Do you think a SAHM should go back to...

Avatar for val10154
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-26-2003
Do you think a SAHM should go back to...
1368
Fri, 09-05-2003 - 11:46am

Do you think a SAHM should go back to work once the kids start school?



  • Absolutely, why shouldn't she? There's no reason why she shouldn't.
  • It's up to her & her family.
  • No, not really. What do the kids being in school have to do w/ her working?


You will not be able to change your vote.


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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-29-2002
Sat, 09-13-2003 - 1:51pm
But that is my point about it being publicly subsidised. The prices do not reflect the actual cost of the trip, nor are they expected to because the government expects to pick up part of the tab. The fact is, very few are willing to run a public transportation system on that principle in the US.


Laura

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sat, 09-13-2003 - 1:56pm
ignore this ... deleted cause I goofed!


Edited 9/13/2003 2:03:04 PM ET by savcal
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-21-2003
Sat, 09-13-2003 - 2:30pm
I think that's debatable. There is a point when you're talking about diminishing returns on 2 people working F/T.

I'll use my situation as an example. If I were to pursue a fulltime job in my previous field, I could reasonably be expected to earn 70K or so. You might sutomatically assume that it would be much better for my family to have that increased SES, but i don't necessarily agree.

First of all that would mean I would be out of the house at least 50 hours a week. It would mean hiring a housecleaner, it would mean hiring someone to chauffeur the kids at least one way to their activities, I couldn't leave work early every day, and my husband really can't leave early any weekdays (maybe for special occasions). It would probably mean higher food bills, more eating out, it would definitely make me miserable, I just don't WANT to be away from the house that much, and when you factor in the amount of taxes coming out of that, it's not as much as it initially appears.

Bottom line, what's that increased money getting us? Would we buy more than we do now? No. Would we live in a different house? No. Would it impact retirement or college savings? No.

I really don't see how it would impact our SES at all. I could see how it would greatly impact our lifestyle, and my happiness though. And you know the old saying, if mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-21-2003
Sat, 09-13-2003 - 2:37pm
Yep.. Big difference in "can't" and "don't want to".
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-21-2003
Sat, 09-13-2003 - 2:42pm
I don't know, I think there are a good number of families with SAHM who woudn't see any increased benefit (from the child's standpoint) to a wohm. I say if you can send your kids to college, enroll them in all their sports, buy them clothes and all the other crap they need (or even just want), go on vacations, have a nice home, etc. on one salary, then what possible benefit would mom going out to work be to them?
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2003
Sat, 09-13-2003 - 2:44pm
We don't sacfrice to have me Sah.
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2003
Sat, 09-13-2003 - 2:45pm
Exactomundo! That is why I SAH! S.V.
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-21-2003
Sat, 09-13-2003 - 2:45pm
Good point.
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2003
Sat, 09-13-2003 - 2:49pm
I'm so glad I don't base my life on data. Or how to raise my kids on data. Or staying home because I simply love it and it is a wonderful life on data.

I just do what I know in my heart is right for me and my family. Pooey on the data.

S.V.

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2003
Sat, 09-13-2003 - 2:53pm
We have a high SES w/just one parent working.

I also agree on the sah and education thing. I don't have a college degree. Don't want one or I would have went. My mother spent 4 years earning her degree & never worked a day. She still today is a college educated SAHM. She loves her life. I've asked her if she ever wished she'd used that degree by going outside the home to work. Her answer NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS...I'VE LIVED MY LIFE JUST AS I HAD DREAMED! Gives me cold chills, I think that it is awesome when one gets to live their lives just like they want. Luckily and thankfully, I'm fulfilling my dreams and getting to do the same thing.

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