Women have been plagued by this question for years. This a very serious decision for women of childbearing years. Especially if they are married and their biological clock is ticking.
If you decide to go on with your career and then have a child there is a possibility that when you get back to work you could be putting yourself on the slow track for advancement at work. Your employer might not think you are up to the challenge of more responsibility with a new baby at home. Let's not even talk about the anxiety you experience when you return back to work and have to leave your baby (that is my next blog).
If you decide to have your children first you may have a problem getting a job when you are ready to go to work. Your perspective employer is going to want to know what you have been doing for the past 10 years. Being a stay at home mom is a serious job that you cannot put a dollar amount on. Especially if you really take care of your kids and your household and are not watching soap operas all day long.
Being a stay at home mom definitely has skills that you can transfer to the work force. For example you have to have time management skills in order to do all your chores like go to the supermarket, cleaners, etc and be at school on time to pick up junior.
I was very fortunate to have a husband that is hands on. He changed his work schedule to take care of the kids until they were 2 years old. At that point we felt more comfortable with them going to daycare. More and more men are taking on the task of being the caregiver while their wife goes back to work. I was very thankful for this option. I still missed the kids but at least I knew they were in good hands.
I would like to hear your opinion on this subject. Please post a comment.
