[MinnFan]

Ever since I got my first Cabbage Patch Kid 20 years ago, I knew I'd attempt to adopt children for real someday. That time is getting closer, and it will most likely be via the single parent route. Anyway, my situation: I've gotten into a pattern that I love. I work as a computer consultant for a few months, make the big bucks, then when the contract is up I use those same big bucks to fund a trip overseas to volunteer in orphanages for a few months. I return home, the cycle repeats. I live very comfortably, have a decent nest egg tucked away, I've owned my home for eight years, and I never have any problems finding a job when I return to the US. BUT as the time draws near to settle down and begin a family through adoption, I fear that my history of "bouncing around" will become a liability. Does anyone know how long The Powers That Be might expect a single prospective parent to be in the same place of employment in order to be considered, for lack of a better word, stable? Obviously for my own piece of mind I'd want at least a year or two at the same job under my belt, but have no idea what the experts would think. Would having ample savings to get me through any rough patches make them more lenient? Would my history of coming and going (although it was for the best of reasons) make them question my sincerity or my true ability to commit? If so, how long would I have to stay put to convince them otherwise? Any thoughts most appreciated!

[sneezyone]

I think you might be suprised at what stability is. Your history of travel and adventure might be just the ticket for an expectant parent and/or really appealing to an international placement agent. What's most important is that you have a history of being able to successfully support yourself and that you have the ability to successfully support a child. Families come in all shapes and sizes and with all sorts of employment histories. You've been consistently inconsistent, KWIM without being irresponsible. I don't think that will hold you back at all. You'd probably just be asked, during the homestudy, to explain whether/how your employment/travel habits will change with the addition of a child.

[Nevada Jen]

I would describe my financial history as similar to your (unfortunately my life does not sound anywhere near as exciting). In the 8 years between finishing law school and adopting I had at least 7 jobs. And I had been at my current job for 13 months when we got our homestudy approval and placement. And my husband is a stay at home parent so we have depended on my income only the entire time. They did ask why I had had so many jobs during our homestudy. I told them the truth, which I was not embarrased about at all. I am good at what I do and they desperately need lawyers here and if I ever actually lost a job I would have 3 to pick from the next day. I change jobs for higher pay or better working conditions. I also had a big savings account and plenty of equity in my house.

I don't think you need to get a job and keep it for a year or 2. You have been a computer consultant for a number of years. That is your career. You have done work for many different companies over the years.

Good Luck.

[MinnFan]

A belated thank you to Adrienne and Jen! It's very reassuring that what I thought was going to be one of my biggest obstacles may not be that big of a deal after all. Plus it gives me the confidence to enjoy one or two more "last flings" overseas without fear of them coming back to bite me in a homestudy someday! Thanks again!