View Full Version : Becoming a stay-at-home Dad
Tall_James
03-23-2007, 08:07 AM
<p>This morning, around 3 am, our live-in au pair crashed our car into a tree. She wasn't hurt but there's going to be repercussions just the same. This isn't her first accident since she's been with us. And while she has an international driver's license, she just failed her US driver's test last week. Needless to say, my wife and I will be firing her and sending her from our home. Our kids are our most valued possessions and I do not trust them to be in a car with this person anymore. If you're a parent and reading this, you know how hard it is to find good childcare when both parents are working. While being great with the kids, this person is just a re-enforcement of that old "Polish" stereotype - she is not at at bright and very immature for a 23 year old.</p><p>That being said, I'm am trying to convince my wife that I am ready to quit my job and become a full-time stay at home Dad to care for our kids. I have been unsatisfied in my career for some time now - being in sales just doesn't do it for me anymore. I sit behind a desk most days for 8 hours, making occasional phone calls, sending out emails and generally just fucking around on the internet. I don't enjoy having to ask strangers to part with tens of thousands of dollars for their market research projects while being unconvinced that our analysts here can even get the results to them on time due to limited manpower. While I like the people I work with, I'm just not that happy here. I feel that I'm not making a difference, I feel like I'm begging to get projects and sales. I want to do something where I can make a difference and not just go through the motions in order to bring home a paycheck. </p><p>I don't give a shit if there is any sort of stigma attached to a Dad being the stay at home parent. At 43, I've been working in the corporate world for over 20 years and know that any job, however secure it seems, is transitory. I also know that if I do this, it will be the hardest job I've ever had because it is a 24 hour gig. I'm blessed because my wife has a great job that she'll be starting on Monday and while money would be tight with me not working, we won't be starving. I also know that I will have the security of knowing that the kids will be looked after by me, not someone hired by me.</p><p>Its a tough call, my wife is still deciding where she stands on this. Her concern is that I spend too much time on the computer already and I may just put the kids in front of the TV for 8 hours a day. I know that I won't do that. I wouldn't have time to do that. To me, its a no-brainer - more security for the kids with a parent in the home, more time spent with the kids at this important stage in their lives and I'll probably lose a lot of weight chasing the kids around (my sedentary office-based lifestyle has certainly not helped in keeping my weight down). </p><p>I have never been career-driven. Climbing the corporate ladder never mattered that much to me. The only thing I'd probably end up missing is spending countless hours nattering away on dopey internet sites (present company excluded) and joking with the few co-workers who I actually like. It's funny, I wanted to talk to someone at my office about this situation this morning but there is no one that I trust enough to not think that they would be spreading my business via gossip within 20 minutes of hearing it. That probably should tell me a lot.</p><p>I'd appreciate any serious input or thoughts that you may have. If you know of other stay at home dads - how are they handling it? I want to do this but I want to be prepared.</p><p>This is easily the longest post I've ever drafted in my time here. Thanks for listening.</p><
Tenbatsuzen
03-23-2007, 08:12 AM
<p>TJ:</p><p> </p><p>Kudos to you. My question to you is - have you even broached the subject of becoming at work-at-home consultant with your company? You can spend time with your kids, not have to work as much, and still bring in a paycheck. I know you're not a big fan of your job, but it was just an idea to throw out there.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>
Tenbatsuzen
03-23-2007, 08:13 AM
<strong>Tall_James</strong> wrote:<br /><p> Needless to say, my wife and I will be firing her and sending her from our home.</p><br /><p> </p><p> </p><p>Of, for the love of God, put this on Paltalk. There is nothing like a crying foreigner. Bonus points if you put it up on youtube and add the sad Hulk music in post-production.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>
raulfd4
03-23-2007, 08:13 AM
<p>if it's financially possible and the mrs. is ok with it, why not?</p><p>your kids will appreciate it and as long as you DON'T spend all of your time on a computer and apply yourself to your children, wife and home this will definitely be a rewarding choice in your life.</p><p>ps this is my fantasy lifestyle. </p>
<p>OK, so NOW can you become a Mod? <img src="/messageboard/tiny_mce/plugins/emotions/images/tongue.gif" border="0" width="20" height="20" /></p><p>I've always believed that if you're happy in your job, evrything else falls into place. Clearly, you're not and maybe the situation with your au pair happened for a reason...and at the right time.</p><p>And I don't think any one will raise a "stigma" about a stay-at-home Dad with a guy who is 6'6!</p>
Tall_James
03-23-2007, 08:18 AM
<strong>Tenbatsuzen</strong> wrote:<br /><p>My question to you is - have you even broached the subject of becoming at work-at-home consultant with your company? </p><p>I have thought about it and will bring it up. Not sure how it would work with a Sales job that requires a lot of hand holding. The only hands I would have time to hold would be while crossing the street.</p>
<p> </p><p>You were always a sexy guy, TJ, but this just made you REALLY sexy. And a hero.</p><p> </p><p>~Quinn</p><p> </p>
Tall_James
03-23-2007, 08:30 AM
<strong>EQ</strong> wrote:<br /><p>You were always a sexy guy, TJ, but this just made you REALLY sexy. And a hero.</p><p>~Quinn</p><p> </p><p><img src="/messageboard/tiny_mce/plugins/emotions/images/wub.gif" border="0" width="22" height="29" /> </p>
cupcakelove
03-23-2007, 08:31 AM
Its my dream to become a stay at home parent one day. I would try to have some kind of part time thing I could do out of the house, but the sooner I get out of the office environment, the happier I will be.
