Janet’s Book Nook

Who friggin knew that a field guide existed for taking your family from a two income family to a one income family? I certainly didn’t. I got pregnant. I got tired. I got fat. I got mean. I quit my job. That is the gist of how my family went from two incomes to one income. My husband still asks me periodically when I am going back to work. It has been 6 years, does he really think that is happening?

Now, in case you think I am still lazy 6 years after having my first child, I  didn’t just sit around and eat bonbons during my hiatus from work. I went back to school and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management with a minor in Economics. I also had two more children in those 6 years. Yes folks, 3 kids in 4 years and I think I have earned my hiatus. My husband wonders what the point of the degree was if I don’t ever intend on working again. I like to tease him back and say "My next husband might not let me stay home." He smiles and walks out the door for work.

Honestly though I have to say that it was the best choice I have ever made. I am the girl who had a high profile job in her 20s and made lots of money and traveled for work to fabulous places and wore fabulous suits. I swore I would never be a stay at home mom. I swore I would never join the PTA. I would not be a soccer mom. I always said that my brain needed more stimulation than being a stay at home mom could provide. First of all, my brain is way overstimulated as a stay at home mom. Stimulation is not an issue. Peace and Quiet? That is the issue. Second, I am now officially in charge of the School Directory Committee of the PTA at my children’s school. Yes folks, I joined the PTA. I am not yet a soccer mom but I am a gymnastics mom.

I love the idea that there is a field guide out there for families who are considering this. I have always been one to read a book first and then make decisions second. I have to say though that the idea of cutting out one complete salary from your budget will never seem sane. You just have to do it. I am amazed at how we make it just as well if not better without me working. if I were working my husband would not be able to do side jobs that bring in fabulous funds. He enjoys these jobs more than his full time job and we get something out of it too. If I were working I would be paying for daycare for 3 children. I would be paying for gas to go to work. Lunches at work. So many expenses that in the end I wouldn’t really be bringing in any money.

I have to say though that being  stay at home mom really isn’t for everyone. There are people out there who need more. I was one of them. I just realized that I have two sides and right now I am feeding my Stay At Home side. When my kids get older I may go back to feeding my intellectual side.