brainonastick
Mon 04-Mar-13 13:43:23
Qualification: ignoring financial necessity (if only we could all ignore that point...) and SAHM wanting to get back to work with the extra (small) freedom of the kids being at school. I don't want to start yet another SAHM vs WOHM thread.
I'm just wondering what I'm missing when so many people assume that the children being at school somehow means that a job automatically beckons. The time in between the school runs is about 5 hours, and assuming that the SAHM is also doing all the cooking, cleaning, household finances, all the small organisational chores that need doing etc etc, it's not like that is 5 hours sitting on your bum.
I know all those chores could get done in the evenings and weekends, but surely life is far more pleasant for the whole family if those times are more leisurely, and leaves time for individual pursuits and family time.
I'm actually at a work crossroads right now, and im contemplating the exact opposite of what people seem to assume is the case - ie im contemplating becoming a sahm with the youngest dc about to start school (maybe a bit of freelance work from home as well). I can really see the advantage of having a parent at home to do all the house/family organisation and be there to help the kids after school with homework, clubs etc. Plus being there in the 25% of the year that is holidays.
What am I missing? Is it just because the 'wifework' is not valued at all by society so people assume that paid work must step in to fill the gap left by the absence of childcare for those 5 hours?
ssd
Sat 09-Mar-13 21:47:49
bonsoir, only someone with plenty of it would say money isnt important
morethanpotatoprints
Sat 09-Mar-13 22:23:10
ssd.
I don't have plenty of money and don't find it important. But will agree that most people who like the finer things in life would have to be rich to say its not important.
Neither dh nor I have ever been particularly materialistic, not into the latest gagets, no designer labels, only have one small cheap to run family car. A modest house, modest lifestyle really. 
morethanpotatoprints
Sat 09-Mar-13 22:36:43
Curtsey.
I think the man you are talking about is a jerk. My dh is a talented musician and we have 3 dc. To pay the mortgage he has taught in schools, privately and done work in music he hasn't always wanted to do, if the right work was slow or not there at all.
Its ok living on principle if you are supporting yourself/family.
My dh would never have acted like this, I think this man is no good.
I think money is very important and haven't said otherwise..
ssd
Sun 10-Mar-13 08:44:43
I meant bonsoir, not you morethan. I do agree a lot with what bonsoir says, but I felt its easy to say money isnt the be all and end all when you arent short of it.
Anyway, thats a moot point and I dont mean to start a fight. Just feeling the pinch these days, although as I said earlier that was my choice so cant/shouldnt complain.
Apologies for derailing the thread with my moaning.
tumbletumble
Sun 10-Mar-13 14:09:43
I find Curtsey's post about what we expect from our high achieving daughters really interesting.
When I was growing up my parents valued academic success. I went to Cambridge (even though both my parents worked full time from when I was 5 - take note Bonsoir!) and had a well paid career for 9 years before I had DC.
Now I'm a SAHM. I don't think my parents are disappointed by that. They know I'm happy, and they (and I) hope that my experience and qualifications are good enough to enable me to re-enter the work place later on.
Incidentally, I do plan to return to world when my youngest DC starts school.
tumbletumble
Sun 10-Mar-13 14:10:38
Return to work. I don't need to return to the world!
morethanpotatoprints
Mon 11-Mar-13 12:49:26
ssd.
I know what its like to be feeling the pinch. We are older parents now but in the beginning it was really tough and hard to get through. It does get easier as kids get older and mortgage payments go down, or in our case interest rates.
I can't say its bad now because it isn't we are very lucky atm, and I feel for young parents starting out today. Sending you 
and 
