I just found out I was pregnant!! Now I have a decision to make!!?

Question

I have a 3 yr old and I work full time. I thinking about after I have the new baby staying home for a few years, at least until my now 3 yr old goes to school. I have always worked because of financial reasons. I have always regretted working especially when my son was a baby, and I still feel guilty sometimes. My husband and I live very comfortably with us both working. If I quit of course things will be tighter, and that would take some getting used to. We would still make enough money to pay our bills. I would like to find something to do from home just part time for extra money. I guess I'm just asking for opinions and advise. Thanks

Answer 1

I can tell you this - you'll never regret staying home with your baby. Ignore the person who said it's "not fair" to have your husband be the one who's financially responsible, and that you should get a part time job - a) certainly not a practical suggestion with a newborn, and b) give me a break. There are a lot more sacrifices involved in being a stay at home Mom - it's hard work, and it's worth it to your husband, I'm sure, to have you and not a day care raising your children. Sheesh.

I'd be more concerned about getting used to replacing your lost income than anything else.

I have two kids, and we live only on my husband's (relatively meagre) income, but with good financial planning and budgeting, I wouldn't worry about it too much. Try putting as much of your income away as you can, ( you'll have a nice cushion if you do) and cut out those things that you can live without - because you're probably going to have to once you have a baby and only have one income anyway. There are lots of "frugal living" sites out there that can help you do that. Once you're used to it, it's really not that bad. Even making your own playdough can help with the costs - don't worry, you're not going to have to live in a cardboard box!

If you're like the rest of us - well, there are the set up costs - assuming you don't have stuff left over from your first baby. . We coslept, so we did without a crib. Check the classifieds if you decide to go that route - buy as much used as you can. Babies, as you know, don't really "use up" toys and clothes and equipment the way, say, a toddler would, so infant items are often still in like new condition. Don't forget that you can sell your used baby equipment once you're done with it - eBay can do it, and so can sites like craigslist and kijiji. A great way to put a little money bak in your pocket.

DEFINITELY breastfeed, and not just for the cost savings - breast is best! Fewer allergies, better jaw development, a more independent and smiley baby - totally worth it.

For income once your baby is a little older - you could be a hobby seller on eBay (not full time - it's actually VERY time consuming to do full time, as I found out - and steals all the benefit out of being a stay at home Mom!), you can babysit if you have the tolerance for it... There aren't actually a lot of home based jobs that I've been able to find, which is unfortunate - one day companies are going to figure out that Moms can multitask, and are more than capable of doing some work from home.

And finally, it's totally worth it. Have a great time at home with your baby!

Answer 2

I think that staying at home is a good idea. I am in the position that you will be in if you quit working. I worked up until I had my daughter 7 months ago. It was really nice then, and now all we are able to do is pay the bills and buy groceries. Living honestly these days is hard on one salary (unless you make PLENTY of money). I would at least stay at home as long as I could. There is nothing that I would take back about being at home the past 7 months.

Answer 3

You have two possible questions.

#1, Whether to have an abortion. I assume your answer to that is already NO, right. I am pro-life/pro-choice, I would never demand a woman to keep the baby, but am anti-abortion.

#2, Whether or not to quit your job. First off, you can still work through 6 months and you are already paying for daycare for your first child, right? Therefore, if you quit after 6 months (saving up your earnings the best you can) you might actually come out ok since you will no longer have to pay daycare. Either way, you can difer your decision for a few more months. Save up your money so that you can get a vacation after your baby turns one or so.

Good luck.

Answer 4

I think it would be a good idea if you stayed at home with the new baby and your son so you don't later have regret about not doing so. However, it isn't fair for your husband to pick up the extra slack and make things tight on the family. Why not pick up a part-time job so you are still bringing in some sort of income and also spending time with the children?

Answer 5

We were EXTREMELY comfortable before we had our daughter. We were dual military (anyone who is mil-to-mil can understand).I decided to seperate from active duty and go to the reserves, where I would only work 38 days per year. I agonized over this decision because we were so comfortable financially and liked it. I just did my 2 week annual tour and I can honestly say that getting out of the military was the best decision for us. I missed so much of her life...she started sitting up, crawling, and taking a bottle in those two short weeks. It took getting used to going to only one paycheck, but a few months before I left the military, we started putting my paycheck into savings and living off only my husband's. That way, we had some back up if needed and we got used to living with only the one paycheck.
As for something part time, find something you love and do it a few days a week. You need a break every once in a while to refresh yourself so that you can be the awesome mom your kids need.
Congratulations!!!

Answer 6

You will be fine, you need to stay home with your babies while they are young because you will regret it when they get older. You miss out on a lot when you are not around the first 5 years. I would consider taking up babysitting, crafts, or other little things you can do from your house. Good luck and Congrats on your new pregnancy!

Answer 7

My husband and I both decided that i should stay at home with our daughter..but we are in alittle bit of a different situation...I would say that if you make the decision to quit working then you two should sit down and look over what will happen money wise after you quit working...expecally insureance who has the better coverage? You will have to learn that you cant go out shopping or out to eat as much or if at all...But i would say stay at home

Answer 8

Well I think that if you are living in a metro city then just shift to some other city in which the expenses are a bit less. Well you havnt told that where are you located at the moment. Tell me everything in explanation on [e-mail] and I will help you out.
Well take everything as a challenge and face the problem as everything will not remain as it is for long.
Reply me back on [e-mail] and I will be always there to help you out.
Don’t worry. Everything will become good very good

Answer 9

Honestly that's only a descision you & your husband can make. I would make a list of the pros & cons & maybe a list of ways to cut back & save money. I stay home with our girls. I admit it is VERY tough & we have trouble making ends meet but it's so worth it. I taught my daughter to write her name yesterday(she's 4) that is something that I will remember forever & if I had been working I may not have been able to do that. For your kids, do anything you can to stay home with them. It's more than worth it.

Answer 10

I think you better do part time job because kid needs love.If you always neglect him,the problem will exist in the future.But you cannot dont do anything at all because you must have an ability for your future for some unexpected problem such as financial problem.I think you can be a babysitter for part time while look after your kid.I hope my opinion can help you.