Hi Mavis,
Long time reader here in the middle of a small identity crisis. I am in my early 30s, happily married, until semi-recently employed, but currently (and mostly happily) a homemaker. We had planned on me being a stay at home mom, but that’s taking a little longer than hoped so I’ve found myself with more time than I know what to do with.
My husband is working full time and taking a night class to get a license, so I’m glad to be able to take some of the home burdens off of him but I also feel like I’m losing my mind a little. I volunteer and try to stay active, but I feel like I’m not contributing to my household (husband disagrees and is very appreciative) and that I should be working (mom, sister, all female friends work) even though I enjoy being home. Did you ever feel this way?
Anyway (sorry about the rambling!), I had thought about building a small roadside stand like the one you have to sell baked goods, small crafts that I make, and possibly a little garden produce in the summer. We live in a suburb of a large city on a semi-busy side street so I know I would get a decent amount of foot traffic. But the question I kept coming up with is: is this a good idea? It seems low risk and low cost.
Then I started researching the laws here and in checking with my city found out that a stand wouldn’t be allowed. I could legally have a shop in our garage or home, but that doesn’t appeal to us so I’m still brainstorming. So that’s a bummer for me.
Do you have any tips, tricks, or advice for me?
With gratitude,
Kelly
*********************
Dear Kelly,
Well, for starters I can honestly say the only time I ever had a desire to work outside of the home was when I was bored out of my mind 2 years ago. I was stuck at home and pretty much alone all the time {kids were off at work or school, my husband worked 80 hours a week, gardening season was over, and I had zero home projects lined up}.
To combat my boredom at the time, I took a seasonal job at a major retailer. And let me tell you, for this INTJ girl, it was a HUGE eye opener in inefficiency in the workplace. I quickly decided that after my 6 weeks were up, I really wasn’t missing out on anything, and I would FIND something to do at home instead.
If I remember correctly, I started hooking rugs and dyeing wool a lot more than I had done in previous years. The result was that I was I able to add more and more items each month to my Esty shop and bring in a little income at the same time. And then this summer, I bought a kiln and starting making ornaments. And then I added those to my Etsy shop too. And, before I knew it, I was looking at my Etsy shop one day and noticed I had over 200 items listed!
So. Maybe I am not the best person to ask for advice on this particular topic. Because honestly, my blatantly cliche advice would be to “Find something you love doing, and do it.” Or even better, “Do what you love and the money will follow”.
See? Super cheesy, right?
Things I love to spend my time doing:
- Arts and crafts projects
- Gardening
- Exploring new towns {but only if someone else is driving}
Things I’m hearing you say:
- Gardening
- Crafts
- Baked Goods
- Supportive Husband
- Bored and need something to do
- Don’t want weirdos in my garage
My immediate thought was –> How about setting up a summer booth at your local farmer’s market? This would allow you to be home all but a 12-18 Saturdays {or whatever days your local market is held on} during the summer months.
You could work on enough crafts to fill your booth for the summer season during the winter months, make your jams in season, and bring along any extra garden produce to sell in your booth as the season progresses.
The main thing I want to say though, is do not be so hard on yourself. Whether you feel like it or not, you ARE contributing to your household. While taking care of your husband and home isn’t a paying job, keeping the wheels turning is a tough gig. By taking care of all the seemingly minor things, you are reducing a lot of stress and burdens from your husband. You will figure out what you are meant to do, just give it time. 🙂
~Mavis
P.S. One Hundred Dollars a Month family….. Please, if you have some suggestions for Kelly, chime in. We are here to help each other. 🙂
Suzanne says
I agree with Mavis. You could do a farmer’s market in the summer and in the winter, at least in my city, there are TONS of Holiday Bazaars/pop-up markets. I have started getting into candle and soap making. They are both fun to do.
Deborah says
Suzanne, I love making soaps, too. And lotions. Lately, I’ve made body washes and solid perfume. Love my homemade products. I don’t sell mine. I do give them as gifts though.
Lindsey says
I really struggled with this when my youngest went to kindergarten two years ago. Since I have created a very successful Etsy and amazon shop that I do from home. I highly recommend something like this, then when you have kids you can scale up or down as needed.
Carolyn says
Lindsey,
I would love to see your Etsy shop – would you share the name of your shop?
Thanks
Deborah says
Kelly could always have an Etsy shop or something similar. The Farmers market would be a great start and to see what sells best. I don’t know if you could sell jams and such online. Be sure and put the ingredients on the jars.
