Should I Work or Stay Home

Updated on March 08, 2008
M.P. asks from Burlington, WI
17 answers

I can't decide if working full time is the answer for me. I work two days a week right now and just for fun. I feel lucky that I have been home for the past three years but I also want another outlet. I want to make real money but also think working full time and then coming home to work as a mom seems exhausting! Any suggestions?

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P.R.

answers from Dallas on

You could always work from home, that's what I do and I love it. If you would like more information visit my website at http://www.themomteam.com/pamrose and request more information.

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D.W.

answers from Appleton on

After my first child, I would have done anything not to go back to work. With my second child, after 12 weeks, I knew I had to go back for money reasons.

Now I have a choice and I work part-time for a local company and I also sell AtHome America Products. I can pick my AtHome hours around other family activities. I just started 2 months ago and have earned over $1000 in commission and over $1500 in homewares. I have only hosted 6 parties, but could host more. Plus I am on my way to earning a laptop and a free trip to Chicago this fall. They make rewards easy to attain and the best part of all, I got to start my business for FREE. So I had nothing to lose.

The other neat thing is that they are quality products and they have great rewards for hostesses to earn FREE and discounted products. So it is win/win situation all the way around. Win for you in earning money, Win for your family that you are available. If you want to discuss this, see my ad in the business section--just to explore.

You can decide how much money you want to make and when you want to work. I like the flexibility. Now you probably won't bring home $3,000/month, but you can have the best of both worlds.

D. W

1 mom found this helpful
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K.

answers from Minneapolis on

Hi M.! I'm a little late at responding ;)
I needed to make the same decision 6 years ago... Do I go back at teach 4th grade full time, or do I stay home? I decided to stay home and wouldn't change it for the WORLD! I was able to see and experience her "firsts" of everything. We have bonded in a way that I know will last a lifetime and the best part is that no one else is "raising" her. I love that I have instilled our family morals and values on a daily basis. I did however need an outlet! I tried several different at home party plan businesses. It got me out of the house, however, I was afraid that friends and family would run when they saw me coming or calling!! I was flat out tired of hauling product house after house, set up, take down, asking for parties...begging for parties, and with one company even organizing inventory. It wasn't fun anymore but I wanted to do something that was worthwhile and would bring in some extra cash. After being introduced to Arbonne (natural skin care products) 4 times and turning it down every time, it wasn't until recently that I took the time to research it and actually try the products. I LOVE the products! Best of all, I can be a consultant with no inventory, no parties, and no pressure selling. It's simply sharing a skin care line with someone for 4-5 days. If they like it great, if they don't they don't. For those that do, they order product online and it ships directly to them and you get the commission! There is so much more info...let me know if you are interested in finding out more! Good luck to you. Listen to your heart, and if you can truly stay home and not HAVE to work full time, it's worth it because you can never rewind and see their "firsts" the second time. :)

Hope to hear back from you,
K.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.D.

answers from Minneapolis on

Take it from one who has to go to work everyday STAYHOME I wish I could. Being at work all day then comeing home to be mom is so hard some nights I'm so tired I just want to go to sleep but I can't then the weekend comes and I still don't get to sleep in. I love my kids very much and every day I wish I could be there with them. you are really lucky.

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A.D.

answers from Minneapolis on

M. - if you can do it financially -- STAY HOME! As soon as the girls are old enough to be in school - then you can find something part time while they are at school - Enjoy your time with your daughters!!!

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K.M.

answers from Milwaukee on

I work PT. It keeps me saine, keeps a little money in my pocket, and I don't miss out on too much time with my kids.

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L.R.

answers from Appleton on

I work fulltime (although a flexible job as I'm a part owner of the company). Yes, it's difficult. No, financially I don't have to. Yes, I have to so I remain sane. Maternity leave almost sent me over the edge - I really HAVE to work for my own sanity.

That's just MY scenario of course. There's a lot of things that just don't get done at home - they lack importance. My time at home after work is with my daughter. We hired a cleaning person so we only have to spend minimal time cleaning. I'm a much happier person (which I believe makes me a better mom) because I work.

Good luck - I know it's a hard decision.

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A.D.

answers from Milwaukee on

Hi M.,

I am a stay at home mom and love it!! I don't work one because someone else would be there for my little one when he first walked or talked or if he was sick and I am his mom that is my job!! I soon needed to get out of the house and get grown up time. I joined lia sophia jewelry company and love it! I stay home with my children and make money by having two parties a week in the evening and get to get out and meet other moms!! I am not saying this is the right choice for you but I just wanted to give you something to thing about!! Feel free to email me at ____@____.com

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C.H.

answers from Minneapolis on

If you love people and love chatting I would definately find the right work at home opportunity for yourself and that will enable you to stay home. Find what you love and start your business. Just be sure to not put out any money any company will allow you to earn your kit that was my mistake. Also don't believe them when they say no inventory or selling. All businesses sell. Ok that is my thoughts. I love working at home but winter gets tough for parties, I do alot of online selling though, and that works well. Good luck on your search and decision.

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J.C.

answers from Minneapolis on

I was a full time teacher when my daughter was an infant - it was crazy - I was pumping breastmilk at work, spending hours in the car, and then we'd work from dinner until bedtime doing laundry, dinner, etc. I felt like I wasn't doing anything well and it was making me crazy. I have found that working part time is perfect for me...the kids go to 'school' in the morning and get time with other kids, I am making money and using my skills, and I get lots of time with the kids at home too. I think it is different for everyone though. For me it is a good balance. I appreciate my time at school with my students more and I appreciate my time at home more too! good luck!

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M.K.

answers from Duluth on

Well, it's a personal preference, really. Your kids are home for five years before they are gone to school and growing up and away more every day. It passes so fast! I worked outside of the home for three months when I had just four kids and I would come home and still have to do all the things I did while staying home. So if you don't have someone to help out or if you're not super organized, it could be a lot of hard work and kind of take a lot out of you. I work from home and would love to work outside a few days per week, but just can't right now.... Good luck.

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M.L.

answers from Rochester on

Hello M.,

I stay home with my almost 3 year old and wouldn't have it any other way. If you need some time out or adult conversation try finding a group in your area, I attend MOPS 2 times a month and I love it, you get time with other moms and the kids are cared for by great volunteers. You can go to www.MOPS.org, to find one local to you. I think you would love it. I also have a small home business that I do online and on the phone around my son's schedule, that helps to have a little extra spending money and I get to speak to other adults during the day.

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B.H.

answers from Minneapolis on

If you can do it financially stay home. Working full time and coming home to a million things is extrememly stressful and tiring. I have been home for a year and half after always working full time and my stress level is minimal now, I'm a better happier mom and my daughter is happier.

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J.

answers from Minneapolis on

If you don't have to work, what about finding a place to volunteer? There are places that need evening or weekend volunteers if you are worried about daycare.

Another option is the home party business. I work for a sterling silver jewelry company that has no quotas, no presentation and beautiful jewelry. Every time I work, I go to a party where women have fun playing dress up with jewelry. I have met so many fantastic women - and become friends, given a lot of free jewelry away, have time to be "me", I feel good about contributing to our household income (if you don't need the money now - save it!), and my two small kids are getting to spend quality time with their dad - good for everyone.
If jewelry isn't your thing, there are many other options available.
Work just as much as you want to, then later if you desire more - go for it!
I absolutely love it and it is great for my family too.
Look for a current issue of Empowering Women if you want a little idea of what is available. Or email me.
J.

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R.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

Hi M., Please check out this great site you will love it, just click below, This is my upline Joe's website:

http://createmysuccess.com/mangosteen/webcast

Thanks, R.

Please email me with any questions about XanGo.

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K.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

I really think it depends on your job and on your kids as well as what you need to feel positive about your life. I always thought that I would want to keep working full time but then I ended up in a crazy stressful job and my son started having problems in daycare at about 19 months so the only logical choice for us was to stay home. I continue to help out with our business on a very limited basis (mostly at home work and/or going in twice a month). Are your kids in school fulltime yet. If not, is there a reason you want to start working full time right now rather than waiting until they start school?

K.L.

answers from Milwaukee on

stay home!!! i'm a stay at home mom of one boy and we are fine on money. i also babysit 3 to 4 days a week for on girl. and i love the extra money and the freedom i have at home to still do what i want to do. i love being home to watch my boy grow up and know that i have been the one to teach him.

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