SAHMs - does the fact you don't work 9in the paid sense) affect your r/ship

[micegg]

I just ask out of curiosity really. I am currently on mat leave with DC2. I returned to work on a PT basis when DD1 was 10 months but our circumstances have changed since then and I am seriously thinking of giving work up for a few years. Its early days but so far DH thinks its a good idea. I am hesistant because DH does tend to (occasionally) express jelaousy at me working PT let alone not at all. I am also uneasy on relying on him for money when my mat pay stops. How do you deal with these issues? On the other side of it, since returning PT my career had nose dived whereas DH has taken off. I have to admit I have been a little at times at the opportunities he has had. Its not a major problem but just something else to consider.

Thanks everyone. Some very interesting points have been made. It seems it comes down to what works for you rather than there being a universal right or wrong answer.

Personally I would want to return to work by the time the yougest is at school. I have a degree and work in a professional job but in truth its rather dead end and I am frustrated. I think the best thing will be to see how this year (paid and unpaid mat leave pans out). I was hoping to get a career break so DH is from now paying all the bills so I can eek my money out for as long as possible. This should give a good indication of attitudes to money and what our expectations of each other are, etc .

Whether I return to work next year or not I intend on changing careers. I dont want to end up in a series of low paid jobs like my mum did so this will require investment in terms of time. The question will be whether I go back to my current job whilst I do this or take some time off with the DCs. Watch this space!

Surely you should all be happy that DH can afford to pay for everything Money casues so many fights for nothing and if you DH's have dont well then good for them, Much better than being a SM.