Reply #27: Being able to have one stay at home is priceless

[elfin]

to a household's well-being -- that is IF the one at home WANTS this role.

The opportunities for more significant work via volunteerism are endless and often more engaging and challenging than a paid occupation. Skill sets can be maintained this way and powerful networks can be created if the time comes that the one at home decides to re-enter full time paid work.

I speak from experience - I was so lucky to be able to choose this path. I never had to worry about who was going to take care of the children, I always had important volunteer work to keep my brain engaged, I made more true lasting friendships than any I ever saw being made at "paid" work.

However, along the way, the peer and societal pressure to abandon the route were constant - but thankfully not by my spouse.

And I consider myself a feminist. I celebrate those who take the other way and succeed - just not for me.