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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I would do this in a heartbeat if I could. You get a nice long break while they are at school to clean and grocery shop and do you own thing, then you get to spend a bunch of quality time with your kids at THE best ages 5-12. Then I'd go back when they were in middle school or high school. Alas, we can't afford it.[/quote]

Problem is -- the work world doesn't want you after you've taken off for those years.  I know.... I live the life you describe and can't just "go back."[/quote]

I agree with this poster. I'm having a heck of time going back. (Kids will be in 4th and 3rd). I worked part-time after they were born, and then stopped working when my oldest needed OT.

That being said, having a spouse who commutes 2 hours total and works long hours and travels, all the before school, school and after school activities fall to me (i.e., parent-teacher conferences, homework, forms, etc). I know I'm lucky that we have the financial resources, but I find it dreary and boring. I do volunteer work in the community, but it's not the same as having a profession.

If I did find a job, I would have to hire someone to shuttle my kids around after school and help out around the house. [/quote]

I'm the PP you quoted and I just want to say -- we are in the same boat.  I find ways to be busy enough, but it is sometimes boring.  BUT, I am available to help with the school activities during the day and I volunteer at the library.  I go to the gym and run to the grocery store.  Make sure everyone had the clothes they need, the library books are returned, etc.  I tutor math (i.e. help with homework), and take the kids to appointments (hair cut, dentist, orthodonist, dr., etc.) . I pay the bills, manage the investments, do the taxes, fix things around the house (minor plumbing and electrical included).  I research plans for the kids and the family.   I used to run the HOA and the scout troop.  Take the kids to soccer or music lessons.

Basically, I keep our lives running and I keep it from being really stressful.  It doesn't sound very exciting and mostly it isn't.  There is value in it.  BUT, I will encourage my DD and future DIL to keep their jobs.  I wish I had a mentor/mother who could have coached/helped me through the difficult early years.   Don't think that it is just a matter of snapping your fingers and "going back to work."   [/quote]

If you truly want to go back to work, ]p, it is not impossible.  I went back after two breaks or nearly eight years off and I'm a lawyer.  It just takes time and patience.  [/quote]

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