Leslie says
And consider what insurance you might need- like if you sell balm, you’ll need a policy for cosmetics. Hence I do not sell balm.
Em says
It sounds like many of us struggle with similar feelings. You sound like you have some wonderful talents and contribute greatly to your family! Some villages and cities have indoor winter farmers markets , perhaps you many want to check it out. Another thought is how about teaching a class in something you feel passionate about? There is a saying: You can have it all, but not all at once. So go easy on yourself:)
Emily E says
Hi Kelly, I think Mavis has hit the nail on the head with her assessment and suggestions. I would also throw in considering fall and winter craft shows and perhaps exploring Etsy for your crafts. For the last 3 years I have run a very small, private CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) providing veggies and flowers for a period of about 12 weeks through the summer and fall. It’s work but you do get the money up front and it definitely keeps you busy. A friend of mine did something similar, but she only provides flower bouquets for about 8-10 weeks in the summer. She has received lots of positive feedback and has grown since her first year. She provides lovely bouquets in mason an other types of jars and picks up the jar from the previous week. We both deliver to a person’s home or designated meeting area and include gas expense in our prices. It’s not going to make you rich but I did make $1,000 this past season with 4 1/2 subscriptions. My friend has even received special orders to do flowers for weddings. Au natural and locally sustained is very “in” now and great for the community. Hope that helps!
Brenda says
If making money isn’t a requirement. I highly recommend volunteering. Almost everyplace would love to have a volunteer who can possible work long term. Maybe not 20 or 40 hours a week, but every Monday (or whatever). When they know that you will be coming back and not just a once or twice volunteer, they will train you to do different jobs. Typically these jobs have more responsibility or importance and they could lead to a greater since of being needed by you. Take your time and try out a few different places around you. Schools, shelters, food banks, senior centers, nursing homes are some that I can think of right now. See which one you click with, then talk to the staff there and see where they can use you.
As a working mom, I felt like I wasn’t doing anything for myself or to make me happy. Then I started volunteering at a food bank. It’s local and small. I now know a lot of the customers and other volunteers and I get a lot of personal satisfaction from helping. I also know that the lead volunteer really appreciates knowing that when I am scheduled, I will show up and will jump right in to do what needs doing.
Brianna says
When we were newlyweds and childless, we moved to a place where I couldn’t get a job. I was bored out of my mind and my house was amazingly clean. Eventually I took interest in our elderly next door neighbor, she was an orphan widow and cancer survivor. I would go over to her house a few times a week and just chat and we would build jigsaw puzzles together. It was companionship for my boredom and loneliness and got me out of the house because there was only so much wandering around the stores I could do in a small town. As for contributing financially, I started selling a few items on eBay and enjoyed it.
I would suggest keeping your mind open because sometimes things fall in our lap. There is nothing wrong with being a stay at home spouse, you are needed and appreciated more than you give yourself credit for. It is can be very hard when people judge you and wonder why you are staying and working in the home without kids, but many are envious that you have the opportunity. Keep yourself busy with what makes you happy, set small goals for yourself, and make sure you get outside and get some fresh air and move. Your spouse sounds supportive and I’m sure he will be supportive of listening to your ideas for possibly making money.
Michèle says
I appreciate the sensitivity of this response! It may sound “off the wall” to say go outside and get some fresh air”, this may be some of the best advice yet!
Stephz says
I too am eager to leave the workforce after working full time for 33 years. I’m about to be eligible to retire with an early pension soon and have tons of hobbies to work on.
However I truly believe women should be productive members of the workforce and support themselves along with their families with a steady income.
Goodness knows I have many divorced friends and family members that relied too heavily on their spouses contributions.
When that happens we are not truly independent even though our contributions are not suffifiently commodified.
Just my perspective.
Susan says
I know each situation is unique and you have to do what’s right for you, but the fact that you said “I feel like I’m losing my mind a little bit” suggests that you’re looking for a change. Look at your skill set and experience. I highly recommend looking for part-time work so you can invest or put $$ away for retirement now (since it sounds like you are financially ok with your husband’s salary). You said you enjoy being at home and associated homemaking skills, so that would hopefully balance your life in that respect. Of course, not all jobs are great, but I find great satisfaction in earning a salary, contributing to an organization (I”ve been lucky in my jobs!) and continually stretching myself. As Stephz notes, it also prepares you for the future. The best way to find a good job is through networking ,so talk to the people around you about their careers, and let them know you’re looking (if you are …).
