Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I found that online classes to get trained in a new career has helped me.

My background is in finance. My friends are now very senior. I will likely earn less than what I earned fresh out of grad school in investment banking.

Similar situation here. I took 15 years away from career to pursue an adjacent career and SAHM.
Then I went back to original career and am 15 years behind my peers.
Feel lucky that I was still able to get back in but 12 years afterwards (in my 50s) it's tough. But it's also tough for my peers unless they are running their own businesses - which is pretty much the capstone.

My daughter (only child) is a sophomore in college and it has been interesting to see the different ways that those of us who no longer have kids at home have been experiencing the change.

My impression is that everyone is rediscovering who they are. The ones whose lives were totally focused on kids are having a harder time figuring that out. So maybe just stay aware of what you enjoy, what you value, what gives you passion, etc.? And find ways to be connected and active in those areas. It doesn’t have to be a paying job.

I would love to volunteer at various places as well as cultivate hobbies and work out!
I would volunteer at a non-profit near us and maybe Children’s and a school. My child had a lot at Childrens so I would be content doing whatever there. At most nonprofits I would or ably be asked to help with administration bc that is my background, but would enjoy more client facing engagement. I look forward to traveling with my husband and working out more.
I was and am a STAH mom full time till the kids were in elementary and have been part-time since then. Now working to pay for private school and college so I may go back full time for two in college. Also juggling elder care at a distance with frequent visits.

What’s it like? Beautiful bliss.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, so your youngest is 8. You have a long time before all your kids "go to college". What are you asking, exactly? I'm not buying into this as a sincere post.

I have two teens who will both be in college in 4 years. My 8yo will be 12 then.

While I am still very busy juggling these kids now, I won’t be very busy after the next few years.

No you’ll be busy with your 12 yo who cannot drive, has activities, and the high school BS that you’ve been through already.


The difference is you’ll be in (peri)menopause, have sore joints, and a high earning husband who’s looking at the younger women with whom he works.

I stayed home when my 3 were little. Went back when they ranged from early elementary to middle school. Went fine for awhile and the money was valuable to us (more so than it sounds like it would be for you). However, I'd very gladly be SAHM permanently if money were no object. After that initial period of calm, as the kids have entered HS ages, it has become very hard to juggle it all. Now the oldest is a junior, and the middle is also in high school, and everything has really intensified. You expect the independence will bring you more free time for the parents, but that hasn't been the case. For example, did you know some school sports don't practice immediately after school? So DC comes home on the bus, then needs to be driven back at like 4 pm EVERY DAY for practice (and picked up 2 hours later). Also, when they have their learner's permit, you are required to do 45 hours of driving with them. This is more than an hour a week. Sure they can drive when you're headed somewhere anyway, but for us, this never adds up to enough and it was a lot of work to get them all the driving experience. And now we're ramping up with college stuff, and I honestly don't know when we're supposed to go on campus visits with 3 kids and 2 working parents.

I’d volunteer and take up new hobbies.

Anonymous wrote:OP— you are in a great position because you can get literally any job you want and not worry about the pay. If I were in your position I would pursue my dream job— which does not pay enough to support a family.

And what is that? Is it easy to start it as a 50 something year old with no previous experience in the field?

There is a lot of stimulating work that you can do in the community as a volunteer, take classes, and then really be available for your grandkids. How amazing would that be!

OP— you are in a great position because you can get literally any job you want and not worry about the pay. If I were in your position I would pursue my dream job— which does not pay enough to support a family.

I’ll be an empty nester in the fall and I work about 12 hrs a week. My DH makes 7 figures so it’s mostly about using my brain and graduate degree, having structure to my week, and having social engagement with people of differing ages and backgrounds from my mom friends. I’m not planning to ramp up when mine are all in college, part time feels right for my mid 50s.

I had to pivot to caring for aging parent, but manage to work very part time too. I’m glad because college kids still require a lot of flexibility and time. I couldn’t be there on their breaks if I worked full time.

I want to transition into a new, more fulfilling career, but we don't make enough money to take that chance.. alas kids.. do what you love.. because money isn't everything..

Once your kids are driving...you will find you have less responsibilities w/ your kids. It's not just once they leave the nest. So it's up to you how you decide you want to fill your time. Find something you like if $ is not an issue but for me, I would want to feel fulfilled for myself now that my children are flown or getting ready to fly

It's so fun! I travel, visit my children, take classes...basically do whatever I want.