Do you think a mom should stop working, if the husband gets a better paying job?

Question

My husband just got a new job, where he should be making double what he made before. We both have always worked because I make more per hour than he did, but I dont always get 40 hrs a week, and even though he usually did get 40 hours, he has to pay childsupport for his other kids, and his job provided health insurance while mine doesn't. A few people have asked if I will stop working now that he will be making so much more, but I don't feel this is the right time. We have credit card debt, due to unexpected expenses (Car repairs, plumbing leaks, etc.) and we have a 35 yr old house that needs major work (new roof, has rotting wood, water damage, etc.) and I think we should dig ourselves out of debt before I stay at home. I would love to stay at home with my kids, but not if we have to stay in debt and not have extra money for unexpected expenses or for fun things like family vacations, Christmas and birthday gifts, etc. Should be get caught up before I quit working?

My opinion is that I should continue to work and contribute financially until we are completely out of credit card debt, all necessary repairs are done to the house and vehicles, and anything that we might possible need is taken care of. That way if I stay at home, we are not adding onto the debt, which in the end would take away from things for my kids, like new clothes, toys, trips to the zoo, vacations, etc.

Answer 1

Hi there! Congrats to your husband!!! That is a great achievement!

It sounds as though you have made a good decision in keeping your job until your debt is paid off. Being that you have a lot of home repairs to complete, it sounds like your family could still really benefit from having your paycheck to count on. If it were me, the only time I would really consider quitting my job is if my family really did not need the money, and/or I found myself spending my paycheck on things like shopping for clothes and spa treatments. :) (wouldn't that be nice though??)

I think you are making a very good decision. The only thing I would be careful of is allowing too much time to go by. If your debt and the repairs are not done in 5 years (for example), then you may want to reconsider your options. Also, you might want to be careful of something else being added to that list, such as 1. debt, 2. home repairs 3. new car, 4. piano lessons for the kids, etc. Do you know what I mean? You don't want that list to keep growing. If staying home with your children is really something you are considering for your future, you'll want to make sure that goal is attainable. Anyway, I hope this helps. :)

Answer 2

You say you want to dig out of debt before staying at home. Well, let me tell you, you will NEVER be out of debt! It's not possible because even if you paid off all your debt tomorrow, something else will always come up. I think if at all possible you should stay at home with the kids. Because one of these days they will be all grown up and won't have as much time for dear 'ole mom anymore. Take some time for them now while they are still young and need you so much. You wouldn't have to quit work completely, just go to part-time or something. Or even work from home. I work part-time and it is so great to be able to be here when my kids get home from school. I'm here for homework help, etc. There are so many things my family could do and have if I worked full time, but no amount of money could replace these memories that I'm making with my kids right now on a daily basis. I think that one day my kids will look back on their childhoods and be gratefut that I was there so much for them. Unless you're a millionaire, there will always be unexpected expenses and things that need bought/paid off/fixed etc. But there are so many ways to cut back and conserve when it comes to money. I would seriously try working part-time for awhile to see how it goes before quitting all together or staying full time either one. Good Luck!

Answer 3

I'm in a similar situation, however it has never been my intention to not work but at the same time I feel that if you are pregnant and money is becoming an issue when the baby comes its going to be an even bigger issue, but I would suggest to your husband that if he works a second job or find a job making more money he would be able to afford the bills so you can stay at home with your baby. Things happened and I ended up not working, it was not planned but I had the opportunity to spend atleast 2.5 years with my son and he'll be turning 3 in a couple months, it was so worth it so don't let your husband pressure you into getting a job especially not now, don't feel bad either its his job to provide for you and if bills are adding up that's his problem to solve he can give up his hobbies or not but you let him figure it out and you take care of yourself and your baby. Eventually you might want to get a part-time job or something so you can have money for yourself, but being with my son has been worth going without as far as I am concerned.

Answer 4

I think that staying at home to raise a family is an admirable thing to do as a mom. If you are able to do this, then I say go for it. However, if you know that this may not necessarily be the right thing to do financially than you should consider continuing working. You should take part-time hours or hours that allow you to spend as much time as you can with the kids. When you become financially capable of quitting your job, then you will have more of an ability to choose what you want.

Answer 5

There is no right answere here. Getting rid of debt is a good idea, but as far as taking care of "all the things" that need to be taken care of... there will ALWAYS be something else. If you really want to stay home, set a definable goal. Also, the kids will only be kids so long, credit cards will always be there. Are they in school yet? Can you swing it on one income until they are in school and then you work during school hours?

Answer 6

You should really work at getting the credit cards paid off first. If you can get those taken care of, then maybe save up a little money and then maybe quit-or maybe just take a different job working less hours-a part time job for instance.
Get yourselves out of debt first. Make certain your husbands new job is gonna work out and last also. You would really be in a mess if you quit and they let him go the following week!
Consider all your options before you jump into anything.

Answer 7

You guys have to figure that out. It's not cheap to work either, considering clothes, eats, gas, day car, dry cleaning. Have you considered getting a home equity line of credit to pay off your bills and get the house repaired. Your house is a great source of income. The interest you pay on a home equity line is tax deductible, which makes it even better. Best wishes. The transition from working full time to being a stay-at-home mom can be a little rocky as well, so think it through and talk it through.

Answer 8

Thats a case by case thing.
If you feel your husband can make enough to support your family and pay the bills with no problems, and if you feel your time would be better at home raising the kids and taking care of things there, and if you and your husband both want this then yeah-go for it.
But just because a man gets a better paying job doesnt mean all women should quit work.
Really, sit down and talk it out with your husband - weigh out the good and bad and come to a decision together.

Answer 9

At this moment I think it is imperative to get out of debt! Having the wife not work because the husband makes a good living is not always feasible. It would be nice to stay at home with the kids but really do you want that and be up to your neck in debt? Definitely get caught up and if you want to quit then go for it :)

Answer 10

Many married women has this dilemma of choosing between career or family. I am also one of them. Ever since I graduated from U, I had never stopped working because we need the money to support our lifestyle. However, after working for 17 years, I am really tire of corporate live and wanted to do something else that can give me more time to spend with the family.
Building a home based business is a good choice. The business is yours and you work from the comfort of your home. At the same time, you can still keep your children company. If you are staying in Singapore, this website may be of help to you to find a home based business. www.home-biz-123.com.