What’s it like for a SAHM after kids go to collegr

[Anonymous]

OP, so your youngest is 8. You have a long time before all your kids "go to college". What are you asking, exactly? I'm not buying into this as a sincere post.

[Anonymous]

That will be me in a year. I’m effectively retired and already in a good groove, with lots of hobbies and friends to spend time with. Once my younger child is in college, I plan to travel more often and spend more time at our second home.

[Anonymous]

There's no way in hell I'd work if my husband earned seven figures. Life's too short. There's way more enjoyable ways to fill your days.

I'm a sahm whose kids are now in college, my husband makes less than yours and I'm busy and fullfilled.

[Anonymous]

Visit those I love. See them more, much more. Elder parents, siblings, faraway friends. And visit kids at college. They aren't expected to always come to me. Get to know their new area, why they like it. Make some new memories. Without imposing on them of course. Hotel. A couple of meals.

[Anonymous]

My mom in that situation started a second career in home decorating. She did not make a lot but enjoyed the work, she was good at it, and it gave her a sense of purpose. She started part-time when I (the youngest) got to high school - but started experimenting with other PT work when I was in middle school. If you don’t have to work, I’d probably avoid getting back in the rat race (I say that as a working mom of high schoolers who really enjoys my career but is absolutely exhausted) but I’d definitely look for a hobby job or volunteer gig. There’s lots of stuff out there to get involved with.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, so your youngest is 8. You have a long time before all your kids "go to college". What are you asking, exactly? I'm not buying into this as a sincere post.

I have two teens who will both be in college in 4 years. My 8yo will be 12 then.

While I am still very busy juggling these kids now, I won’t be very busy after the next few years.

[Anonymous]

I’ve been a stay at home mom since 2007.
I got certified to teach Pilates a couple of years ago and have a small home studio where I see private clients. I work as much or as little as I want.

I volunteer and service on some boards but felt like I needed something for myself.

[Anonymous]

You will effectively be taking early retirement. Some people choose to work part time, some volunteer, some focus on hobbies. The bigger question is probably what your husband’s retirement timeline is and what your shared vision is once he is no longer working full time as well.

[Anonymous]

I work very part time at a nonprofit. It keeps my resume fresh enough.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I found that online classes to get trained in a new career has helped me.

My background is in finance. My friends are now very senior. I will likely earn less than what I earned fresh out of grad school in investment banking.

Is OP the one with the finance background? Because I was the one who posted about online classes.

Anyway I’m working on my certificate in college counseling! I wish I had known about this before sending my own to college. I’m enjoying it and I think there are people with 40 students at a time who are making a decent amount. Obviously not as much as the senior finance folks… but a couple of hundred thousand ain’t too shabby, if you have the bandwidth. Or do the certificate now, help your own kids with their college apps and start a business when you are an empty nester if you are bored at that point. My husband has noticed a difference in me — doing something with my brain has been life-changing for me.

Are you saying you make 200k per year college counseling?

LOL no…but in our classes or webinars I attend, people who have been doing this for longer say that you could add so many students and make an extra 100K or so. I used to be shocked but I think these are very experienced (or terrible!) consultants that have 40+ kids. The highest I heard was 75 kids — not necessarily seniors, just high schoolers. That IEC is now almost retired and down to 25. So 25 kids at $6K average….and this is someone who has cut down as she is in her 70s.

[Anonymous]

It's so fun! I travel, visit my children, take classes...basically do whatever I want.

[Anonymous]

Once your kids are driving...you will find you have less responsibilities w/ your kids. It's not just once they leave the nest. So it's up to you how you decide you want to fill your time. Find something you like if $ is not an issue but for me, I would want to feel fulfilled for myself now that my children are flown or getting ready to fly

[Anonymous]

I want to transition into a new, more fulfilling career, but we don't make enough money to take that chance.. alas kids.. do what you love.. because money isn't everything..

[Anonymous]

I had to pivot to caring for aging parent, but manage to work very part time too. I’m glad because college kids still require a lot of flexibility and time. I couldn’t be there on their breaks if I worked full time.

[Anonymous]

I’ll be an empty nester in the fall and I work about 12 hrs a week. My DH makes 7 figures so it’s mostly about using my brain and graduate degree, having structure to my week, and having social engagement with people of differing ages and backgrounds from my mom friends. I’m not planning to ramp up when mine are all in college, part time feels right for my mid 50s.