If money wasn’t an issue, would you rather work or be a stay at home parent?

[twerkinGherkin]

Just curious. I’m not sure if stay at home parent life is all it’s cracked up to be. My children aren’t in school yet but even when they are, I think I might prefer to work? But putting them in wrap around care is giving me guilt as it’s not necessary. Wondering if I’m crazy to consider working when I don’t need to

Worked part time from when DC was one. Now he is 6 and home educated I'm a SAHP. I do a little bit of consultancy work to keep my foot in the door, but I would happily not work. Much prefer being at home, DC or no DC.

I made the decision, as soon as I had enough experience in my field, to go freelance. I am based at home, with a little summer house as my office, and I work around school hours. At busier times of the year, I will also work a little more in the evenings, when children are either in bed, or in the case of the older ones, doing homework. I like this happy medium, because I could never give up my career all together.

SAHM but with genuinely unlimited resources i.e. money for a cleaner, regular lunches, beauty treatments etc. I've done it on a shoestring budget before and it wasn't fun.

If money was no object I'd rather be a SAHP. I love taking DS out and about all over the place but affording it is another thing 😊

Work. I love my job. But I made it part-time when the DC were small.

@Nosetickle
Do you have any tips on how you managed it?

I'd always work!

Work. I think I’d still work a bit even if I won the lottery tbh. Might not be paid work but I’d have to do something. I’ve been a SAHM for the past 3 years and it’s been the hardest years of my life, I’m really excited to go back to work in September .

Work, 100%. But in a different job.

It depends on the definition of money not being an issue...

If I had enough money (independently, not relying on someone else's income) to never work again whilst maintaining the lifestyle I want (inc. helping children financially when adults and paying for help as needed) then probably - yes. Otherwise - no.

Work but less hours. I work full time so use wraparound care and wish I didn't have to.

@APileofLogs

Happy medium- part time interesting work that I enjoy but finish by 4 every day so I can spend time with the kids.

This would be my ideal! What do you do?

Work definitely. I can't imagine not having a job.
I'd definitely want to work less than I currently do -- would go down to four days a week for starters. Or do some volunteering.
But I'd go nuts looking after kids, doing housework and watching TV.

At home as alot easier than work. I suppose it depends on your job

I need to use my brain I couldn't be a SAHM but if money was no object I would work less hours

Depends on what "not being an issue" means.
If I had a few millions in the bank I wouldn't work, regardless of being a parent or not.

My children are young teens now. I’ve not worked in 16 years. Got no intention of going back to work either.

Work. I need external structure and validation. I could be persuaded to do fewer hours though.

Work full time in a career oriented job with a very flexible employer is working great for our family. DH and I stagger hours so DC are in childcare 9-5. I think I’d feel differently if we were looking at 7:30am-6pm like some friends. Also WFH and DC at home most of the day with a nanny so I do get to see them. Can also hear how much DC love being with our nanny.

Can I choose secret option number 3, at home with no kids to look after

@Iamanicepersonreally

Can I choose secret option number 3, at home with no kids to look after

Bliss

Work!

If money wasn’t an issue I’d put DD in childcare and not work

Work is easier. A part-time balance is the best thing for me.

This is us. I work

I am a sahm to 6. I did work PT when we had just the 1 because I had to, wouldn't have gone back after the 1st if we could have afforded it. I became a sahm after maternity with the 2nd (now 11). When they are older and need less from me I will likely find a pt job or some volunteer work to keep me busy.