do most sahms plan to stay that way?

Anonymous
I was just curious how many SAHMs plan to return to the workforce--- or if they plan to always remain a SAHM (homemaker). I always wondered what happens when the kids are in school full-day. What do you do during those 7 hours a day?
zumbamama
Site Admin Offline
I am hoping I can continue to SAH PT for as long as I can. I never want to go back to working FT again. When my kids are in school, I'll either be working an hour or two here and there, cleaning/cooking, watching the younger one, working on personal projects (art/writing), volunteering for programs, lunching with friends, or squeezing in a power nap.
Anonymous
I work FT. But, if I SAH, I would have a great garden, a highly organized and spotless house, and change my decorations seasonally. I would walk the dog twice a day and bathe him weekly. I would plan exciting projects with my kids from baking to crafts to weekend activities. That and my various volunteer projects and personal pursuits (reading, shopping for the kids/house, etc.) could easily fill more than 7 hours a day (and that is not including a work out).

There is in undercurrent in the OP's post that suggests SAHMs don't do anything. I think that is dead wrong and that many of the SAHMs I know make sure they are creating a warm home environment for their kids and family. 1950s? Perhaps. But many would argue it is a lot better than the freak show of stress and chaos that reigns at my house.
Anonymous
SAHM here who has missed working FT. I'd like to think I'll go back to work when kids are school, but I'd really like to be on the other side of where I was -- ie: I'd like to be the patron/donor and not the one kissing butt asking for money. Of course, much of how we're able to do that will depend on DH's career.

It's hard to do what 11:26 talks of with two little ones running around and another on the way, but one day I'll have a great garden and my house won't look like a tornado came through it most days of the week!
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:SAHM here who has missed working FT. I'd like to think I'll go back to work when kids are school, but I'd really like to be on the other side of where I was -- ie: I'd like to be the patron/donor and not the one kissing butt asking for money. Of course, much of how we're able to do that will depend on DH's career.

It's hard to do what 11:26 talks of with two little ones running around and another on the way, but one day I'll have a great garden and my house won't look like a tornado came through it most days of the week!


One friend who went from a nanny and them at home part day pre school to full time pre school with extended hours found that when at home [including nanny day off] it was easier when they were out of the house. less clean up - less meal prep - less laundry. She had a time when the kids got dropped off at 7:30 and picked up at 5:30-6. Bed at about 8. So lots of home time was meals and bathing.
Anonymous
OP--- just an undercurrent of jealousy. The problem is I know I'd be a complete failure at sahm-- tendency to become a complete sloth when not confronted with structure of a work day or deadline. I'd prob. go to the gym for 2 hours and then be on the couch eating bon-bons, reading and making up excuses to husband about what I did all day and how come the house is so dirty and nothing is organized. At least now I blame the mess on having to work part of the day and my favorite quote 'you should be thankful you have a wife that brings home a paycheck'- ha!.
Anonymous
I know you are actually interested in a discussion and I'm ruining the fun, but I have your answer.

According to the US Census, in 2006 there were 80 million moms, 5.6 million SAHM.

So to answer your questions, yes, most SAHMs will go back to work at some point, whether it be when their child starts preschool, middle school, or are fully grown and gone.

And, as an anecdote - most of the moms in the neighborhood I grew up were SAHMs (including my own) as I was growing up. Now, when I hear my mom talk about them, the vast majority have entered the workforce in some capacity. Many actually went to graduate school, a few got their PhD, and some had to wprk because of financial reasons (a few divorces, a few bad investments), but the rest wanted to it seems like.

This may change though - considering I was born in the 70s and most of these moms were having kids very young, and then being in their early 40s with kids grown and gone. Around here and for our generation, with people having kids later, the stats may change.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
According to the US Census, in 2006 there were 80 million moms, 5.6 million SAHM.


I think the attached link (see below) to a BLS report is more useful than this statistic. In 2005, 25% of school-age (6-17 years old) kids had a stay-at-home parent. I'm at home but will go back to work at least part-time when it works out. Have to decide whether I want one more child first. Unless you're really well-off, who couldn't use the extra money for college, retirement, etc. I doubt my sister will go back with four kids spanning eight years to newborn (logistics). They're also in a different income bracket than my family.

http://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2007/02/art2full.pdf
Anonymous
"This may change though - considering I was born in the 70s and most of these moms were having kids very young, and then being in their early 40s with kids grown and gone. Around here and for our generation, with people having kids later, the stats may change."

