This is a similar topic to healthyoption's earlier thread...
After plenty of deliberation my husband and I have agreed that me staying at home with our son until he starts school (unless we miraculously have a 2nd child) is ultimately the best thing for all of us.
I recognise I am in a fortunate position whereby returning to work is an option and I'm grateful for that as not all parents do have that luxury.
I'm leaving a well paid senior managerial role behind, having spent 16 years working extremely long and hard hours to get there. I am in no way resentful or bitter and love the fact that I get to spend so much more time with our son. It will be difficult from a financial perspective but worth it.
I'm starting to struggle with 2 things however and would welcome feedback and opinions from other women who have found themselves in similar situations.
- Career - is it unrealistic to expect to return to a similar level/role and salary after a 3/4 year break?
- My identity - I have always defined myself by my career. I have never not worked so to now be unemployed is quite scary. I have never not been financially independent. Ever since being with my husband, although we shared a bank account for bills etc we always managed our own personal accounts separately, now I'm completely financially dependant on him and I'm struggling to adjust - I feel like it's not my money to spend and I need to ask permission to spend his money and this upsets him greatly.
I guess I just want to now whether I'm being a total mentalist and need to get over myself ( be gentle if that is the case) or are these concerns not uncommon...has anyone been there and got the t-shirt?