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“Making Tough Choices” The Story of a Stay-at-Home-Dad! #KeepGoodGoing

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35 Comments

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of New York Life. All opinions are 100% mine.

Have you ever had to sacrifice something in order to better the quality of your family’s life?

John did.  He gave a up a big city job in order to become a Stay-at-Home Parent.  It ended up being a harder job, but it definitely had better benefits. 

About 8 years ago, I found myself in a similar situation as John’s.  I was managing a Bank Branch and working between 50-60 hours a week.  I was also pregnant expecting my first child.

My husband and I had discussed the possibility of me staying at home with our son but we also worried about our finances. However, as I got closer to the end of the pregnancy my anxiety grew when I thought of leaving my newborn to go back to work.  

My husband was concerned as well, and we decided it was time to make a few tough decisions.

After some financial and lifestyle changes, I was able to stay at home with my child and “Keep Good Going”. We improved our quality of life and learned to shop more wisely, go without certain “not so necessary” items, and look for other income sources.

Have you ever made a choice that changed your life and your family’s future for the better? Would you like to make a change in your life similar to that of John’s, the Stay-at-Home Super Dad?

Learn more about how New York Life can help you and your family Keep Good Going

I am happy to say that I am still able to stay at home, and I realize those tough choices really weren’t that hard at all.

FFM

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Comments

  1. Daisy says

    I think that it is great that you make it work! It's so nice to have little ones to love and spend lots of time with them. :)
    Reply

  2. Heather says

    We went through the same scenario when I was pregnant with our first child. We really didn't think we could handle a one income life, but time has proven that we could and my husband now makes more on his own than we did when we had two incomes coming in. Being smart and frugal definitely pays off!
    Reply

  4. Chelley @ A is For Adelaide says

    I did! I planned on going back to work after 6 months, but when our daughter was diagnosed with a disability, I was the one who stayed home to care for her and make sure she got to all the doctors and therapies. Now with my second on the way (and a totally drained savings), I'm super proud of a hubby who has given up so much to make this little thing we're growing (our family) work. He's like Oz... all this stuff going on behind the curtain, but we only see the good.
    Reply

  5. Amanda K says

    Great that you can make it work out for your family! My hubby is a stay at home dad in the summer, only because he is not working then
    Reply

  6. Jenn says

    We went through the exact same thing when we found out we were expecting our first. I have always wanted to be a SAHM, its been my dream actually. We sacrifice a ton those first few years, 8 years later and 3 kids we are able to work mych better with a one family income.
    Reply

  7. Robin (Masshole Mommy) says

    I am in the same boat as you. We made some cutbacks, but I am thankful that I am able to stay home with my boys!
    Reply

  8. Becky Ryan- Willis says

    It is very true how great it is to be able to have 1 or 2 parents home if possible when the kids are small. I worked for 8 years outside of the home while my husband ran a daycare in our home for 12 years. I did come home after the 8 years and have worked from home ever since. My husband, after the 12 years did end up going back to working outside the home 2 years ago. Now our oldest is graduating end of the month so I will continue to work from home but my husband won't feel guilty working out of the home now.
    Reply

  9. Aimee Smith says

    I stay at home with my kids, my husband is a student so we live on next to nothing but we decided that was what was most important to us so we make it work!
    Reply

  10. Janice says

    Great post. We did the same. When I quit working when my son was born our income declined by 60%. We have a small house, old cars, and not much spending money, but that's a-okay so long as I get to stay home with the kiddos!
    Reply

  11. lisa jones says

    Looks Like You Made The Right Choices My Hubby Is A Stay At Home Dad Not By Choice But Is Disabled Now For A Few Years But He Realizes Her Got To Spend Time With The Kids & See Major Milestones Normally A Da Would Miss, He A Great Dad!
    Reply

  14. Shelley says

    Good for you and your family! Yes, I too sacrificed a lot to stay at home with my kids when they were young, but in the end it's not a sacrifice at all.
    Reply

  15. Jenn @TheRebelChick says

    I was actually faced with this exact same decision. My daughter was in middle school and I was working 50 hours a week at least...with a 30 mile commute each way. Life was definitely a bit hectic the first year but after adjusting, we got used to it and have never been happier!
    Reply

  16. Kathleen Garber says

    When I was pregnant the first time I told my husband that I wanted to be a SAHM and we have made it work for 8 years now and 3 more kids later. It's important to think through your choices carefully, no matter WHAT your choice.
    Reply

  17. Pam says

    I was a working mom for many years, but after my daughter went through some rough medical issues as a young child, I decided to stay at home with her. It was tough not having the extra money at first but after everyone adjusted we realized it was a great decision.
    Reply

  18. Melanie says

    Decisions like that are so tough! I love reading stories about dads who decided to stay at home, and moms too.
    Reply

  19. Amber Edwards says

    we made the decision right from the start that I would be a stay home mom. And I have never regretted it. It is my way of keeping good going. We have sacrificed a lot; but it has been what has been best for our kids and our family.
    Reply

  22. Mindy Grant says

    I gave up my full-time Paralegal job of 13 years to stay at home with my daughter after she was born. It's definitely weird not bringing home a regular paycheck anymore, and learning to budget and be frugal. A year later, and we're still working at it.
    Reply

  23. Ben says

    I applaud anyone who has the courage to change their lives. I know it's hard in this day and age, but kids always benefit from a parent being around them all the time.
    Reply

  25. Angela S says

    I was able to stay home with my son for the first 8 years, then my circumstances changed and I had to get a job outside of the home. I am thankful for the time I had at home with my son but wish it could have been for longer.
    Reply

  26. Tasha says

    Staying at home with the kids can be a difficult choice, especially when it comes to finances. Thankfully my boyfriend has a fabulous job and when we decide to have a child, I will be a stay at home home. I know it's not going to be an easy job, but I can't wait! :)
    Reply

  28. Laura (Lauras Little House Tips) says

    I stayed home a few years when mine were little and there were hard choices to be made. What worries me now is my daughters are all business professionals and when the time comes will they financially be able to do the same. My answer is to preach saving and hope they listen. Glad it all worked out for you.
    Reply

  29. Ann Bacciaglia says

    I stayed at home for 7 years after my kids were born. It was tough financially but I will never regret getting to spend so much time with them.
    Reply

  30. brett says

    i've been home full time for 9 years. sure it was a sacrifice, but we don't even really view it as sacrifice. just adjusting as a family to new circumstances. i'd never trade it. my husband doesn't make a ton of money- we've just gone without luxuries and spent smart for a long long time.
    Reply

  31. Liz Mays says

    I interviewed a few times to go back to work after I had kids, but when it came down to it as they offered me the positions, I just couldn't do it. I needed to be home with my kids. It was hard on one income, but I have zero regrets!
    Reply

  32. valmg @ Mom Knows It All says

    I worked out of the home for many years, and much of my kids lives. I had to for the money. I no longer have a job I hate and I'm happier then ever. Point of interest -it took a life altering event to make it happen for me.
    Reply

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