5 Reasons Most Women Would Work, Even If They Didn’t Have To

I worked in marketing for 15 years, both full time and part time. After I had my first two kids I went part time because it was hard for me to put my kids in fulltime daycare. I wanted to be a mom, but we needed a 2-income household. Then I had twins. I was off for a year and knew that we still needed 2 incomes but that a day job was no longer a good option for our family. I then made sacrifices over 3 and a half years to go back to school to become a nurse, working part time nights in a hospital as an aide. But always home during the day for my kids. Now I'm an RN who works nightshift and sleeps when they are at school. I'm able to put them on the bus and get them off. We aren't rich, we both work hard, and we're able to be present for our kids--but I know this option isn't for everyone. You can't judge people for their choices. Even if I didn't have to work, I still wanted to contribute financially because that it what I was brought up to do. If anything suffers, it's my house. It's a wreck, but I have happy kids. But I know many moms who are perfectly happy being stay at home moms. I'm at all the same PTA meetings and classroom parties that they are. To be honest, the happiest kids I know are ones who have happy moms--whether they work or stay home.

40 participants is not a study, it's a PTA meeting...

Big problem with family women working and taking care of the home is that most times the man expects her to continue doing all the "home" work herself. When she doesn't, she gets his wrath. When she does, she becomes resentful toward him. However, I do know of situations where the men actually do help out by putting in their fair share of the work at home. These guys seem to be a rarity and are also a blessing.

I think working made me a better parent. I admire moms that can stay home with their children, but I don't think I would have been a good SAHM. Once he was older, my working allowed for extras that wouldn't have been possible without my income.

Even though we probably could have made it ok, I chose to work to contribute to society and make a difference in the lives of children. I think I was a better parent because of it, too. I loved my time at work, and couldn't wait to get home to my family. Now, my kids are productive, successful, happy adults. High five to my hubby and me!

Don't forget that this is speaking of a current generation of mothers in a world in which our society doesn't value parenthood. I wish they would ask if they felt their role as parent was perceived as VALUABLE and how does that affect this study?

Regardless, children need their parents just as parents need money...it's part of life yet its hard to live without. I remember when I was a kid and my mother had to work full time and sometimes over time and I would only see her at night for like 3-4 hours and then do it all over again the rest of our lives!
Now, that I'm a mommy thanks be to God, I can stay at home and watch my toddler grow and not feel like I'm dumping him on someone else. I've worked my tail off in the past and miss it at times but I rather invest in raising my child for now. There is no better care and love than a mothers love.

I love my baby but she benefits from being at day care. It builds up her immune system & social skills. I work with her a lot by reading, singing, signing, flash cards & nature walks but I still feel that I don't compare to the program they offer. Not to mention I cherish my time with her more if I can get away for a few hrs. I go to work to rest lol.

More fulfillment in paid work than parenting. That shouted loud at me! I understand passing down the value of a dollar and the concept of hard work paying off. Hard work doesnt have to pay off financially. When and if my Wife and I are fortunate to have children one day I know they will be our crowning achievement!

Don't have kids if you want to work your whole life. Kids are stuck in daycare for hour on end and that is just wrong. When kids are little (we are talking infants and toddlers up to age 4 or 5) they should be home with mom. Instead moms bring their kids to daycare even on their days off. Horrible!!! I know moms who complain about having to stay home with their child when it's a snow day or when their child is sick. WHAT??!!! If I worked you can bet I'd want to spend every minute of free time with my child. Otherwise DO NOT HAVE THEM!!!

I think it's wise for moms to work because no matter how much you love your kids, spending 24 hours a day with them would drive anyone crazy. Plus, it's nice to be able to interact with other adults and I'm willing to bet working mothers have higher self-esteem than stay at home moms.

I didn't spend 4 yrs in college & double major to stay at home. My husband makes enough that we do have that option (unlike many) but we wouldn't be doing all those fun extras that make life enjoyable. ie: Disney World, Hawaii, Vegas. We would still have a nice home but not one with my DREAM kitchen. The kids would not have the option of going out of state for College when they graduate High School if they want too. I like my lifestyle & I work to maintain it. All while saving for retirement. Good or Bad I get a lot of my self worth from my career. Without my career I think I'd be one of those parents living their life through their children. I don't want to be that parent.

I love my job! I don't care if he made a million a year, I love my job.

Got let go in '03 from a good paying professional job. Hub has a very good job, 6-figure+ so since kids were in grade school, stayed home. Been home now for over 8 years, kids are in high school now and no one will hire in previous field after so much time away so that likely a part time job at the local grocery store or movie theater or Mickey D's is all that will be available. Do I realize how valuable the time spent with my kids has been? Absolutely. Do I still have regrets about having lost all "social standing" (as when people ask "what do you do?") and the $650K I didn't earn? Yup.

The traditional mother and home maker served a critical function in society ! Women have been duped into the two earner family where employers now get the entire household for the price of one !

That picture with the mom in the black skirt makes me immed. ask, "Does she even know what she is doing?" That goes for her little "career" skit and her womenly chores as a mom.

i am a mother who has a large family to assist my husband in taking care of.i am fully employed and can't afford to sit back at home just to take care of the kids.my own financial contribution is a big plus in the upkeep of the home.