Really we can't. My stay at home career has come to a halt, mostly because the economy stinks!
I told you at the beginning of the year we were taking a salary cut, and we did. We went from $4500 a month to $3000. With some belt tightening and so such, we were okay for the first few months. Then insurance went up again and we went from $3000 a month, to $2780. Add to this fact the cost of living, at least in our little world, has skyrocketed and that we tightened our belts, but did'nt completly quit spending, WE ARE DROWNING!
You also have to remember, I do not have my husbands support in paying the bills. I juggle this on my own with what he gives me. He is not a spendthrift by any means, but he does feel like he deserves golf on the weekends and an occasional resturant meal - and he does. He has our EF at about $19,000. But as you can see on the sidebar our debt has gone to about $30,000!
So hiho, hiho, my stay at home mom career will have to go to the back burner. I am terrified because it is VERY important to me to be the one that raises my own children. So please say a prayer or throw a token of good luck my way that I find a job that can juggle all these things!!! I will join my friend Thrifty Ray on my way back to the workforce. Hopefully it will be gentle on me.
I honestly feel something of a failure, because we are relatively thrifty and besides a couple of trips we took (after 7 years!) we really are NOT extravagant in ANY way. Just people trying to live a nice life. We are not the Jones, nor do we aspire to be them. Anyway, I am sad. 
I want to thank everyone for their great support and friendship, because I really do learn a lot from you all!
Just can't do it anymore
September 3rd, 2007 at 09:05 pm
September 3rd, 2007 at 09:19 pm 1188854399
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I pray that you will land a great job!
September 4th, 2007 at 02:58 pm 1188917921
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September 5th, 2007 at 08:11 am 1188979918
And by the way, even if your husband does 'deserve' some extras, so do you and if you don't get them, why should he? Why should you be the one to go to an 'outside' job to bring in extra money? Can't he be the one to work overtime or get another part-time job since he's the one who wants the extras?
Being a SAHM is a huge and exhausting full-time job all on it's own. Would it really kill him to cut back on the golf and eating out or give it up entirely? At least until your financial problems are in better shape? Until then, couldn't you and he find some alternative entertainment the whole family could enjoy?
I don't mean to sound so abrupt or heartless, if that's how this comes across, but if you go back to an outside job when your heart is at home with your kids, your resentment is going to grow whether you realize it's happening or not. And it's all going to be aimed at him which will probably make you both miserable. Not to mention how your kids will feel, not only by picking up on the vibes around you two, but with no longer having Mom around as much any more.
I can't go back and reread all your past posts, but did it really take both of you to get in the financial mess you are in? If yes, then maybe you can get a small part-time job or go the childcare idea to help out. If not, does it really mean you should be the only one to give up what you want to get out?
Whatever you decide, you have my heartfelt best wishes.
September 7th, 2007 at 04:58 am 1189141106
Guess what? I am a new gramma as of this past weekend. Lil Myah...all 6lb 3oz of her arrived and is so darned adorable!!
I continue to enjoy my job. If you do get back in the workforce...I pray that it is doing something you love...and that you feel valued and worthwhile doing it (whatever it turns out to be).
I miss communicating with everyone here alot...but I stay so, so busy with job...kids...parents...and trying to carve out time for me...but I do try to get on and read the posts at least weekly.
Hugs to you.
September 9th, 2007 at 04:18 pm 1189354698
Oh Boo, I'm sorry. I'm with Thrifty Ray, I hope this is temporary for your family. My mom found a job that let her be home in the afternoons after we got off from school so we spent time together. I hope that something like that comes your way. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. Please don't feel a failure. You are a wonderful person and mom.
September 9th, 2007 at 04:24 pm 1189355099
September 16th, 2007 at 05:50 am 1189921802