Good dad.

Another envious Pelican here. Keep us posted.

Best thing we ever did as a family, you have to work at it but well worth it in the end. I gave my boss a 3 week notice and that I would help train from home if needed. 14 years later and I can honestly say, I would do it again. Life is way to short and some day your kid will thank you for what you and your wife are doing for them. Good luck

Marty

Sid, you have another 35 to 40 years to go before retirement! :eek:

Expecting lots of posts in "Dinner" thread!

Funny, I'm currently getting geared up to go back to work after being Mr. Mom for years.

I haven't had a 'job' in about 7 years. Similar calculation in our family. Nannies were raising our child, our home was being cleaned by maids, we ate out all the time, our house needed renovation and neither of us had the time. My wife makes good income, and she needs to travel globally quite a bit. I was burned out and sick of living like tired robots. I walked away from a $105K yr job.


I have brought quite a bit of value to the family economy in that time. I've renovated 3 properties, including completely gutting a rental house. We did have a maid for while, but it always seemed like they were just pushing the dirt around. I let them go.

A word of warning. As a male, people are going to (to your face) say its "wonderful!" that your staying home. Some people think that, but there are going to be some who are going quietly look down on you. And being a guy in the world of mommies can be alienating. The moms drop the kids off at school, and they're out chatting and inviting each other for coffee or lunch. Yeah, that doesn't happen if your a guy so much. You can't just roll up on some soccer moms and say, "Hey, want to get lunch?". The fact is, your a guy, they're women, and it takes time to make those connection so that its no longer 'weird'. Some gals flat out don't want a male around. When their husbands are at work, and the kids are at school, thats girl time, and you're not welcome.

I highly suggest you keep up some kind of social activity that doesn't revolve around the kids. And do something productive that isn't just domestic tasks. Make something, renovate something, write, build, etc...you call it, but I think you'll be happier if you can point to something that you've done that brings value to the family economy.

Just my very humble opinion.

Best of luck. Everyone is different, but I feel very, very luck that I have gotten the chance to watch my daughter grow up, and have a strong relationship with her. Worth more than every material possession I have.

Wow, good for you and your kids man.

Very good news, I believe you will enjoy your decision.

Now, if I could only get my wife a better job...

I didn't say I was stopping working, just that I wasn't going to be working for a big public traded corp anymore..

That is really what I figured. Just yanking yer chain.

I have never worked in the corporate world. I always knew who the man in charge was and who to talk to with a problem. Family owned business have advantages and disadvantages. Your dad figured it out long ago. Go to work for yourself, then when the boss yells at you for being an idiot you will know he is right. The 16 hour days are the tough part. :eek:

Best thing you will ever do for your kids. And yourself.

I'm proud of you. Can't be easy, but the benefits to your child will stay with him his entire life. What better unselfish gift can there be?

Congratulations on such an important move, it will pay dividends to your family for the rest of your life. You may want to join an at-home dad group like this one National At-Home Dad Network - Connecting Stay-At-Home Dads locally and nationally, to offer Advocacy, Community, Education & Support. When I was doing Modern Dad magazine, we were deluged with letters and emails from stay-at-home dads who felt disconnected, unsupported and unappreciated.

Good luck and have fun!

Well, today was my last day. No fanfare, parties or anything but hearty handshakes from my boss and employees wishing me well.

I can tell you that it is the right time to go given the changes that my company is going to institute. I am glad I will not have to deal with them or the employees that will bi#$% about it.

I believe they are going to take my recomendation and promote one of my drivers to the position. I took some time this week to help him understand some of the duties so he will be ahead of the game if it happens.

Spent the last 3 hours under the Suquinox removing the ball joint and wheel bearing hub so I can replace them tomorrow. My wife is going to drive it and I will drive the Odyssey. Hey, I'm going to be a soccer Dad, may as well have the vehicle.:rolleyes:

I don't think the not having a job thing will sink in for a few days, though.

Thank you for the advice and tips on doing this. As always, the forum has great members who are willing to share experiences.

5 months later, I still feel weird not "going to the office". I'm really enjoying my new venture into self employment, but at times it feels like not working, even though I'm investing more hours. Maybe it's because I'm not miserable?:p

Hey Wayne - wanted to add my congratulations and best wishes moving forward. Thank you for sharing this with us all - part of the fabric of our community - we all learn and grow from it. Cheers, Mate, Baz

I'm just trying to find a woman who wants ME to sign a pre-nup;)

Glass it's working out Wayne
What kind of business have gotten into?

Jim-i am going to stay home. I will probably find something down the road but part time so i cancanlable during the day.u

Your crazy! Don't you know a man is supposed to work work work and never see his kids or wife? He is supposed to have his job rule his life and do what ever his boss says for the best of the company. Don't even think about taken any time off mister! You have a job to do and you better be happy you have it!!!

Shyt, I can't even type that with out feeling absolutely ridiculous!

Congrats Wayne for taking back control! I think we learn (some anyway) that we really can have complete control over how we make money to provide a lifestyle that doesn't have to mean sacrificing happiness...it just means to take life on in your terms and no one else's.

Remember, power is granted.

Good for you!

Apparently, my ability to type was left at the office....

I need to go drive the 911.