Anyone quit job when kid(s) entering middle school?
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Anonymous
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Has anyone given up a $100k-ish job when kids are starting middle school?
I'm thinking about a year or two out of the workforce while my kid transitions into teen-dom. Anyone else done this? Did you keep up contacts at work? Were you able to go back, even if not in the same company? Did you end up staying out longer than planned? What would you caution me on...? We can afford it, but I would need to go back within 3-5 years for sure; spouse is not ok with single income long term. I'm ok going back in with a decreased salary. I'm in a compliance type position. |
Anonymous
OP here. By afford it, I mean we could get by ok, but certainly we'd need to change some things. |
Anonymous
| I can see someone doing this when they first have babies...don't really see the need for a transition into middle school. The kids will be in school for most of the day anyways. You’ll have a harder time getting back into the workforce |
Anonymous
| Can you go part time? |
Anonymous
| I think it pins on the afterschool activity load of your kids and also how independent they are with their work. If they don't have to be driven anywhere and they are good students then you will probably actually feel a bit bored. |
Anonymous
Interested in this, too. I have a ways to go until DS is in middle school, but like the idea of being around more when he will need more guidance. I remember my jr and high school days home alone... 
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Anonymous
Exactly. I’m thinking this way too, and my oldest is only 5. I would hope to do something more along the lines of part time or a work from home arrangement at a lower stress job, than full SAH. Will be interested in the replies. |
Anonymous
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I'd LOVE to do this. My oldest just started middle school. But, sigh, I have the golden handcuffs. There is no way in hell I can justify walking away from a work at home $165k job.
If I wasn't allowed to telework, I'd be at least part time. |
Anonymous
| I think you will be bored, honestly. I'd think about PT or maybe a job that doesn't have any OT demands. |
Anonymous
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I guess I don't see the point, except if you just want a break from work, more power to you...
Can you or DH telecommute at all? My oldest starts middle school next year and it starts really early. It does end early but I can see him being involved in clubs st school several days a week. On other days, he may do homework club in the library, so he likely won't be home until 4:30 most days. Either DH or I are at the house 3 days a week, so? At most, there might be 2 days he's home alone for a bit. If you have even a little flexibility it seems very manageable. I think there are fewer opportunities to volunteer at school and they don't want you there as much...I wouldn't be bored because I'd love not to work but it doesn't seem necessary, |
Anonymous
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This is OP. I could try to go part time, but am wondering if I'll end up even more tired. I'll end up taking on all the load with the kids, and it would still be go-go-go, if I work 9-3, say.
My oldest, who will be starting middle school next year, has ADHD and anxiety, and 6th grade is already rough (they move through 3 teachers, in prep for middle school). I'm seeing this as a way to help him practice executive functioning skills without rushing, seeing a coach and tutors that are less expensive (i.e., not after 6pm), and being there in the mornings for my younger one,too. Benefit of creating a less hectic home life, generally, as well. I could do part time taking a day off, but that doesn't actually help with being there for older kid as I'm trying to. Lots to think about. |
Anonymous
This is OP. I can't telework regularly, only for things like having work done at the house where I need to be here, rarely. |
Anonymous
| I have a new middle schooler. I already work part time so it works out ok, but my child gets home at about 3:20. There are not that many clubs offered, and even those that are offered don't always meet every week. There is no aftercare anymore. So just be aware that if you work a regular D.C. 9-6 job, your child is likely going to be home alone for 3 hours every day. |
Anonymous
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I'm a SAHM with kids in elementary.
Here are the challenges you will face: If you don't have a lot of SAH friends it will be lonely during the day. Unless you have hobbies you may find yourself totally aimless ~ most moms who have middle school kids have been home for years and already have an established social/volunteer/maybe PT work/etc routine well worked out at this point, you will just be creating yours. Are you going to be okay with "changing things" spending wise at the exact moment where you will have a lot of time to spend (the benefits of being home include frequent vacations, being able to do home projects easily, meet friends for lunch, take classes, join fancy gyms, shop during the day etc)? If you know you have to go back anyway, but for even less money, why not power through and retire 3 years earlier? Your child will leave the house around 7 am and not be home till late afternoon.....you won't really be picking up that much time with them now, versus when they were small. Here are the benefits: More time More peace More flexibility More time for self development More time for therapies for your child |
Anonymous
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Personally, I think I"d be bored and I was a SAHM until my youngest was in K.
However, it is helpful to have parents able to WAH some afternoons and/or have flexible schedules to handle after school activities. With a 7th and 9th grader, most of the stuff is in the evening, 6pm+ but that still means DH or I has to leave early to get home, pick up, get to the thing. DH started WAH full-time when our oldest was in 6th grade and has over time shifted that to 2-3 days a week while I WAH 1 day a week. So, most of the time we're around to keep an eye on things |