Dixie,
I used to work as well and had 2 in daycare/afterschool care. It was tough. Didn't think we could afford to leave the corporate world but after sitting down w/ pencil to paper, realized that we were actually losing money by me working. Not to mention the strain on our PI kids. I know it is a vERY personal choice for everyone and for soem, there is no alternative. You will learn just how much money you CAN save by staying home. Little things are what add up. Going out to lunch on the job, coffee, parking(I had to pay to park), gas to get there and get home, daycare, business suits, cell phones, etc. I left the stock market world of money and stayed home. You can do the same. Look at ALL expenses by writing every single little thing down. Cut out what you can. We have no cell phones now, no cable or satellite, make all our errands in one shot if we can, etc. Also, I have friends who started a coupon savings program. My good friend went shopping and got $1100 worth of food for $45! That's right, over a thousand dollars worth of food for $45. Now, she teaches other people. You'd be amazed at what people are wasting money on. I used to be that way. I look for nothing but deals now. The most we'll pay for a brand new pair of kids' shoes is $5. I buy everything out of season on supersales. (except for Bojan's special shoes). I get free samples all the time. Today, I get to order a brand new digital scale for FREE. Yep, $40 for free. I never have to buy new razors, lotion, etc. I get all tehs samples for free. You will be amazed at what you can do to save money. To market research focus groups. They are fun and pay cash. I get $75 here and there to go express my opinions for an hour or so. It's fun and easy. Do basic mystery shopping. I only do a little b/c it does not pay. But every once in awhile is fun to go out to eat for free. Toys for the kids...I just got Max a birthday present for next month. A $65 remote control car for $7. It's the little things that you can do to make a huge difference. OUr house is not kept warm in winter. We are comfortable and my children want to run around w/ underwear on
so I KNOW they aren't cold. Just turning the thermastat down helps.
I'm telling you all this b/c I know coming from the corporate world just how you are feeling. Like you can't make it w/ the income cut in half. Start w/ pencil to paper. How can you change things? Write it down, review it, and write it down again. This will take awhile but it is so worth it. My friend gives seminars now on how to save money. Many are SAHM that quit their jobs and are learning how to save. Our family's income was cut in half when I left my job. We didn't know what we were going to do. Seriously. We had just bought a new car. (only new car we ever had--LOL). I knew I had to do something. We had two kids to take care of. If you want any suggestions, you can write me privately. May take a day or two to respond. I'm trying to help some families right now w/ adoption. But I will write back.
I want you to know it can be done. I'm living proof. and had someone told me years ago I'd have to cut my income in half and try to survive, I would have said no way possible. Yet, it is. I have many friends that stay at home now due to my one friend starting all this. She's been featured on news programs, does speeches, etc. I didn't believe it at first either till I saw all the receipts first hand.
I wish youall the best Dixie. Whether it is staying at home, finding a part-time job or going back to work somewhere else. Only YOU can decide what is in the best interest of your family.
Good luck,