How can I afford to be a SAHM?

[Bobonie]

Hi all Mumsntters. Please I need your expertise on this. I have two DC (7yrs and 5 months). I am currently on maternity leave. Considering the huge childcare costs, the stress of going back to a job I hate and the sadness of being away from my little one are turning my night into nightmares. I am now thinking about being a SAHM to look after the DC and also try to finish my CIMA qualification I had started long ago but never completed.
My question is how can I manage this as DH is only on £21K a year? His salary is just enough to cover the rent and the bills (excluding food). I was the higher earner.
If I decide to be a SAHM is there any financial help I can apply for? I have never asked for any benefit in my life and don't know were to start.

If you ladies can spare any thought I will be greatful.

There are not loads - assume you get child benift -but you would only get the child bit of tax credits if you didn't work at all- I think.
could you go part time for a bit? Or could DH not work and take some of the stress away?

I empathise with your situation, as every time I went on maternity leave (4 times) I had that "dread" feeling before I had to leave the baby and go back to work. Without going into what I ended up doing (lots of different things each time!) I would say that in the current climate you might regret leaving a job as it is harder and more competitive to find another one quickly. Would DH not consider a career break, seen as you are the higher earner? I would at least give it a stab at getting more flexi work/part-time, etc.......

I don't know anything about benefits but if you've got a perfectly good job that you are choosing not to return to because you want to stay at home/study I can't imagine there's much tbh.

Have you looked into part time? If childcare costs are difficult could you find something that involves working hours your DH is not working as much as possible?

Thanks ladies for your comments. Going part time in my current job is not an option, I have already raised the subject with my boss and it was a big NO.
Asking DH to stay at home would be the perfect solution, I didn't thought about it. Thanks Emy72 for mentioning it.

Hi Bobonie - what are your qualifications?

Hi - What are your qualificaitions?

Hi Flork, sorry for getting back to you so late. I didn't get to much free time to catch up with munsnetters because DS is unwell at the moment.
I have a degree in Finance and speak fluent french.

DH wouldn't considere a career break...