So. . .I'm giving my two weeks notice at work tomorrow. . .

[lellian]

Frankly, I'm scared to death and could use some encouragement.

After having a fabulous career, and after my employer gave me the opportunity to work from home T-F, my DH and I decided we would pack up and move back to Ohio where I will become a sahm. I've been trolling this board since DD birth because I knew this was on the horizon, but I'm still not mentally ready! Which seems utterly ridiculous because I knew once we had a baby I would be staying home. . .but walking away from the working woman I am just kills me a little bit. How do I do this gracefully?

We HAVE to move back to Ohio. My family is there, and DH travels for work more than he is home right now. April, our moving month, DH is home all of 4 days. Our support system is in Ohio. I'm not opposed to Ohio. . .I'm just scared leaving my career behind is going to be harder than I think. How can I even feel this way when the one day I'm at the office I miss DD like no one's business, and can't wait to get back to her?

Does this make any sense? I'm conflicted BUT I know staying at home with DD is the single most important job I could ever have, ever.

I could really, really, really use some encouragement before I walk into work tomorrow and end my career to start this new chapter.

TIA.

[Erinz]

This is how I see it with my own life:

When, some day, I look back and reflect on my life and the decisions I have made, I will never regret choosing to be with my children.

Do not kid yourself. This will be a very difficult journey with a move AND a huge life adjustment. Allow yourself the space to process and mourn the life you have lost in order to gain the life you will get.

Congratulations on being able to work it out and create the space where you can choose the option of being a sahm!

[berry987]

Originally Posted by Erinz

This is how I see it with my own life:

When, some day, I look back and reflect on my life and the decisions I have made, I will never regret choosing to be with my children.

Do not kid yourself. This will be a very difficult journey with a move AND a huge life adjustment. Allow yourself the space to process and mourn the life you have lost in order to gain the life you will get.

Congratulations on being able to work it out and create the space where you can choose the option of being a sahm!

Well said!

A big life change, for sure. But a wonderful choice and one you won't regret.

[karemore]

Congratulations!!

It's perfectly natural to have mixed feelings about such a major life change.

I am sure that whatever your field of experience you can find ways to use your talents while you are home with your daughter. Of course it's not the same as having a salary and the postive feedback at work, but volunteering can meet a lot of the needs you may have after leaving a career you enjoyed.

The most important thing is to relax and enjoy your little girl. The world will still be out there waiting to be saved when she's a bit older and more independent. There's nothing wrong with taking a few precious years to focus on your family.

It's a huge change for you, but a wonderful positive one. Just keep talking about how you feel, take advantage of the support system you are moving closer to, and you may adjust easier than you think.

[dbsam]

Since your post was yesterday, I'm guessing you gave notice today...I hope you feel a weight is lifted off your shoulders. Leaving a career and moving a long distance is a lot to handle, but it is worth it.

I feel lucky every day that I am able to stay home. We assumed I would always work after having children and considered my job our primary income. (We had similar salaries but my job was more stable and I had better benefits.) I worked for seventeen years after college and was established in my field. Although I sometimes miss the paycheck, I never miss the job. Many women can balance their work and their home life, for me it is a privilege to not have to worry about balancing. We have no family support system. I believe I am a better mother - calmer, more patient, etc – because I do not have to work. (disclaimer: I do not believe this is the case for everyone. My mother was a much better/happier mother when working.)

I wish you the best in your new position as SAHM. It really is wonderful and rewarding.

[lellian]

It's done. Notice has been given. Insert a sigh of relief. Although it doesn't help the immediate panic of not having my own paycheck/career, I'm starting to process how great this can and will be for our family because DH can provide for us, and that affords me the opportunity to get to know my DD more, better.

I think in a couple of weeks, once the move has happened and we are home in Ohio, work will become a distant memory, and I'll settle into being a kick ass sahm.

As I write this, DD is asleep in her swing where her sitter left her. I haven't held her or nursed her since this morning, and that just isn't good enough.

Thank you for your words, and letting me ramble. Mommyhood is new to me, not working outside the home is going to be new to me, moving back to Ohio is new to me. . .lots, and lots, and lots of changes.

[nola79]

It will be OK. I really struggled with the decision not to return to work after my dd was born. It was just a lot of emotions I did not expect to feel, I have always been independent, always had a job and paycheck. Now that dd is almost 3 months old, though, work is a distant memory. I love staying at home and it was for sure the best decision for me, and it sounds like it is for you, too.

[Climbergirl]

I quit my job when my son was 2. We had to move cross country to be able to do that. It was scary and exciting at the same time.

I am glad I did it. My worst days at home are better than being at work. I am still adjusting, but I am very, very happy. Since my son was 2, there was a lot of adjusting for both of us.

Good luck and remember to make some time for yourself in the upcoming months