Stay at Home vs. Work Debate

If you have chosen to SAH, what stimulates you to do what you do?

I am a data systems engineer. I started out in customer service nearly 20 years ago. Worked my way up the ladder with 4 years of college thrown in along the way. I didn't go to college straight out of HS (don't ask, LOL). What stimulates me is the quest to move up the ladder, so to speak. Not necessarily the monetary gains that are afforded me as I move up with each new position, but with the acquisition of a little more power and control. Yes, I admit to liking that ;)

What stimulates you to get out of bed in the morning and put one foot in front of the other?

Usually it's the urge to pee that gets me going in the morning. Then it would be someone asking me to pour milk on their cereal. Then there's the laundry that refuses to do itself.

No really I love being a SAHM with 6 kids. In the summer we are totally lazy we do what we want when we want and I can't imagine it any other way. I've done it for almost 11 years now and probably only have 4 years left staying home, although I wouldn't mind winning the lottery and never going back to work.

Amy

A new car, fancy vacations, a wonderful wardrobe, and weekly manicures and pedicures.

Oh, wait, wait. That's the stereotypical WOHM, not me.

Let's see ... keeping a roof over my head, food on my table and clothes on my back definitely rank right up there. But, more philosopically/intellecturally, in my current field a lot of my pleasure/stimulation is derived from incorporating the constant changes that are being made to the field; learning the new skills need to accomodate those changes, applying those new skills, training others on those new skills and becoming a leader in embracing those changes. I get pleasure from the daily interactions and conversations with my co-workers; I work with a great group of people and we have fun, stiumlating and important conversations everyday. I also enjoy knowing that what I do make an impact on the future of and the success of the institution I work for, and more, specifically in the lives of the faculty I support.

I love working in the arts/culture/nonprofit field. Love that I get to go to work each day through the backstage door of the theater, love that i can hear the bands soundchecking or hang out with the crew during their dinner break or sneak my daughter backstage to watch the Wigs for "Hairspray" being set up for each performer. I love that I work in a place that's vibrant and full of people who don't blink when you start singing "At the end of the day" from les Miz when you're having a tough day, where sarcastic humor is practically a competitive sport, and where I never not once have had to subject myself to wearing a suit. Ilove that the work I do makes a difference and the money I raise helps over 30,000 kids a year experience top quality touring theater and where i can create exciting community partnerships around our shows (I just sealed the deal on a $10,000 partnership to underwrite 2 performances of a show called "Wrecked" about intergenerational substance abuse). I lvoe that my work brings me in contact with the states business, political, philanthropic and nonprofit leaders. I love thatmy work is FUN. I may make next to nothing but boy we have a blast!

I couldn't stay home full time (well I couldn't b/c I'm a single mom) but I'd miss this too much..I love my work and my daughter thinks I work in the coolest place ever. She even has her own staff badge and has spent mornings "working" on the light crew sorting gels and tieing curtains...she thinks she owns the place!