To become a SAHM?

[Holden10]

I know these types of threads are done to death but I could do with a bit of advice.

I'm 22 and finished university in May last year, walked into a part-time trainee post in my dream job (specific job for which I studied). The managers however let me work full time hours and paid me accordingly. I got married in August and got pregnant straight away. Whilst knowing that I'm pregnant, my managers came to me and offered to extend my contract to full time hours to stop the regular mix ups that went along with having to submit overtime forms, etc. I said yes, but feel now that this really wasn't a good idea long term.

I am due my baby at the end of this month having now gone on maternity leave, and already I know I don't want to go back to my job full time. I can obviously ask to go part time in my job at the end of my maternity leave but I don't want to count on that for now which is why I could do with a bit of advice now. DH has a good job, so from a financial perspective we can afford for me to either work PT or be a SAHM.

The benefits of being PT would mean that I could complete my training in my dream job, and could stop working in the future, and then more easily get another job in the same field (trainee posts in my field are few and far between). We'd have a little more disposable income, etc. However I don't want to have to leave my baby when financially I don't have to. Due to the length of my contract and maternity pay entitlements I am not required to go back or repay money, as someone who has worked there longer would.

Being only 22 and having only worked full time for a year before giving up to be a SAHM, I am fearing judgement. Especially because I worked so hard to complete my degree, volunteered for years and was extremely lucky to get my job in the first place. Would it be unreasonable not to go back in a year? Could do with a bit of perspective, everyone I've spoken to IRL have just given me a non-commital "it's your choice" but obviously I want to make the right one.

Sorry for the essay. Just not sure what to do.

I knew I could count on some solid advice on mn! I'm obviously having a hard time thinking straight at the moment so can't really think about it logically by myself!!

I think the majority who said PT are right. PT will probably be the way to go. I think if I was going to retrain it might be a different story but having started a career I might as well continue albeit PT. Can't thank you all enough :)

I gave up my career after having my fourth child in my late 30s, as a trained professional, so have experience and skills I can use (as long as I continue my CPD) should I want to go back to something, but I am under no illusions that after 4 years at home, it will be hard, and not at anything like the same level or six figure salary I was used to.

In your shoes, I would finish my training - especially as your employer seems very keen to keep you and is happy for you to be PT - I wouldn't give up my 'dream job' to become a SAHM at 22. Who knows what is around the corner? FWIW, I worked FT after one child, PT after 2 and 3 and gave up after number 4 - I worked as a consultant from home for a bit and am now a full time SAHM (although I have done a lot of volunteering in various places and am now studying) and it's not for everyone. I sometimes wish that I'd gone back after my fourth child, even though I felt I was 'done' with commuting etc - I miss the salary and the independence, especially as after 5 years, my 'savings' have now pretty much gone and I am totally reliant on DH.

At the very least, I wouldn't make any decisions until after you've had the baby and see how you feel - you may feel very differently afterwards.

I'd go back. Great opportunity and don't waste all that hard work. You'll regret it

You should go back pt. you are only 22 years old to resign yourself to a Sahm.