What’s your motivation for working if you can afford not to?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Intellectual stimulation, social interaction, serving an underprivileged population and using an education that took many years to complete. Oh and being a role model to my daughters!

So paid work = being a role model?

I’m not that poster but yes. It is very important for children to see both parents doing the same thing. Working and taking care of them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just finished my first full year back (Kids are in elementary school) at work and hated every minute of it. I am trying to live the life all these people talk about - fulfilling, intellectual stimulation, etc. but the reality was just a Stupid job with stupid people and a total lack of flexibility! I ran out of sick days six months in because my kids were always sick! And forget a summer vacation!
I don’t need the money.
I Am quitting as soon as I get through our busy season. There are many reasons to work and an equal number to not work.

This thread is not for you.

[Anonymous]

Bored.

[Anonymous]

Because if I didn’t work I’d have to be a SAHM and I know I’m not cut out for it. Kudos to those of you who are!

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks all. It’s good to get reminded of the benefits of working aside from the obvious reason. Perhaps it’s because I don’t have a job I love and similar to the earlier poster who wants to quit, having a job truly limits the flexibility. We don’t have family nearby and anytime someone is sick or if the school closes, we have to take time off.

I would add that if I stay at home, I would still send the kids to school at least part time. I don’t know how ppl can stay at home with their kids full time but I know I will go crazy. If I’m not working, I would love to be exercising more, go to yoga classes regularly, cook healthier meals, etc. alas, we can’t affors me to quit my job AND send the kids to part time preschool.

[Anonymous]

Health Insurance, 401k

[Anonymous]

Making a difference. Working for a nonprofit doing something very specialized after going to a top law school. But I just quit to spend more time with my family and possibly homeschool.

[Anonymous]

My job is flexible and I have a short (10 min) commute. Partner cooks during the week. Love spending time with my children, but I would not quit because I find my work meaningful and do not find the same feeling of purpose in housework. It’s a better marital dynamic. The life experience from work helps me be a better parent, for example when talking to my kids about not giving up, dealing with mistakes, encountering problems that take time to solve, working with others, etc..

[Anonymous]

I’m a senior associate at a biglaw market paying (so market hours) boutique firm and honestly I have a ton of flexibility. Sometimes I think these mommy track jobs aren’t so mommy friendly at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Bored.

What does this say about your attitude toward your child(ren)’s nanny or daycare providers?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Intellectual stimulation, social interaction, serving an underprivileged population and using an education that took many years to complete. Oh and being a role model to my daughters!

So paid work = being a role model?

I’m not that poster but yes. It is very important for children to see both parents doing the same thing. Working and taking care of them.

+1000. I’m surprised this even had to be explained. I’m not arguing that there aren’t any benefits to having or being a SAHM, but this one thing is clearly on the dual working parents side of the scale.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Bored.

What does this say about your attitude toward your child(ren)’s nanny or daycare providers?

Not PP, but maybe just that they are different people and enjoy and are stimulated by different things?

I love my kid but I couldn’t be with them 24/7 and not lose my mind. I do need to work (divorced), but even if I could stay home I wouldn’t. I enjoy my work and the people I see there. I have mom friends through school or daycare and for the most part don’t click with them like I do my other friends. I couldn’t wait to go back after maternity leave (3 months).

[Anonymous]

I work because even though I could collect 5 figures a month in child support and alimony, I am too proud.
I work to show my kids that I'm smart and resiliant
I work because they are paying me way too much and i'd be a fool not to
I work because I can't imagine dating as a single mom and saying I didn't work. I'm a smart lady, too smart for the assumptions that come with that.

I have money in trust that would enable me to never work again, but I'm a high earner with a very enviable set up (WAH), and I'm proud of myself. Its a good feeling.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have about seven million dollars. I work because what if I get sued and lose all the money, or become a victim to someone like Bernie Madoff?

You’re not serious, are you? Buy an umbrella insurance policy for a couple hundred bucks and retire

[Anonymous]

Intellectual stimulation.