily give it up. Contrary to what some other people have said I have found that my social life improved as I could pursue interests that I enjoyed and met with people who shared those interests rather than just a workplace. I now have an allotment which definitely helps with money saving and am able to spend time shopping around - I now use my local grocer and butcher rather than supermarket for example. IMHO I don't want to be defined by my job - I'm a person with skills and interests that I use to support myself and my family in a practical way and I'm happy with that.

Good luck and have fun

wondercollie

I'm a nurse, so I know exactly what you are talking about.

Leave your full time job. Look after yourself and your family. However, could you work as relief staff? You know work a couple of shifts a month to cover sick days/holidays/training days? That way you keep your skills and your qualifications.

I'm asking this because where I live, if a nurse doesn't work for three years, she needs to requalify. I have to work 1300 hours every three years to keep my designation. I know a lot of nurses who do what I outlined just to keep their credentials. Plus you get to pick what shifts you are available for.

[Deleted User]

Consider the loss of your pension contributions, if you are NHS this could be significant.

On another note, if you're not 100% you will manage can you reduce your hours and work part-time to "test the waters" while still keeping a foot in the door with your employer?

As an experienced nurse I'm sure the local NHS would welcome you on their BANK staff register if you wanted/needed to earn a little extra.

just some thoughts,

D9

Tenyearstogo

Up until six months ago I was working part time, I think the novelty of full time work is starting to wear off for us all!

Prior to this I was working on the nurse bank so I know I have those options to fall back on.

I think it's 450 hours we have to work every three years to maintain registration so that's easily manageable.

I hadn't considered the costs of any retraining so I'd need to be conscious of that before making any plans.

Thanks for all the opinions and insights, especially from those that have made the leap.

It wasn't really why I posted but it's been helpful. I just wanted to make sure I'd thought of the financial options!

We are going to save my wages (less my going to work expenditure) for the next few months to see how we manage.

suki1964

The financial side will even out. Believe me


Yes it is scary the first year but then the cut backs in expensive food ( convince ) the childminders, the taxis etc soon balance out

If you don't like it then return to work.

My first year I left the NHS I carried on as a bank worker. Most trusts have a bank agency. I used it as a wee safety net. Then I branched out


If you want to do it then go for it. I find my life a lot more fulfilling now. Maybe if I was more career minded things would be different. For me now being a sahw I think I have found my niche


You know not all of us are cut out to be major forces in the business world