Can't decide on best choice

[FarmMom]

Hi everyone... First time posting in this section but I know my husband and family members are tired of hearing about this from me.

I had my first lo 9 weeks ago. I have to go back to work in 3 weeks and i'm totally in denial. I just want to stay at home, but i have to provide health insurance for us so i have no choice. I asked dh if i could possibly work until the end of the year to pay off some loans so that we would have more cash every month, and then buy private insurance next year. He agreed. Now he changed his mind and wants me to work 3-4 more years in order to try and pay off the mortgage. I know that this would be the best course of action, but i'm not sure if i can do it. My commute is 45 mins each way, so i will be away from LO 10 hours some days. I know DH is just scared, because my income is higher than his, so it would be a huge hit if i did quit. I would love the freedom of not having any debt, but i feel like i'll be missing lo's first years.

The problem is that i haven't been able to enjoy my maternity leave because i've been obsessing about for hours everyday... Trying to come up with ways to make money from home and whatnot. Such a waste of time. I guess this is more of a vent but i was wondering what others would do in this situation. If we pay off our mortgage, i can stay home and not worry about money at all. If i leave at the end of this year, it will be a constant struggle and i may end up having to get a job again. Gah...it's sounds like such an easy decision, but i can't come to terms with it.

 

[newbie1992]

Sorry to hear about your scenario, I think from what you have said its the way we all feel with this situation. I get six months off, but thats going to be a struggle..

I do think there is nothing more important or precious than the first years, but overall you are going to be providing your LO with so much of your time and attention, just in a few years time.

I would say for the sake of your family, it is an easy choice and with paying off a mortgage it sounds like you are in a very good position.

I think you may not enjoy the time with your LO as much if life is such a struggle because financially you cant do the things you would like and then you become stressed and its not even worth it.

You will know what the right choice is for you and your family, just got to grit your teeth and be strong for a few years! xx

 

[FarmMom]

Yes, i know the best course. It would be amazing to own our home free and clear...it will just be hard. I stayed at my job for 3 years because they paid for my degree, and counted down the days until i could leave. Then i got pregnant and couldn't leave anyways. I just hate to feel trapped for another 3-4 years. :/

 

[charlotte8]

I have a 5 week old and know exactly how you are feeling. I am lucky enough to be able to have a little more time off than you however Ive been really worrying about going back to work already. I just don't want to do it. Anyway I have just started doing some work from home and am planning on building it up so I hopefully will not have to go back and can work the hours I want and as many as I want. It's a really good opportunity trust me I've looked into a lot over the years and this one is really amazing. Feel free to email me and I could send you some info. [email protected]