Staying at home a choice??

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-29-2007
Staying at home a choice??
2204
Sun, 04-29-2007 - 6:46am

The author of this article thinks most mothers go to work because they want to, not because they have to.

"Most parents from two-parent families today do have a choice when it comes to parental care. They can try and talk themselves into believing they don't, but it really boils down to priorities."

http://backofthebook.ca/living/2007/03/part-time-ophanages-part-2-job-only.html

Does anyone (other than her) really believe this? I don't know of anyone among my friends who works who wouldn't rather be staying at home with their children. But they don't have the choice!

Pages

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2005
Wed, 05-09-2007 - 11:14am
I know there are. My sister is one of them. Her dh works 2 ft jobs and a side job. Her gf's dh owns his own business. Her other gf dh's works a ft job and side job too. My neighbor stays home, her dh works a ft and they do newspapers. Alot of the dh's are working OT alot to pay the bills. I am not saying all the sahp's are like this, but the majority of them are.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 05-09-2007 - 11:15am

"I really don't think a lot of you get it....Some people have everything they need and are happy.

VickiSiggy.jpg picture by mamalahk

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2005
Wed, 05-09-2007 - 11:17am

We are saving now but it is not easy as I have pointed out, once I get to a certain amount in daycare, it is taxable and they take out $50/week from paycheck. That lasts from July-January every year my son is in daycare.

My dh has been layed off and we have been fine so we have gone through this already. Of course we don't want to go through this and that is why we have been saving in case something like this happens. I have enough money at work that if I get layed off, I will be fine for awhile.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 05-09-2007 - 11:18am
And I'll bet there is a certain percentage of people in Long Island that have a dh or dw that work ONE job that make enough to cover all the expenses.

VickiSiggy.jpg picture by mamalahk

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2005
Wed, 05-09-2007 - 11:26am

I do agree there is and I do know that but the trend is turning that many people can not afford to live on the one income because it is too low for the amount of the mortgages, taxes and utilities. Alot of men are working 2 jobs to support their family. My dh also works with a guy who works nights and then comes straight to his job for another 8 hours. They don't even own a home but their rent is so high, they can't live on his one income.

The majority of sahm's that I know either have dh's who own their own business, work in the city or dh's work ot or more than 1 job.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-06-2004
Wed, 05-09-2007 - 11:26am

I know why the debate started.

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-12-2003
Wed, 05-09-2007 - 11:35am

Tell me about it.

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 05-09-2007 - 11:40am
Yes. Don't they interest you that much?

<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> 

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-06-2004
Wed, 05-09-2007 - 11:42am
I hear ya!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Wed, 05-09-2007 - 12:03pm

I think you have kind of missed the point of where this conversation all started. This is a person who has repeatedly said she is *not* happy woh. I have simply pointed out that poor financial decisions *may* be a contributor to why she cannot sah.

I also said that it was great she had good credit. I was not talking about mortgages, which I think we all agree the majority of us have to have. I was talking about unsecured debt, and considering a car repair bill *an emergency*. Oh and normally, no, I dont have a car loan. We only have one now because dh made a poor purchase choice and we had to trade the vehicle in. Got screwed on the trade in, of course, but we also put down almost 50% and have a very low car payment of which we are about 6 months ahead.

I'm all about being happy with where one is in life. Which is why I have repeatedly said she should either figure out a way to be okay with things, or figure out a way to change them.

dj

Dj

"Now when I need help, I look in the mirror" ~Kanye West~

Pages