How long have you been a stay at home mum?

[lkpink]

Im pregnant with number 4, my other dc are 4, 7 and 10. The thing is I feel ive been out of work too long, I went back to uni 9yrs ago to try and finish my nurse training but its didn't work out and then 3 yrs ago I did a beauty course which I never did anything with as I had number 3. I feel a little fed up at the minute, im happy to be pregnant but can just see the long rd ahead of me of being at home. I think its because my youngest is at nursery two and a half days and im a little lost and feel I should be doing something. Just wondering how long other mums have been out of work? - im thinking of maybe doing something from home? x

[KateBG]

I have only two children. I felt like you when I gave birth to my second son. Then I found a job that I can do at home. I didn't eat, I didn't sleep. I worked a lot and I was so proud of myself. It is really hard to work while you have children at home, but you will feel great. And you can always give up if you see that it is too hard. In your case there are 4 children. But in one or two years you can start looking for a job, something simple that allows flexibility. Be positive and don't let your thoughts to make you miserable. You will have 4 children which is pretty impressive. To take care of four people is hard work and you deserve to feel proud of yourself. Being a passionate parent is harder than any job out there. Good luck!

[Madonnaquintessential]

I have been a SAHM for 10month now. I love it, though i worry about my future. I sometimes feel like where am I going ... But I think I shall have another then do something with my degree (finally!)

[MrsTowMater]

I was a stay at home mum for 3 years then went back to work for 18 months then back on maternity leave to have DS2 2 years ago and still haven't gone back to work! I am not really wanting to go back to work until DS2 is 3 (same age DS1 was) because I love being home with them and giving them a lot of one on one time before they start their 15 hours at preschool. I will be looking to start any kind of work around next January time after DS2 has turned 3. Not even fussed what I do, I just need to make it fit around the boys. x

[5madthings]

almost 15yrs but i had ds1 when doing my degree and i managed to finish my degree.

had four more children since, youngest is just three, looking forward to doing some volunteering etc once she has settled at pre school.

[QueenofKelsingra]

4 years so far and no plans to return. I love being at home. I have 3 DC, DS (4) and DTs (21m) and they keep me busy! you may find that once DC4 comes along you wont feel like this as baby will be there all the time whereas now you are without kids for some of the time?

only you can know if you want to start up something from home, it is certainly worth looking into at least?

[oliviaoctopus]

Im pregnant with no 3, and have a 6,2 and soon to be. I have never stopped work, and hope to have 1 more and keep going. Having lots of children shouldnt stop your ambitions if you dont want it to.

[MultipleMama]

Since I had DTs1 in Sept 2012 - did plan on going back when they were one but got PG when they were 6mo. We then decided to save not only on childcare but so I could raise and spend time with them like how I wanted.

So DH and I sat down and figured out a way to afford me staying at home, which we could but I didn't feel right not paying my fair share seeing as DH also helps with DC and plays an active rule with them. So, after more talking we decided I would WFH part-time.

I have to clock 20 hours of work a week online - I do nightly so I am technically a SAHM, I also freelance which pays really well so frees up a lot more time and money to help stay home with them :)

[bigbuttons]

I have just gone back to work, well a year ago, after 14 years as a sahm to 6 kids.
When I stand in the playground now I feel I have little in common with the other mums. Most of them are monied and don't need to work and their focus and interests are not mine anymore.
I am glad I was at home for my children but I am s much happier now I am back at work. I wasn't a very good sahm tbh.

[MultipleMama]

I have 6DC so it was more important that I stay home with them. DTs1 were #3 & #4.

[Onesieone]

I have 4 DC 14,12,3,2. I have been a stay at home mum just over 4 yrs now.

What kind of work do pple do at home?

[MultipleMama]

Work as a job?... I'm an editor for 2 book companies and non-disclosure screenwriting.

But I'm also a chef, cleaner, housekeeper, nanny, milk machine anf plenty more! - well that's some of my duties are as a SAHM. Neverending!

[MultipleMama]

Before that I was a full-time dog handler.

[ThinkIMmad]

i had my eldest 6 years ago nearly i went on maternity leave at 32 weeks. When he was 6 months old i did go back p/t but i struggled with a number of problems that going back to work caused for me. Childcare, going to work on 2 hours sleep were killing me and top it off i started suffering with gall stones was in and out of hospital as they thought i had an underlying issue with liver i didnt thank god but it was a very frustrating time for me i do feel i made the right decision by leaving.

I went on to have twins who are now 3 and i have a baby girl who is coming upto 1 in between all this i have done avon, had a little cleaning job and ive done the odd shift in my auntie in laws sandwich shop when needed but i wouldnt class those as been in work.

So its been 6 years since ive done a full days work, to this day i do miss it but i know its best for my family. I would love a p/t job but i need something flexible i cant afford chilcare for 4 children and all my relatives work who i would trust with them. Evening work iuve considered but im usually cream crackered after 6pm so all i can say is i hope the next 3 years pass quick until babies in full time school, at least maybe then i could try get a dinner lady job or something

[Longdistance]

Too long. I'm starting to get itchy feet.

My dd's are 4 and 2.6, as much as I love them I'm starting to crave work life. Talking to adults, earning some money.

Unfortunately, I cannot go back to my previous job that I regretfully left, as I'd have to start again from the bottom. After 15 years doing the job, I'd find it hard to go back on less money. Sorry it sounds cryptic, but I don't want to out myself.

I had to quit as not so 'd'h wanted to move to Oz, we did, and I quit on maternity leave. Biggest mistake of my life...we're now back in the Uk.