This is an interesting point though while starting a family in your late 30s/early 40s seems to be the norm around here the average national age is still much younger. My age certainly influenced my choice to work. I had gained a senior position with a high salary and ability to define a more flexible schedule. If I jumped out for 5 - 10 years it would be difficult to re enter or find a new career at say 45-50. If I had been in my 20s my financial situation may have made it more pragmatic to stay home and I would less concerned about rebuilding, restarting or changing careers.

I would guess that the SAHM experience when kids are in school has changed a lot too with only 25% at home. Sometimes I wish I could be at home after school so my kids could just run around the neighborhood the way I remember doing but this doesn't exist anyway. All the other kids are in activities or aftercare not home. If I was home at 3 rather than 5 I would be driving them around to activities or they would be playing by themselves at home.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
According to the US Census, in 2006 there were 80 million moms, 5.6 million SAHM.


I think the attached link (see below) to a BLS report is more useful than this statistic. In 2005, 25% of school-age (6-17 years old) kids had a stay-at-home parent. I'm at home but will go back to work at least part-time when it works out. Have to decide whether I want one more child first. Unless you're really well-off, who couldn't use the extra money for college, retirement, etc. I doubt my sister will go back with four kids spanning eight years to newborn (logistics). They're also in a different income bracket than my family.

http://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2007/02/art2full.pdf


Yes, but the answer is still roughly the same: most SAHMs do go back to work (since around 75% of parents with kids are working). And I would venture to say that some folks may go back when their kids go to college, so that would mean even more moms who stayed at home will go back.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:"This may change though - considering I was born in the 70s and most of these moms were having kids very young, and then being in their early 40s with kids grown and gone. Around here and for our generation, with people having kids later, the stats may change."

This is an interesting point though while starting a family in your late 30s/early 40s seems to be the norm around here the average national age is still much younger. My age certainly influenced my choice to work. I had gained a senior position with a high salary and ability to define a more flexible schedule. If I jumped out for 5 - 10 years it would be difficult to re enter or find a new career at say 45-50. If I had been in my 20s my financial situation may have made it more pragmatic to stay home and I would less concerned about rebuilding, restarting or changing careers.

I would guess that the SAHM experience when kids are in school has changed a lot too with only 25% at home. Sometimes I wish I could be at home after school so my kids could just run around the neighborhood the way I remember doing but this doesn't exist anyway. All the other kids are in activities or aftercare not home. If I was home at 3 rather than 5 I would be driving them around to activities or they would be playing by themselves at home.


I feel the same way; I'm the poster who cited the stats.

We started a little later and my position in my company was senior enough I was eligible for, and we could afford, a reduced schedule, telecommuting options, etc. Also, could afford to take an extended maternity leave unpaid, and had a private office that made pumping at work a hell of a lot easier.

At 25, when I was in a cubicle, hadn't gotten my grad degrees yet, and was making $35k a year, SAHM would have likely been more appealing and probably cost-effective.
Anonymous
I am SAHM now and I think there is this thought that you have GOBS more time when the kids are in school, and you don't. Obviously, in terms of one-on-one with the kids, yes, it is easier, but the amount of errands and chores and schedule keeping, it doesn't turn into TONS of time, esp. with drop off and pick up here in the city. I am not sure what I will do, I know eventually my days will really open up and I will decide then. I DO know that with children in school, the school stuff alone can be quite time comsumming!
Anonymous
I'm a SAHM -- ex-attorney. I miss working, and would love to go back when DC is in elementary school -- but on a PT basis, so that I'm still able to see DC off to school at 9 a.m., and be there to pick her up at 3:40 pm. I'm not sure that there are a ton of 9:30-3 p.m. jobs out there, but that's what I want!
Anonymous
I'm a SAHM with 2 kids. WHen I moved to the suburbs there was a large group of us with kids the same age and one at home parent. Now that most of our kids are preschool aged, there's just one or two of us not working yet at least part time. My experience is almost everyone goes back to working; many people pick up some part time or freelance work and work around their kids' schedules.

I really want to go back to work very soon myself. A lot of people seem to think 3/4 time is ideal.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:I'm a SAHM with 2 kids. WHen I moved to the suburbs there was a large group of us with kids the same age and one at home parent. Now that most of our kids are preschool aged, there's just one or two of us not working yet at least part time. My experience is almost everyone goes back to working; many people pick up some part time or freelance work and work around their kids' schedules.

I really want to go back to work very soon myself. A lot of people seem to think 3/4 time is ideal.



OP here. I am 3/4 from home full-time. I never went down to SAHM only because I now how good I have it right now-- pay wise and flexibility-wise. I didn't want to risk not being able to get that back. I completely understand why so many of my friends quit to be sahms because options like mine are not very prevalent.
Forum Index » Infants, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Go to: