Calling all working full time moms!

[goettling]

I am going part time in August. From 40 hours a week to 3 days a week. My husband has a lot of debt in his name. I have been frugal with my first marriage working full time to part time. We made it because I can be very frugal.

My point is that I have gained 20 pounds in 2 years from eating on the go and feeling very misrable, and not being there for my kids as much.

I want time for my kids and me. So has anyone been there and done that? Taking a big risk to be there for your family and yourself? Having time for your health and family, and making less money?

I am so scared and happy at the same time. I know money is not everything, but some things in life as a mom is more important than a carreer.

Any suggestions, experiences, or just prayers? Am I doing the right thing? Should I just take a chance for the good cause. A little hint. After all the bills are payed, we will have something like 800 or so for gas, food, etc. Would you take that chance for your mental health?

When I work full time we do not struggle with money that much. Just me, my issues, etc. I rather be frugal on less money and gain my health. Would you take that plunge if it was offered?

[bethanie]

actually that's me right now. I work all school year, no more than an eight hour day. When school is out, so am I. I stay home during the summer, even though I could make more money, so that I can 1) spend time with my daughter and 2)pursue other interests that I have, rather than just being all about the work all the dang time and...3) keep healthy.

During the summer we travel, get lots of exercise and outdoor time (three hours at our park across the street today, playing chess, swinging and playing in the sand) and we don't use the car very often at all....

Heck, go for it. You should do it. There are ways to get around the money thing. I get my tax money early and save it...and then I pay three months rent for our summer break all at once, and that's one worry off my shoulders.

Another hint before I end this thinking of that....is that it always helps ease stress to get your bills payed. I just don't let my bills run late anymore. I haven't in three years, it's not worth it to get into that cycle of late payments. Doing that eases financial stress, which is a really big deal in families.

B

If I don't take time for ME I'm pretty worthless I've found. If I were you...I'd start by rearranging your family's diet a little...more natural, less processed is always good. And just getting out with your kids and doing stuff.

[goettling]

Thank you, Me personally that I know of , has never had a late bill. I want me kids, health, and my emotional well being. Without that you have nothing to give.

I am just scared of a money loss, because I am such a perfectionist in this area. I can do wiithout things. I find I spend more things just to work, clothes, lunches, gas, etc. I know me that I can cut back, but just a little scared of the lack of funds.

I know that I will personlly be happy for me because I can work out and feel better about myself, but money is so huge, but not really.. I am scared to take this time in my life, but I know I am worth it and so are my children. I just don't want to be short on the bills or groceries.

It is a big leap of faith to me!!

[colorful]

I'm a full-time stay-at-home-mom, and I definitely know about downsizing a budget! When I became pregnant with my son I was making more money than my husband, but we decided that I would stay home since he liked his job (I didn't) and I wanted to stay home (he didn't).

Cutting a budget by more than half was scary, but we did it!

The one thing I rely on is my home-made budget that I do in an Excel spreadsheet. I have one column for "expected" cost, and one for "actual" cost, and one for "difference." Every time I pay a bill, I mark it on the sheet. For stuff like groceries, clothes, etc. I take out a bunch of cash at the beginning of each month and put it in envelopes so that I don't have to keep track of every tiny purchase throughout the month. This has been a lifesaver for us - that way we can always pay our bills when they come and we know which ones haven't arrived yet, and we always know exactly how much we can spend on other items.

Another crucial aspect of our financial downsizing was to find out what things were expendable, and get rid of most of them (all of them, for us, at first!). We got rid of things like: our second car (no car insurance bill, no tabs, no oil changes, no gas), internet, cable TV, etc. Look at what you can do without, and then go for it.

And let me add that, as much financial sacrifice as we have made, it has all been SO worth it. I think part-time would be a fantastic choice for you! Good luck!

[goettling]

thanks colorful. I know I will be happy when the time comes but, I will have to be on a stict budget to make it work.

It seems like there is a lot of mothers who are so stressed working full time and raising a family, and some woman who like going to work. I am one that likes a balance of work, kids, and me of course. I need this.

Thanks for the encouragement. I it just a scary step when your are used to a certain income. I just hope I am making the right decision.

[pavlovskitty]

If I could do it, I would love to work part-time to be here to homeschool my kids again. On one income, with no child-support though, I can't do it. I have to keep my full-time employment to keep the kids' insurance.

I would work part-time for exactly the reason mentioned - my mental health. I love my kids tremendously, but I need to be around adults IRL also. As for my physical health though, I was heavier when I was home. I could spend more time cooking big meals, baking, doing the mommy thing, and I would sit and eat each time the kids did. Not being around kid food for the extra two meals has helped me a lot.

One of the other nice financial side affects of staying with the kids was avoiding paying over 1/4 of my income in daycare costs. And I agree about spending a great deal on work clothes, eating lunch with the coworkers, etc. It can drain my bank, because I love to look good :D

I wish you the best of luck!