STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Me!  The biggest adjustment for me was loss of the second income.  But, we just do without the frivolous stuff we used to buy, and we're actually better off financially than we were when I was working!  But, I'd prepare now by saving as much $$$ as you can.  If you rely on the second income, you need to start saving big time.  For me, I hated my last job, so I was eager to stay home.  That probably helped me adjust to life at home.  Just get out with the babies as often as you can, and schedule time by yourself too.  I KNOW I need mine.  I usually do something by myself once or twice during the week and I shop on the weekends without the girls.  It really is a sanity saver.  I love being a SAHM, though.  It's very fulfilling for me.  My husband and I discussed that before we were married.  It's something we both wanted.  I think I'll stay home until our last child (probably one more) is in school and then I'll work part-time.  Good luck!

for me the hardest part was having to make a whole new set of adult friends to talk to during the day. i had a bunch of really great co-workers that were also my good friends outside of work, so seeing them and chatting with them on a daily basis was a treat. there was no doubt that i was going to stay at home when i had my son — my husband and i agreed that we wouldn't have it any other way so i felt prepared for what was to come. my job required long, exhausting hours and i was at the point of quitting anyway so i welcomed the change of pace.

i made sure that i got out of the house at least once a day, sometimes twice. i ran into and met other stay-at-home parents just by taking walks around the neighborhood or going to the park. when the weather turned colder i would take him to storytime at the library (they are usually free too) where there are always tons of other parents with children of similar ages. after storytime we'd pick out books and play at the block/lego table where there were always other moms to chat with. i met some wonderful moms who i now consider my friends at parent/child classes.

my husband makes enough money to support us quite nicely, but adjusting to having only one salary took some getting used to as well. i am much more careful about money now that i'm not making what i used to. i take on freelance projects every now and then so i am able to contribute a bit, but it's not even close to what i used to make. i do it mostly to stay on top of things in my field and not the money anyway.

good luck, girl. i hope you find it to be as fulfilling as i've found it to be. i wouldn't have it any other way or trade it for the best job in the world.

I am a stay at home mom. It was kind of a shock at first-but now I am loving it.

At first I really missed the routine and safety of going to work - knowing what to expect. I missed my paycheck (even though we can live comfortably on Dh's salary) I guess I missed feeling like I was contributing, it's really amazing how much money, and your occupation tie in with certain feelings of importance and self esteem. I also missed being a part of the outside world - being around adults, etc...

I have only been home for two months (not very long) but as the weeks go by I love it more and more. I am still doing work with jenerations so I have some adult contact and I do make enough $ to pay for my car, cell phone, gas, insurance, etc...so that eases some financial woes and makes me feel like I am contributing. In addition I just sold an apartment I bought before I got married and I made quite a bit of money on it that we were able to put away just in case. We also have 3 other investment properties that we rent out that helps a little every month too. Ideally I would like to have 10 investment properties by the time we are 40 (10 years from now) so that my job can be managing those and I can still be home for my kids. That would be ideal since I am not really sure how to re-enter the work place after 8-10 years of not being in it. What would I do?!

Anyway I am digressing...I think that as women we have an incredible ability to adjust to many different scenarios, especially when it comes to our families...and I get the feeling you will really like it and be thrilled you have the chance to be with your kids so much.

i am glad you asked this question, too! i have six weeks left at work then i'm done. (granted i am not due until april 3rd, but i wanted to take some time to myself)

i only work about 15 hours a week, so it isn't a huge deal financially, but i am definitely going to miss my tip money which i used for groceries/fun money. we have started making some preparations, though. monday we have closing on refinancing our mortgage from a 30 yr to 15. this takes a huge weight off my shoulder, and it's actually going to work out being less per month! we have a budget set, and we are trying to be more watchful of how we spend. (but i am already pretty much frugal fannie)

i am so excited to stay at home, though! both my husband and i had SAHMs and i love the idea of cooking for our family every night. (right now i work nights so we usually eat separately)