Before I had kids I always thought I would just go back to work. Then my first son came. I stayed home with him for 4 1/2 months and then went back to work. It was so hard. I considered quitting, but to do so would have meant living paycheck to paycheck on hubby's salary. Plus my benefits were far better then his. So I went back part time (3 days a week).
After our second son came along, and again taking 4 1/2 months off, I have continued working part time and finally feel great about it. My kids are only in daycare 3 days a week, I get the benefit of having 2 days a week entirely with them by myself, I keep my great benefits, I get a break from being a SAHM and my kids get some needed interaction with other kiddos their own age. A big relief is that we have finally found a daycare that were we really like the teachers and is run more like a school vs a babysitting service. It's nice knowing that I can go back full time one if I decide to and will be earning a decent salary. In the mean time I'm still able to contribute to my 401K and am vested in a traditional pension plan. So, I think working part time has worked out best for us even though before I had kids it never crossed my mind.
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