I don’t have an entrepreneurial orientation at all, so the idea of setting up a small business just sounds stressful and uncertain, but that’s more my own point of view. Good luck!
Peggy says
Kelly!!!
First, Mavis has already given you the most amazing advice! You need to think about what’s not feeling ‘right’. Is it outside pressure to work outside the home or are you genuinely bored out of your mind and want to work outside the home? Let me tell you2, that our present day society generally looks at a life partner that manages the home as2lazy, and I can unequivocally tell you that’s so unfair….you are managing the most important part of your life! Yes, managing it!! Now with that said, lots of people want to work outside the home, which is totally fine, it’s your balance! Once you have children, your home workload is going to be amped up quite a bit, as will your stress, I would enjoy your time. I think Etsy is a beautiful thing too, the farmers market a great idea. Also, giving away your produce is beautiful too, the act of giving is so satisfying, it’s a wonderful ‘feel good and fulfilled and happy’ thing to do! You seem to have a good partners with the hubby, that’s already more than lots of us have, knowing someone is there on your level of thinking at the end of the day is a gift all itself! I’m not much help I guess after all, you have to do what feels best for you, just don’t feel pressured to meet anyone’s expectations but your own! (You could always get chickens! They are amazing little stress relieving creatures!)
Peggy says
Sorry….proof reading is always a good thing!
suzanne H. says
Can you take this gift of time to learn new skills? Since i’ve retired I do simple book keeping and taxes for two small local businesses. I’ve also sold a lot of chairs that I’ve taught myself to reupholster. I’d love to take a formal class but youtube is brilliant.
Danielle says
A couple things I noticed in Mavis’ response that you may want to do:
1. Understand your personality. Take one of those free online Briggs Meyers personality tests and really look at what that means in terms of how to use your time.
2. Try something temporary. If a job is what you think you need, try a temp or seasonal commitment and then reevaluate what that does to your work/life balance.
3. Understand your contribution. If you are insecure with what you’re contributing, tally it up. What would it cost your family to replace you? What would it cost you to work more outside the home and are those trade offs you’re willing to make? What wouldn’t get done if you were gone more?
Keep us posted! 🙂
PS I think, in reading behind the lines, you’re saying it’s taking longer to get pregnant than you expected. That can be so stressful, which can make everything worse. Stay busy and positive and make sure you have emotional support! If you end up needing help with this down the line, a little extra cash stash will come in handy. hang in there!
Pam says
Mavis, what lovely advice! Kelly, I hope you found some guidance here. I’m sorry I have nothing to add. I’m not very crafty or wise in the ways of making things people would buy from me. When I’m bored I dive into genealogy and that’s not much of a money maker, haha! Good luck to you! A good friend of mine always got compliments when she baked bread, so for many years she sold homemade gourmet breads at the local farmers markets. It was a lot of hard work but she made decent money and kept busy and got to interact with people. Her husband makes plenty of money to support his home and family but she wanted to do something as well.
Martha Doane says
Kelly, have you considered doing Foster Care? I did emergancy placement and short term care for several years and LOVED it! You would be fulfilling a great need in the lives of children in crisis, and also, may end up adding to your family! We did.
Norma says
What a great idea
Sonja says
That’s a great idea! We added to our family through Foster Care too (twice).
Susan says
Wonderful advice, Martha. It’s definitely worth looking into. My family and I became a foster family a couple years ago and most people are quite suprised at who qualifies and the range of fostering you can do. We mainly do emergency and respite care (for kids who are already in foster care, but the foster parents are going on a trip or need a break). You can be specific about the age, gender and needs of the child(ren). My husband and I work outstide the home and have 3 teenagers, so we usually just foster over the weekend or holidays. In some ways, a longer placement might be a bit less disruptive (that’s not meant to be insensitive, but we get a call usually Fridays at 4 p.m. for a weekend placement and have to immediately see how we can make it work), but there are a variety of options.
At least in MA where we live, you take a couple months of training, have lots of questionnaires/essays to fill out, background checks, etc. There is definitely a huge need, especially (sadly) with the opiate epidemic affecting so many young parents.
Carrie C says
Find what you love and do it. I doubt I’ll be in your shoes anytime soon because I have a cushie government job with a pension (although at times it is not challenging and dealing with bureaucrats is annoying). When I retire in 30 years I will want to own a small hobby farm. I love animals and have been cursed by living in the city where I can only have 4 hens. I bought my 3 recent chicks from a small “hatchery” in someones garage/backyard. I would love to start my own operation like this.
