When DD we born, like all parents, we looked at childcare options for my return to work. The outcome was that if I was to go back to work part time and pay for childcare I would come away with an amount of money that would be equal to the amount my DH pays someone to manage the books within his business. At the same time, the person who worked for my DH had left for a full time role and this position was vacant.
At that time, we took the decision that I would work in the business, managing the books. This role only requires someone one day per week so on that day, I work in the business and DH looks after DD.
Financially, we are in the same position as we would be should I have gone back to work part time and in my view I think we are fortunate that this was an option for us. It isn't perfect, nothing is! I have given up my job (I wouldn't say career), I do miss it, I did feel I lost my identity a bit and it has taken me quite a while to adjust. I have also felt like I am not contributing financially, like I say, its taken a bit of adjustment.
I am getting increasingly annoyed with members of family, friends, acquaintances asking "when are you going back to work" or "don't you need the money". Previously I have felt the need to explain our situation, but now I just say "I do work". I don't quiz other people on their situation like I say, no situation is perfect, you have to do what works best for you. Yes, we get to manage our childcare between myself and DH but we also loose out on days off together and we haven't had a holiday since before I was pregnant (by holiday I mean more than 4 days off in a row together, not going away, not that we have been away but you see what I mean) because we both work in the business so it is difficult to get cover. Though I appreciate many miss out of these things and both work and pay for childcare, like I say, I feel that we have this option we have been fortunate, I appreciate that.
AIBU to want these people to butt out?