Do you have an infant/toddler?

Regardless, I'd like to know if at the end of the day when your spouse comes home from work, you want nothing more than to pass on the child duties for a few hours.

Both of my kids are in elementary school. Today's the first day of my "retirement".

Already had a couple of calls from my old boss with questions. I don't mind as I told him I would help as I know they are in a tough spot.

I replaced the DS ball joint on the Suquinox and then gave it a nice hand wash after. Supper is already planned and ready to get started later.

It is still strange to know that this is not a week long vacation.

just think of it as the first day of the rest of your life.

We have been discussing this for a while now and today was the day to start the ball rolling.http://lifehealthus.com/image/images/40.gif

Why not offer your boss the option of telecommuting? Part-time perhaps? You may love your kids, but they do grow up and need a lot of resources. College isn't getting any less expensive. Best of luck to you and your family. A stay-at-home parent can be one of the best investments in life.

rayng--telecommuting isn't an option for that postion. You need to be in the office.

I wouldn't say the bridge is burned but unless an upper level management position was open I wouldn't consider going back. I left on good terms.

My wife already has 2 people at her office want me to do repairs on their vehicles.

Gotta go run errands now. Yeah, I'm taking the 911. :D

Today starts the 4th week of "retirement". The kids are are doing great. My daughter is the student of the week and my son got A's on 2 of his math tests last week. We are very proud of them both.

My son is doing excellent in school. The teachers tell me they can see a big improvement just since I have been home.

Our pediatrician believes that the daily routine that we have now is more suited to him. He knows what is expected every day and the consequences when he doesn't do what is to be done. I even taught him how to fold his clean clothes and put them away properly. I told him the ladies dig a guy that is organized.;)



I have been detailing vehicles and have 3 more scheduled to be done in the next few weeks, before it gets too cold to wash them outdoors.

The gal behind us asked me to organize her garage as well. Her husband passed a few years ago and she has difficulty getting up on a ladder anymore. I have been working on it a few hours a day for the past week. The goal is to have her park her van(which I detailed) in the garage which has been unusable for quite a while.

I wouldn't say I have NO anxiety but it is so much less now that I can feel the difference. My wife, kids, and even the dog are happier. I am not sure how our finances are going to play out but we are cutting back and watching every penny. (Yes, I did spend a few $$ on the 911 but it did need the rack boots and tie rods ends.)

Thanks for letting me share with the group.

Congrats! Sounds like it's been good for you and the family.

Wanted to weigh in with encouragement. I kid with my wife about this all the time as my current career is causing accelerated grey. If you're handy, I know more than 1 person who makes a living with Craigslist flips. If you learn to train your eye, you can find the deals on Craigslist, put in the work to repair and then sell. I know a mechanic locally clearing over $100k a year on this practice... cars, appliances, motorcycles, mopends, jetskis, boats, law mowers etc. Very satisfying work to take something that you can easily fix and make a quick couple repairs on and return to service for humanity on the cheap. Maybe this would suit you? Then no worries on insurance for repairs as liability is transferred in sale.

Good luck!

The improvement in your kids is awesome. I'm a big believer in stay at home parenting, my wife left behind an accounting career to take care of our kids. While having double the household income would be awesome, we both believe that having a parent at home is best for the kids. Now that I'm self employed it gives me more flexibility to attend daytime kid activities, so that has been nice as well.