OK...I am at home with a 3 and almost 6 year old. Next year my 3 yo will be in preschool and it will have been 2.5 years that I have been at home full time. I contemplated going back partime, but when I do the math, and calculated the extra running around and possible need for a sitter if the kids get sick, I am not sure it is worth it. A friend of mine told me last night that I am making up excuses. Honestly, being at home is fun sometimes but I do reallly miss work and having something that is me...kwim? Anyway, she thinks that if I can at least get a small job, it is really worth it in the long run so when I really need to go back I have current skills and it won't be so hard. I just keep thinking that that just won't be an issue. I feel as if I just quit work yesterday and 2 years have past, but I never thought this decision could impact furthur career oportunities? Anyway, I am just trying to get some pros and cons. It is comfortable at home being here for my kids at all times whereas when I worked I always had the working mom guilt and it can be stressful at times when work really needs you and the kids are sick...it had always worked out in the past. DH had a more flexible job back then, and I had a terrific family oriented boss. If I go back...not sure that would be the case???

Sounds to me like your friend is trying to push you into doing something you don't really want to do. I only work weekends, and I agree it's very nice to be able to volunteer in the classroom, go on field trips, and to be there for them when they are sick and not dealing with time off from work.
Make up a list of all the pro's and con's of going back to work. Whichever list is longer..go with that one.
Calculate it out. Would it be worth paying before/after school care for only working parttime?

Could you work PRN at a hospital type setting where you choose the hours?

Don't worry about what others say. People will be people and they will always talk. Do what feels right for you. SAHM is a great job.

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I was a sahm for 10 years. I didn't think I would be able to find a decent job because I hadn't worked in an office for so many years. My advice would be to enjoy being home. I wasted way to much time worrying about the future. My husbands job slowed down and we needed more money. I applied for a job and didn't think I had a chance at it, but I got the job and I love it. I feel God blessed me with my job when the time was right, I just wish I had enjoyed being home without all the worries.

If you do not "have" to work I think you have all the power in this decision. Take a look at what's out there. As mentioned you could look into PRN positions at various hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes. In our area casual positions are posted often. Also part-time can be quite flexible.

I work 2 twelve hour shifts a week and have a 6 week rotating schedule. So I always know what days I work, I can tell you what I work in September. It is very nice. I can switch days if something comes up. Our kids are all in school, and this allows me the freedom to go on fieldtrips, volunteer at school, and be home during the week to keep up with everything. I tried to work more at first and our family and home fell apart, too much stress and always run, run, run. It wasn't worth it. Things are so much nicer now and easy going, that fits our life!

Everyone's needs and wants are different. Make that list of pros and cons and do what is best for your family. Don't feel like you have to work outside of the home. As long as you, DH and the kids are happy with your decision that is what is important.

I have all sorts of people asking my why I don't work more, what do I do at home, etc??? My career decision works wonderfully for our family. I just tell them this is what works for us, what does it matter to you?? (although said in a nicer way, but you get my jist)

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"God determines who walks into your life…
it’s up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay and who you refuse to let go." - Anonymous

I work part time & it works for us. Both dh and I have fairly flexible jobs and understanding bosses (actually, both our bosses are a couple years younger than we are and also have young kids). So they know how it goes.

I think you can afford to be picky. So go out there, look, and if someone makes an offer you can't refuse...I know other women who get to work from home a few hours a week too, and that flexibility is great.