I am not a very crafty person and tend to let projects peter out so a market or roadside stand wouldn’t work for me. I need something living that relies on me to be successful. Sounds weird but I will put-off painting my living room for years but I will never forget to tuck my chickens in at night or miss a weekly cleaning.
Betsy in MN says
One employment idea that would be on your schedule would be to sub as a paraprofessional in the local school. I work part time at our local school and am in charge of finding and scheduling substitutes. We are always looking for subs and it is totally on your own schedule of when you want to work. Most districts use an automated calling system, so it is easy peasy. If you like kids, it is a very fun job!
Teresa says
I’ll add on to Betsy’s suggestion and say how about volunteering in you local school. When I was a stay at home mom (only 5 years) I read to Kinders for the SMART programs and taught the 1st graders basic computer skills. I mean super basic.. on/off buttons..etc I loved it I think the kids enjoyed it too. I’m now in my 24th year working for the school district as a cafeteria manager. I’ll be retiring soon with a pension and hope to be back reading to the kids again. All schools need subs in EVERY position. Not everyone needs a teaching certificate to ‘teach’ kids. Good luck to you.
Kristina says
You can check with your local library about substitute opportunities, too!
Barb says
First let me say this: Our society puts whay to much emphasis on earning money as the only valid way to contribute to society and family in general. And I say that as a woman who was a stay at home wife, when not a stay at home parent.
Having said that, even homebodies like me need social interaction. For example, I belong to a meetup of women who knit weekly, among other things. Are you able to find a group of like minded people? As well as knitting and chatting we knit for charity, and more than one of us all sell their products or services part time.
I agree with the fact that I spend my winter creating and my summer giving or selling with the exception of some fall knitting for gifts. It doen’t help you right now as such, but I would search out farmers markets (also a wonderful way to meet neighbors) , craft sales, in person etsy groups and the like.
I also see if I can find a group that is pushing of or supportive of changing cottage laws. Here in denver, you can actually have a stand on your front yard, in additon to selling food that does not have to be refrigerated from your kitchen. While I’m a knitter and sewer, not a cook as such, it’s nice to know I could do that if I wanted.
Anne says
Go back to school
Tammy says
It took my husband and me longer to have a child than we anticipated, and during that time I did everything from working part time, full time, and staying at home. The jobs I had were not great and when I was at home I ended up getting very bored. If I could go back to those 8 years, I would get a job that was part time and something to do with my hobbies (so it probably wouldn’t pay as well, but I would have enjoyed going to work more).
Julie Bock says
Well, this isn’t a full time job or anything, but being a mystery shopper is a fun way to make a little money, and get out and about too! Depending on how many other shoppers there are, there could be quite a few jobs in the city. Or buying things at thrift stores and selling them on Ebay…..that can be tricky, and fun!!
Pam says
I love all the suggestions these smart women have offered you. I also think being a foster parent is such an amazing experience….A couple of families we know became foster parents and it changed their lives so much, they literally saved these babies from terrible situations, and adopted the kids they feel were always meant to be theirs. These babies are now big thriving funny healthy kids. But more important are crisis parents that can keep a child safe while their living situation improves, which they also did, I always admired them….special people! Keep looking for your passion, put it out in the world, it will find you!
Joely says
Hi Kelly,
As someone who has dealt with infertility and difficulty starting a family I can appreciate the range of emotions that you are feeling now as well as the need to be productive. Trying to start a family and have it take longer than you planned can be extraordinarily anxiety producing. I know I felt like I was not doing enough, being enough, good enough, (add your favorite phrase here) when I was trying to have a baby. Give yourself grace. Realize that being a stay at home spouse is a job in itself and is to be appreciated. I truly hope you and your husband will build your family and fulfill your dreams. Until then take time for you, enjoy your personal time (it will go away when you are a mom), sleep as much as you can and try not to worry. As a full time working mom with a stay at home spouse I can firmly say that I am eternally grateful for my spouse who stays home. There is a ton of work to be done to keep a home and family running smoothly. Anyone who takes on that job is a hero in my book. Value yourself and your contributions!
Linda says
I was a stay at home mom for 20 years. It was the hardest, funniest, most tiring, yet so fulfilling “job” I’ve had in my 52 years of life. So many people both men and women thought I was wasting my time and talents but I stayed productive, raised a family, and helped my hubby do as much around the house as I possibly could. I taught both my son & daughter how to cook, clean, basic life skills- all the things my parents taught me…& when they went to college they were shocked at what their peers had not been taught to do. I now have a job outside the home that I love and although it’s fun, I’d take my “old” job back in a heart beat.
