Hubby and I are discussing this option recently. He has got a nice raise and his salary will be on the increase from now on. My home owned business is not making any profit and we were considering the possibilities. I could go out and get a proper job again (after the baby is born), but I would probably have to begin at the bottom and if I choose to work in this area the pay would be low. I would also need to hire a cleaner and have arrangements for the (future) kids.
The other option is for me to become a full time housewife. Take care of the kids and the house. That would save on expenses and would mean (I hope) that I can give the children better care and education (we are even talking about home schooling).
On the one hand, we find that this makes a lot of sense. We can get by on hubby's salary alone and the house and family will benefit. I think I even enjoy staying at home and I hope I will enjoy being a mom.
What's the drawback? Well, in Israel and especially where I come from a woman is expected to be independent and have a job of her own. My grandmothers and my mother were all working women (mom still is) and would never have agreed to stay at home. I am afraid that staying at home would hurt my self esteem and the way others see me. My family was not happy when I left a promising career in the army for some strange internet business and deciding to become a full time mom would be considered admitting I'm a failure (no one would say that in those very words, but I think that's what they'll be thinking).
What are your opinions on the matter? I'd love to hear from women who have chosen either path and know what you thought at the time and what you think in retrospect.
The other option is for me to become a full time housewife. Take care of the kids and the house. That would save on expenses and would mean (I hope) that I can give the children better care and education (we are even talking about home schooling).
On the one hand, we find that this makes a lot of sense. We can get by on hubby's salary alone and the house and family will benefit. I think I even enjoy staying at home and I hope I will enjoy being a mom.
What's the drawback? Well, in Israel and especially where I come from a woman is expected to be independent and have a job of her own. My grandmothers and my mother were all working women (mom still is) and would never have agreed to stay at home. I am afraid that staying at home would hurt my self esteem and the way others see me. My family was not happy when I left a promising career in the army for some strange internet business and deciding to become a full time mom would be considered admitting I'm a failure (no one would say that in those very words, but I think that's what they'll be thinking).
What are your opinions on the matter? I'd love to hear from women who have chosen either path and know what you thought at the time and what you think in retrospect.