OP your post is really entitled. You have ideal hours for kids, make $95k and work from home?? I can't imagine much better of a set up. Many of us would kill for even 2 out of 3 of those things. I get that sometimes the grass looks greener or we all think about the road not taken but honestly this is ridiculous. Be thankful and realize what a luxury it is to be in your situation.

+100
I would kill to either be in OP's shoes or, better yet, be a SAHM while my kids are young. This would be ideal for me and for my family.

The fact you would like to be in a situation that another person isn't sure is working for them doesn't make them entitled.

I mommy tracked myself starting 7 years ago when my eldest was born. Worked from home full time making $110K at the time. Not bad. Switched to a new job a couple of years ago now making 20K more but going into an office daily. I am slow coming out of the mommy-track route but honestly I don't think I would be willing to take on more responsibilities, headaches of moving up the ladder at the expense of spending time with my kids. I am perfectly content doing what I'm doing and being active with the PTA, taking my kids to after school activities, etc. If I took a higher position, all that would not be possible.

No, I got my dream job 200K with flexible hours. I work in an industry (sales) where long hours aren't required to make money.

The salary numbers in this thread make me dizzy. I went back for a masters' when my kids were babies, now finally working full time in my field but only make 57k. Job is demanding.

Anonymous wrote:OP your post is really entitled. You have ideal hours for kids, make $95k and work from home?? I can't imagine much better of a set up. Many of us would kill for even 2 out of 3 of those things. I get that sometimes the grass looks greener or we all think about the road not taken but honestly this is ridiculous. Be thankful and realize what a luxury it is to be in your situation.

+100
I would kill to either be in OP's shoes or, better yet, be a SAHM while my kids are young. This would be ideal for me and for my family.

I think your work arrangement sounds perfect. It's what many women would love -- work/life balance. But, only you would know if it makes you happy! who cares if you're on the 'mommy track' -- that's a pretty lame phrase anyway

This is timely because I'm 40 and pregnant and trying to figure out next steps. I do good work and I'm well regarded at my company but I wonder about the long term harm to my chances for advancement if I mommy track myself another couple of years. And also whether, when I'm ready to lean back in, there will still be opportunities or I'll be written off.

I am keeping my resume active and interviewing because it helps me to evaluate where I stand but I'm unlikely to make a move at this time because, while I work full time, I have th kind of flexibility that makes it possible to us to be dual income and yet meet the needs of our child.

I "Mommy Tracked" for about six years (except I didn't work from home). When those above me retired, I was moved up through successive jobs until I became the head of the office (within about three years). I tried to promote a "Mommy Tracker" who decided not to take what would have had to be a full time position, but the next time that position is open, she'll be likely to be offered it again. If you do good work, it won't necessarily hurt you when you're ready to step back up, time-wise.

Anonymous wrote:Yes and I never regret it.

Same here. The staff that used to work for me are now being made Partner. But I wouldn't change any of it. I have kept working and make about $225k. They will start at about $325 in their first year and will only go up.

I now realize money and titles don't mean I will be happy and live a fulfilling life. I like my job, but I don't think j could take on that level of stress of partnership.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I telework 100% of the time and can say I did probably mommy-track myself and I am OK with that. I have a good work-life balance and couldn't imagine a life where I had an hour plus commute each day, worked late and weekends. I like my life. All is good.

+1

54yo and no regrets. I love that I have developed such a close relationship with my teens?

PP here. Sorry about that question mark!

Anonymous wrote:I telework 100% of the time and can say I did probably mommy-track myself and I am OK with that. I have a good work-life balance and couldn't imagine a life where I had an hour plus commute each day, worked late and weekends. I like my life. All is good.

+1

54yo and no regrets. I love that I have developed such a close relationship with my teens?

Anonymous wrote:Yes, definitely mommy-tracked. I try hard not to regret it...

Yes. This. And then I get the alumni magazine from my law school and feel like a loser. Next time I will try to throw it away unread.

Yes, definitely mommy-tracked. I try hard not to regret it...

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP your post is really entitled. You have ideal hours for kids, make $95k and work from home?? I can't imagine much better of a set up. Many of us would kill for even 2 out of 3 of those things. I get that sometimes the grass looks greener or we all think about the road not taken but honestly this is ridiculous. Be thankful and realize what a luxury it is to be in your situation.

I don't see how it's entitled at all. She is musing, thinking of the road not taken and it's a very normal and common thing to do. It does no good to stay there for too long, but simply having these thoughts despite having a good situation currently doesn't make her entitled, it makes her human.

It's walking the fine line of thinking out loud and complaining, and I'd like to think that OP is aware that this is worthy of the first world problem meme.

But we do all wonder about choices we've made - hell, I wish I had skipped grad school and sold my soul to wall street right out of college. I have family members who 'retired' to the slow lane with millions by their mid thirties. You can drive yourself crazy with the what ifs, OP, so indulge yourself for a little bit and then get on with your very nice life.

I mommy-tracked myself and I make $20k less than you. I don't regret it though I will now work until 75 probably. I really should have SAH, but by the time we could afford it, we were divorcing.