How do I learn to be satisfied as a SAHM?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Same old covid story. Lost my job, have applied to dozens, no leads. I'm coming to the realization that I'm too old and unqualified for much of anything anymore. But cooking and cleaning all days isn't satisfying - how do I make it so? How do I change my mindset?

OP, your mindset is misguided. You haven't been able to find a job during a pandemic and an economic crisis and the only alternative you see is cooking and cleaning all day? No. You did not become a SAHM. You lost your job. You may or may not find another but it sounds like money is not an issue if you are contemplating just throwing in the towel after 6 months. So decide what you want to do next. Volunteer? Go back to school? Start a hobby? A new profession?

You need to get over this idea that you are either working at your old job or just taking care of your home. There are like a million things you could do.

+1. The title of this post is misleading. OP, you're unemployed/maybe a housewife, not a SAHM.

[Anonymous]

My dad got a new job when he was 60, so I doubt you're too old.

[Anonymous]

You are unemployed, not a SAHM.

I left my well paying six figure job to stay home with my children. DH earns a seven figure income. I feel busy all the time juggling my 3 kids. It does cost money to stay home and occupy your time.

[Anonymous]

Volunteer at the animal shelter! It is my dream. When i retire at 70 (10 more years) that's where I'm spending all my time.

[Anonymous]

What kind of job did you have that you wrapped your entire life satisfaction up in it? That’s sad.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Same old covid story. Lost my job, have applied to dozens, no leads. I'm coming to the realization that I'm too old and unqualified for much of anything anymore. But cooking and cleaning all days isn't satisfying - how do I make it so? How do I change my mindset?

OP, your mindset is misguided. You haven't been able to find a job during a pandemic and an economic crisis and the only alternative you see is cooking and cleaning all day? No. You did not become a SAHM. You lost your job. You may or may not find another but it sounds like money is not an issue if you are contemplating just throwing in the towel after 6 months. So decide what you want to do next. Volunteer? Go back to school? Start a hobby? A new profession?

You need to get over this idea that you are either working at your old job or just taking care of your home. There are like a million things you could do.

+1. The title of this post is misleading. OP, you're unemployed/maybe a housewife, not a SAHM.

Since when does being a SAHM have to apply only to people who voluntarily quit a job? If you are a mom at home with kids, whether you lost a job, quit a job, or never had a job, you are a stay-at-home-mom. WTF?

OP, I concur with other PPs to keep trying if you really want to work or switch gears and look for satisfying hobbies and volunteer work if you are fortunate enough not to have to work. My spouse is looking for work now and it is hard. Sorry, OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What kind of job did you have that you wrapped your entire life satisfaction up in it? That’s sad.

Really? Go away troll.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What kind of job did you have that you wrapped your entire life satisfaction up in it? That’s sad.

Really? Go away troll.

How am I a troll? Isn’t the OP’s post trolling? She’s so lost without her 9-5? Damn, I’m pretty successful and like my job well enough but I wouldn’t feel so bored and listless without my job. I have many interests and relationships in my life I would love to spend more time on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What kind of job did you have that you wrapped your entire life satisfaction up in it? That’s sad.

It's sad you're not smart enough to keep a job.

[Anonymous]

I'm not reading the whole thread, but, if you have had a successful career up to now and been happy with your job, you are going to need at least a year to adjusting to being a SAHM. Keep up with your industry and computer skills. Likely you will be back to work in a few years. I spent 7 years as a SAHM, never regretted it, but it did take time to adjust.

[Anonymous]

I tried and failed to be a SAHM. I never really found my groove. I"m an introvert and never found a clique of moms to drink coffee and go to aerobics with, and actually I hate going to the gym. I spent way too much time cleaning the house and shopping online. (Kids were school-age). I didn't enjoy volunteering in the school and most of the time felt like there were too many moms volunteering and we were just getting in the way and it felt weird to compete with other moms to get a spot on the field trip or whatever. I was the girl scout leader from hell with way too many complicated projects. I was in a similar situation to the OP. We had moved to a new area and I vastly overestimated how valuable and in demand my skills would be. I went on interviews for weird jobs that didn't really fit for quite some time until I finally found a work situation that fit. When I went back to work, everyone was much happier, including the kids. I drove everyone crazy!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What kind of job did you have that you wrapped your entire life satisfaction up in it? That’s sad.

It's sad you're not smart enough to keep a job.

What? I’m employed. Are you okay?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Same old covid story. Lost my job, have applied to dozens, no leads. I'm coming to the realization that I'm too old and unqualified for much of anything anymore. But cooking and cleaning all days isn't satisfying - how do I make it so? How do I change my mindset?

OP, your mindset is misguided. You haven't been able to find a job during a pandemic and an economic crisis and the only alternative you see is cooking and cleaning all day? No. You did not become a SAHM. You lost your job. You may or may not find another but it sounds like money is not an issue if you are contemplating just throwing in the towel after 6 months. So decide what you want to do next. Volunteer? Go back to school? Start a hobby? A new profession?

You need to get over this idea that you are either working at your old job or just taking care of your home. There are like a million things you could do.

+1. The title of this post is misleading. OP, you're unemployed/maybe a housewife, not a SAHM.

Since when does being a SAHM have to apply only to people who voluntarily quit a job? If you are a mom at home with kids, whether you lost a job, quit a job, or never had a job, you are a stay-at-home-mom. WTF?

OP, I concur with other PPs to keep trying if you really want to work or switch gears and look for satisfying hobbies and volunteer work if you are fortunate enough not to have to work. My spouse is looking for work now and it is hard. Sorry, OP.

Lol, this. Some of you are acting like SAHM is some specialist career. Whereas it’s simply defined by what you are not (an employee). I know plenty of SAHMs or SAHDs who were laid off, or couldn’t make enough to cover childcare, etc. It can be intentional, or it can be accidental.

[Anonymous]

I have four children 7 and under and I don’t have a quiet moment but watching them develop is incredibly satisfying and I know how important I am in their lives. How they develop is a lot on my shoulders and I embrace it. But I do look forward to the day when they are all in school and I can find a way to restart my career. Until then it’s one day at a time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What kind of job did you have that you wrapped your entire life satisfaction up in it? That’s sad.

Really? Go away troll.

How am I a troll? Isn’t the OP’s post trolling? She’s so lost without her 9-5? Damn, I’m pretty successful and like my job well enough but I wouldn’t feel so bored and listless without my job. I have many interests and relationships in my life I would love to spend more time on.

NP. Nobody asked about you.

OP, what kind of work did you do?

If you really want to work, I would keep looking. Job hunting is a full time job and can last a while, but from what I can see, you can write well--a skill that is surprisingly rare these days! I am sure you have many others. Please don't be so defeatist about your chances if you want to work.