Firstly, I know I’m incredibly lucky to be in this position, particularly in the current climate. But would like others’ opinions on what they’d do in my set up.
DH has made some very clever decisions in his career and also had a healthy dose of luck that means that we’re in a really comfortable financial position. He’s currently on his second business venture and is on a really good wage. He works very flexibly on something he loves and is really good at.
I’m in SLT at a state school, working 4 days a week and bring home about half of what DH does. I do enjoy lots of elements of the job but it is stressful. Lots of long days, dealing with complaints, getting the odd kicking from a child etc! I am proud of my career, I was the first in my family to go to university and I’ve worked hard to get where I am.
We have a 2yo DD and I’m pregnant with our second. I’m exhausted, nauseous and irritable. DH doesn’t really understand why I stay at my job and I’m increasingly wondering the same. On 6 occasions over the last 3 weeks I’ve been at work until 8pm or later so haven’t seen DD all day. Her nursery don’t know who I am because I’ve only managed to get out in time for pick up twice this academic year (DH does the nursery run). I worry about managing with 2 small children. We have no family close by so it’s just us.
I’m not worried about DH leaving me high and dry. We’ve been together 12 years now (married for 6) and are still really happy. But also because he’s always split any profits / dividends / savings into our own separate ISAs and continues to do so. If things did turn sour one day I’d be absolutely fine.
I don’t have to work. I’m not sure I want to keep working. But I can’t imagine not working! This is so far away from the way I grew up and I have no models for this kind of decision. As I say, I know we’re incredibly fortunate. So WWYD?
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Would you work if you didn’t have to?
Whatsnext25 · 21/03/2024 22:21
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SkankingWombat · 21/03/2024 22:47
In your position, I would use my maternity leave to think about what I wanted to do next. I can't imagine not working in some capacity, I'd get bored. I do a lot of volunteer work already, and although it is very fulfilling in many ways, it isn't much of an intellectual challenge so I'd still need something 'more'. I would take some time to retrain/extend my qualifications, then work very PT (1 or 2 days/week) doing something that I enjoyed. Freelance/self-employed would be preferred and a joy without the financial pressure of where the next job is coming from. If SE, you can work term time only, should you so choose, and be around for DCs more too. The rest of my time would be split between childcare, hobbies, and volunteering.
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