Giving up work??

[Belle1110]

Hi all, currently work full time in a full
On but well paid job, I earn more than husband. We have a 2year old and would like more kids. Dilemma is I feel I am working all the time and when I am not energetic or thinking about work but I worry about how life would change without my salary. Money is not happiness but it does help! Thoughts welcomed!!

I sympathise, but as a SAHM who misses her job, I'd advise against giving it all up. It's a big sacrifice - I worked my socks off at school, university and in my career, and now spend my days cleaning, cleaning, cooking and hanging around in playgrounds waiting to pick up kids from school/nursery/drop them to clubs.

There are loads of plusses for the family - the washing/shopping gets done, I'm there to spend time on homework/reading practice, I get to spend lots of time with finger paints, model-making and laying train tracks. And in the summer you can just go and picnic whenever you feel like it.

But it's difficult not to feel like an unreconstructed 1950s housewife. Work gives you dignity and equality in your relationship.

Can't you cut your hours to 4 days? Your child won't be 2 forever (and 2 takes up a lot of time!). The happiest parents I know work. Once you're off the ladder it's difficult to get back on - I'm finding it bloody hard finding something I could do after an 8-year break.