When our son was born, we also had a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old. Yes, we had three kids under age 4. So I decided to leave my nine-year teaching job at a local university. It was absolutely the right choice for our family, because the cost of childcare was nearly taking my entire paycheck.
I firmly believe that teaching is one of the most difficult jobs
The first year after leaving my job, I had to mourn my former self
I was assumed to be “professor” or “Dr.” even though I was neither. People were genuinely impressed by my university job and the degrees I earned to get there. The reactions I received as a stay-at-home-mom were much different. I was “just” a mom and not someone with an office and a title at a well-known institution.
Despite the loss of verbal accolades, I enjoyed my stay-at-home mom life. Taking my kids to the library was exciting. On rainy days, they would dump out all the toys and play together. I can’t count the number of diapers I changed or apples I sliced.
I never saw myself as a stay-at-home mom
In fact, I was certain that I would continue to work part-time after spending five and a half years earning three college degrees. I was good at my job, and I adored the energy that the university atmosphere offered. But as we all know, money talks. In my case, it was loud and clear.
I don’t regret quitting my prestigious job due to the cost of childcare. We now have four children, and I am grateful for the years I’ve been able to spend with my kids. I recognize this is a choice and a privilege that I was fortunate enough to have. As far as the future, who knows? I am certain that unless a job offers substantial financial benefits to our family, I won’t be giving up my stay-at-home-mom gig anytime soon.
