5 Reasons Why I Quit My Job To Be A Stay-At-Home Mom

“I will always be a full-time working professional. Being a stay-at-home mom won’t be an option for me!”

—says me in my early 20’s when I had absolutely no plans of starting a family.

I was raised to pursue a career. Armed with three Bachelor’s degrees and a CPA license, I was ready to conquer the corporate world. The thought of quitting my job to be a full-time mother was (for me) a sign of weakness! Yes, I was that brutal.

Now, well, I’m eating all my words.

A year ago, I was faced with the dilemma of what to do with my life after having Rigel. The question of whether to stay employed or be a full-time mommy to my child keeps coming up. It was stressing me out to the point that thinking about it keeps me up all night.

After much thought and with Vauhn’s full support, we’ve made the big decision: I was going to be a Stay-At-Home Mom (SAHM)!

It wasn’t an easy decision. We’ve considered, calculated, and projected plenty of factors on how we would make things work. It came with sacrifices, in many areas! We were forced to think long and hard about the benefits and consequences of our choice.

Should you find yourself in the same situation, consider the 5 Reasons Why I Quit My Job To Be A Stay-At-Home Mom to help you through the decision-making process.

1. Spending Much Less

I was surprised how much I spend just to go through the daily routine of going to work. I usually take a cab or book a car online when I go to the office as well as when I go back home. My usual fare averages at around P190. When it’s raining or when the traffic condition is really bad, it can go up to P350!

I’ve also tried public transportation which is a lot cheaper, but it’s almost twice the travel time. Not to mention the stress of battling your way against fellow commuters just to be able to fit into the 10 inches of seat space in the jeepney. Nagiging mandirigma ang kagandahan ko! So, back to the taxi I go.

Our company’s standard attire was business casual, so I did have to look presentable and wear professional clothing and makeup. Hence, the excuse to shop for clothes and makeup once in a while. There were also times when I couldn’t say no to invites for a fancy lunch, an expensive coffee, or that costly (and fattening) snacks. Don’t worry, former colleagues, I’m not blaming you. I blame my voracious appetite and poor self-control. Haha!

To top it all off, we’ve hired two nannies – one as full-time babysitter to Rigel while the other one maintains the household. So, yes, household help salary multiplied by 2. Ouch!

2. Commute No More

We were living in Quezon City, but I worked in Makati City. My daily commute was intense! It takes me at least 50 minutes each way and that’s already the “best” time. If you add in rain, Friday payday, roadwork, or a city-wide occasion, I’d be saying goodbye to 2 hours of my day and will be dreading another 2 hours of commute when I go home.

This stresses me out a lot. When I leave for work in the morning, my baby’s still sleeping. And when I get home in the evening, she’ll be tired from playing all day so our bonding time will be short until it’s time to tuck her in.

By staying home, I got 2 hours a day back in my life. I gladly spend it with my toddler, my husband, and with our little kicker inside my womb.

3. More Time With The Ones I Love

When I returned to work after my maternity leave, everyone said that it would get easier. But the constant worrying, the sadness of missing out on what she was doing the whole day, thinking about the cute giggles I wouldn’t see – it didn’t get better for me. I found myself wishing I was home every time I’m at work.

Vauhn and I also noticed that we had to schedule our time together, considering our newborn and the fact that we both have full-time jobs. We were only available after work and on weekends. Unless, we use our work leaves – which are mostly used up because the nanny said she’d take one day off pero after 4 days pa s’ya bumalik. Nakakaloka! 

Now that I’m a SAHM, I’m much happier being at home with our daughter. Whether there are tears, food, or poop on my shirt, I’d still choose the worst day with my daughter over the best day at work. I would never grow tired of cuddling her, playing games with her, and teaching her as much as I could.

We also spend time with Daddy Vauhn at his workplace several times a week. The three of us would have lunch or dinner dates as a family.

4. Exploring New Career Possibilities

The good thing about being a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is that I don’t have to be employed or be in an office all day to have work. Bookkeeping, accounting, and managing tax requirements are some of my best options.

However, after reflecting on my time as a stay-at-home mom, I’ve realized that I also have other interests which can also be my side-job. Blogging, for one, gives me great comfort especially when I need a break from all the baby talk and diaper-changing routine. I’ve also been researching about freelance or part-time online jobs which are very convenient for SAHMs.

Whatever side hustle I may choose to pursue, it’s always a good feeling to know that I’m contributing to the family income.

5. I’m Always There

When I was still employed, it drives me crazy knowing that my baby has fever and I had to leave her with the nannies so I can go to work. I would call home every half hour to check on her and remind the nannies to give her medicine. Stressed ang lola mo!

Even when she’s fine, I still worry!

I’m like… what if she pooped and the babysitter didn’t notice? – she’ll get rashes. Maybe the water was a bit cold when they bathed her – she may catch a cold. What if the frozen puree went bad and the nanny didn’t check? – she might get tummy ache!… crazy right?

Now that I’m a SAHM, I worry less. Chances are I’ll always be there in case my baby needs me, instead of worrying my head off because I’m stuck in a cubicle at work.

 

Whatever you and your spouse decide on, be ready because, all of a sudden, everyone has something to say. When I became a SAHM, some were enthusiastic saying that it’s the best decision ever. They even applaud us for taking the big step in taking care of the family.

However, others were skeptical. “But, you have a CPA license, right?” a friend asked accusingly. I’m like, “Yes…so?”

It’s not like I’m going to run off and join a cult. I’m just taking a few years off to raise my child.

I get that it’s a touchy subject, but at the end of the day, I’m doing what I think is best for my family.