7 Tips for Transitioning From Working to Stay at Home Mom

This major life change deserves a plan.

I was guilt-ridden, pieces of my soul broke apart each and every time my son would ask me to play with him; but I was on conference calls, responding to emails, or reviewing documents. The disappointment in those little eyes and his downhearted “okay” stabbed me in the heart every time. I liked my job, but this made it miserable. When I had my second child, I expected to go back, but as the return date inched closer, a feeling of dread overcame me. I want to be there for my kids. I need to be there for my kids. So, I gave up the career I’d worked my tail off for the last 15 years to be a stay-at-home mom. Except, it wasn’t at all what I expected.

I expected pure, unadulterated joy. That wasn’t the case.

I did have pre-resignation jitters, of course. That was expected. What if my husband loses his job? What if I decide to go back to work when she starts school, but I can’t find a job like the awesome one I just left? I’m going to lose my independence. I’ve always been a financial contributor- how will I feel not contributing financially? So many questions and what-ifs, but these settled quickly. I decided I would regret not having that time with my kids. I wouldn’t regret leaving the job. Soon, the excitement took over.