To want to be a SAHM?

[mostlyrain]

We have 2 DCs who are 15mo and 3yo. I recently went back to my PT job and basically dont want to do the slog anymore. The constant battle to get the kids to nursery, the commute to work, a job that I'm bored in, the battle with overtired kids each night and the constant trying to squeeze all the house jobs in too. My eldest goes to school next September and I just feel now is the time to give up. But AIBU to give up work now? I don't know if I'll regret it in 6 months time...

Perhaps the problem is that you're bored with the job you do? Would re-training be an option? I am currently working FT in an ok-ish job, I don't hate it but would wish for better. My target is to be able to earn same-ish money but less hours and more local. I have looked at what jobs there are fitting this criteria and what kind of training/experience they require and use that as a starting point.

But it is tough when you got little ones, as much as they enjoy going to nursery/pre-school/school there's no denying that they'd rather hang out with mom/dad if given the choice. Then of course all the housework and everything else that just adds to the stress.

Getahaircut- you're right.

Of course all of us will know, anecdotally, individuals who have carved out successful new paths, made a mint out of a new business etc.... but anecdotes dont equal data! The fact is that relatively very few senior positions are held by women. The fact is that a frightening proportion of women (far higher than for men) don't have adequate pension provision. The fact is most start up businesses fail and few percentage lasting beyond 5 years is very low. These are facts. And they are facts worthy of discussion and debate. If woman has the choice to not work, is entirely comfortable with that, has a partner to fund them or other private financial means, and has given due thought to the impact of that decision then no problem (same would go for a man choosing to give up work)

But let's not pretend that we live in an equal society - the facts show that women are hugely affected in terms of access to senior positions, pensions etc

YANBU. OP I worked full time and then some (unsociable/non flexible hours) when my DS was a baby but left work 2 weeks before my Dd was born 5 years later and haven't worked since.

It was extra stress with no benefits e.g I literally worked to pay for someone else to enjoy watching my Ds grow up. In fact we struggled more when I was working than we are now. Then there were the tiffs I would have with my DH because we didn't get to spend weekends together as a family and the fact that women are better than multi tasking (DH doesn't do house work because he isn't very good at it ). I was in management but my heart wasn't in it, I wanted to be at home with my DS.

My DS was diagnosed with Aspergers which came as a massive shock to me because I just saw a happy, smart little boy. I can't help but think that if I hadn't of been working, if I hadn't of been paying someone else to look after him I would of noticed more of the signs because I would of been spending more time with him IYSWIM. To be honest I never have quite forgiven myself for choosing to 'set an example' rather than spend time with my boy and I don't think I ever will.

I know that my MIL and SIL look down at me because I don't work and DH does but they have(or had) highly paid professional jobs which they only need to work 2 days a week to earn more than I would in a month but I don't particularly care.

If it's practical for you, your DH and your DC then go for it.