Btw- I support & admire women who work outside the home but just because a woman doesn’t work outside the home doesn’t mean she’s not contributing to the family household. My husband did the math one month and said I was actually saving us money by staying at home – daycare, transportation cost, clothing expenses, meals st home, repairs I knew how to do (thanks dad!).
Kelly- you’ve been given a lot of good advice here!!! What a wonderful group of supportive women!!! I’ve been super impressed with the suggestions & comments.
Tonya says
Prayers for you, Kelly
Infertility is so difficult. I had several miscarriages and it sounds like several of the other readers have as well. You are not alone. ❤️
I took that time to adopt a dog in need and took singing and art lessons. It was fun to learn some new talents. Also, increasing my protein amount helped me to eventually get pregnant ( like avocados, cheese, hummus, beans, meat, etc). My Dr told me I was eating too many carbs.
Be patient and love yourself
Tonya
ML says
I am impressed by all the comments. Don’t think any other Mavis post has generated so much thought. Hope you find your niche. We are all blessed in so many ways.
Mary says
Just an fyi to the stay at home moms and wives. I worked in the insurance industry for a long time and when we would insure a stay at home mom it was for about $300,000. If you had to be replaced, it would take 2 full time nannies or an equivalent. Consider that nannies may or may not do the shopping, etc. And then an additional house cleaner once a week. No one that is hired is going to be 24/7 as you are.
At the end of the day – no income may be coming in, but you ladies certainly have a large worth. I hope this helps.
Cass says
Marvis’s readers are the BEST. Such wonderful idea and support while you try to figure things out.
I would like to add a couple of places that could use consistent volunteers: Nursing homes (adopt a grandma) and hospital nurseries. (rocking sick babies or those waiting for foster homes)
While foster care of children is not my “bag”, my brother and sister in law added 4 children to their family of 1 child after falling in love with children in their care. (Fostered many, many more than 4 however….keep in touch with most of them to this day, the oldest being 34 now and coming back from the Army for Christmas. I can’t wait to see him again) The stages of development my brother learned from foster children helped him deal with raising his own child. Double win.
Want to feel good about your extra time right now? Look up the address of a Veteran’s hospital and start sending Christmas cards to “any recovering soldier” or “Any Soldier” or “Any Veteran”. The joy your efforts will bring is immeasurable. Many of those living in the hospital would benefit from hand made lap blankets. (I use one on my legs in the winter so my knees don’t ache so much and I am barely old yet. LOL)
And now you have a whole lot of ideas to choose from. But never, ever think you are not contributing to the household. Want to understand how much you contribute….price laundry services, house cleaning services, pet walking services (if you have a pet), accountant services to pay the bills, personal shopper services (or grocery delivery fees) and a handy man to do all those small repairs you just grab a screw driver and do without thinking about it. You are worth ALL THAT and a bag of chips. (hugs)
CA says
Kelly, you didn’t mention it you had a college degree. Why not take some required courses towards an AA degree? Depending on where you live you could take classes on campus ( added plus get out and meet new people) or take online classes. I went to nursing school when I was in my 30’s. After a 30 year career I’m retired. My husband encouraged me, also. After all, if something had happened to him I would have been able to support our sons. Luckily that was never necessary but I always would have that to fall back on. Best of luck!
Lori says
I second this. If you have the opportunity to go to school, that’s what I’d choose. In fact, when hubby and I got married many moons ago, I worked full time 8-5 and he worked 3-11. Since I was alone at home at night with nothing to do (sorry, I’m not the homemaker type), I went to school for my MBA. Best decision and investment ever.
Bekah says
It is interesting to read about other women who are in similar situations to myself! I am about to turn 35 and have been a Homemaker for 6 years now, it really did go by crazy fast! I have always had a string of very stressful and unfulfilling (to me, at least) administrative jobs and left at the time to both get out of a toxic work environment, but also to get used to living on one income since the plan was always for me to be a stay at home mom since that is what I wanted! However, similar to what you said, getting pregnant when we were ready didn’t turn out to be as easy as we expected so life has taken an interesting turn. Much different than what I expected as a young 22-year-old newlywed. We ended up getting 2 rescue kittens and they became our whole world and exposed me to the world of animal rescue. They also fiiled a huge void I felt in my heart, and nurturing them has been more fulfilling that I ever could have expected! I decided to do animal fostering and then adopted another cat as my “foster fail”. Everyone always says “go volunteer!” for someone who stays at home, but nothing felt as right to me as animal rescue and volunteering did once I fell head over heels in love with my own animals. Making a difference for animals is truly one of my biggest life passions now and something so needed! If you happen to like animals or want to make a difference for them, it is always something you could check out to see what you think! 🙂
Elizabeth says
I am a stay at home mom and I understand your concerns. My husband’s side of the family are all lawyers and executives, so I have gotten lots of “So when are you going back to work comments?” For me it is not so much about the money as it is using my brain for something. My kids are a little older now (7 and 14) so I have been experimenting on different things.
#1. I homeschool and always make my own study guides for my kids, so I started a store on Teachers pay Teachers. While it does not generate a ton of income, it is fun to see when someone buys something. It is rewarding as well when someone thanks me for making their homeschooling life easier.
#2. I also started to volunteer. I watch my autistic sister a few times a week, clean the church, wash altar linens, and help organize altar server robes. *Volunteering will always make you feel the most useful.
#3. I started a blog last year and it has been the best thing in my life. I started listing goals, posting frugal things, recipes, and homeschooling articles. I hope to add homeschooling resources to it this year as well.
#4. I participated in NaNoWriMo and wrote a novel in November! It still needs to be tweaked and edited, but I had a blast:)
**So what I am trying to say is find things you love doing and even if they do not generate income, they will enrich your life…and maybe make you money eventually!
Sara E Talbot says
I love the idea of fostering or respite care if you don’t want to do it full time! Another option would be watching another Momma friend’s kids! I know there are times I have to work & would LOVE to have a friend who is staying home love on my babies. ❤️
Gigi says
I’m going add check into working at estate sales. They need people to oversee the rooms for shoplifting. Many places need weekend help only. My mom found it by chance and it works out well and works as often or as little as she likes.
Lisa Millar says
What a great lot of responses here!
Its such an adjustment isn’t it? I ran my own business before we moved to the country – then I didn’t go back to ‘normal’ work.
It was more of a mental adjustment for me as I wasn’t $$ contributing in the traditional sense and everyone seems to expect you to be rushing off to do a job.
I think I work harder now than before! But its at my own pace which is way cooler.
When it comes to the $$ now its a nice little challenge to not only save money by growing food, but sell some of that food to keep the money flowing through. Eggs from the chickens, some market stalls, (I also do a bit of crochet/knitting which is in one of the local shops)
Pity you can’t sell on a stand out the front. However a friend of mine started selling ‘Veggie Boxes’ locally. Just using online marketing. Whatever is excess in their garden/farm they make up boxes of varieties of fresh in season food and have a number of customers they sell to. People talk – so you start with a few people you know and then things can expand.
It actually keeps me quite busy brainstorming ways of bringing in $$ to then spend on things we don’t produce.
Overall the main thing was to work out how to be comfortable not worrying about expectations of dashing out to a 9-5 job.
You’ll find your stride and embrace it ! Good luck!
Heather says
There is a lot of great advice listed here.
When our daughter went off to college I quit working as an engineer so I understand your ‘losing your mind’ comment. Even though I was busy helping my older mom I didn’t feel challenged. I did take on most of the home tasks (and some of them had been ignored for many years since my husband and I worked so many hours), but I have to admit I am not the best homemaker and it isn’t what I love to do.
Seven years later I still haven’t found ‘IT’, but I am busier now than when I worked full-time. Depending upon your skills and interests you could also be a 4-H leader. I have taught teens to sew, etc. I get to pick my own schedule and have the fun of seeing faces light up when they made something themselves.
I also took up Zumba at the local recreation center. It gets me out of the house, I get some needed exercise, helps reduce my stress and I have made some great friends who even get together for lunch once a month.
For us it never worked out to have more children and I couldn’t convince my husband to look into adopting or foster care so I get my ‘kid fix’ by doing 4-H and helping in Sunday school at church.
Stacey says
Hello Kelly, I was a stay-at-home mom for 17 years. Truthfully, it was the women that put me down for it. I am so encouraged to see all these wonderful ladies this blog encouraging you! I struggled with feeling like I was worth something since I did not bring you the money. Looking back, I realize how much I was really worth then. So much of what you do would be a paying job if you were doing it for someone else. So actually, you are “making” money by not spending it. I hope this helps you and adds to the other wonderful suggestions.