Justice4all
03-23-2007, 08:32 AM
<p>James,</p><p>I do not think that the only stigma put on you for being a stay at home dad, is that you love your kids and are able to have your wife being home the money and one of you be there for them always. That is SO rare in this time you are blessed.</p><p>There are plenty of jobs that you could do from the house even on a part time level and make some considerable income.</p><p>I work in the mortgage industry and I know plenty of stay-at-home moms who are in our business. ON a part time level they can work at home, take care of the kids and still be able to pull in a deal or two each month.</p><p>For part time work it is great money.</p><p>And yes there are plenty of sales jobs that you can tele-commute to.</p><p>You are a lucky man to be so involved with your kids so early on. I am sure many guys who have kids in this board know exactly what I mean too. Keep up being that great parent you are!</p>
Sleeves
03-23-2007, 08:45 AM
<p>I'm a stay home daddy...My son is 2...(i do have a job, but I work at home at night and when he naps)...</p><p>Like a lot of things, there is good and bad. It is definitely hard to be home with my son some days. Especially if there's something I'm working on...</p><p>But - I do love being with him and I love that I can provide him the sort of environment my wife and I want. He's safe, but he gets to explore...</p><p>One other thing that's been very important to me and maybe will mean something to you: This last year has been the most productive and creative of my whole life. Because of the stress of having to be with Sam all the time, I found that when I was alone I was absolutely focused on what was important to me. </p><p>I sort of found what I wanted to do with my life, even though it's sort of hard to explain. </p><p>I've seen this with some other stay-home mothers...they seem to find something that's very important to themselves...something fulfilling. I know one woman who opened a yoga studio, my sister became a marathoner...and I started writing again. </p><p>I don't know if you'll lose weight tho! :)</p><p>I see some cookies right now...yummm...</p>
<p> </p><p>Several of my friends have some upsetting and frightening au-pair stories, and I know at least three different couples who modified their work situations so they could be at home with the kids. </p><p>Should you choose to make this decision (and it seems you're def. leaning this way, TJ), perhaps you'll find that working from home will be another part of the whole journey. You'll determine how much time you can realistically schedule with your kids, and then working from home-if you choose- will follow ( "What he really wanted to do was direct.."). </p><p>In addition to spending time with your children, this arrangement might segue into some other sort of work. I do think it is a brave move, and I should emphasize that any sane, caring parent would applaud your decision. A lot of men define themselves by their career first, and even if it's a tough choice, it's wonderful you didn't really hesitate to consider doing it.</p><p>If it's feasible, then everyone in your family wins. Especially your kids. </p><p>Still the sexiest move. Ever.</p><p> </p><p>~Quinn</p>
<span class=post_edited>This message was edited by EQ on 3-23-07 @ 12:54 PM</span>
Tall_James
03-23-2007, 09:08 AM
<strong>Sleeves</strong> wrote:<br /><p>One other thing that's been very important to me and maybe will mean something to you: This last year has been the most productive and creative of my whole life. Because of the stress of having to be with Sam all the time, I found that when I was alone I was absolutely focused on what was important to me. </p><p><strong>I sort of found what I wanted to do with my life, even though it's sort of hard to explain.</strong> </p><p>I understand completely. That is what I hope happens with me. I have had ideas for several creative avenues to travel down but have never been focussed enough to take them. I'm hoping that amidst the clank and clutter of dealing with my 5 and 3 year old I'll be able to find the clarity of purpose that most people are looking for.</p>
Tall_James
03-23-2007, 09:10 AM
<strong>EQ</strong> wrote:<br /><p>In addition to spending time with your children, this arrangement might segue into some other sort of work. </p><p>Ideally it will. My wife and I have long spoken of starting a home-based business but haven't come up with the right idea yet. Perhaps this experience will open my eyes to one that I never thought of.</p><p>Right now, I just want the kids to not be freaked out by the transition and the sudden disappearance of Sylvia.</p>
<strong>Tall_James</strong> wrote:<br /><p>Right now, I just want the kids to not be freaked out by the transition and the sudden disappearance of Sylvia. </p><p>You described her as "a 'Polish stereotype': not that at bright and very immature for a 23 year old."</p><p>Would she keep house for an immature 36 year old?</p>
Tenbatsuzen
03-23-2007, 09:17 AM
<strong>A.J.</strong> wrote:<br /><strong>Tall_James</strong> wrote:<br /><p>Right now, I just want the kids to not be freaked out by the transition and the sudden disappearance of Sylvia. </p><p>You described her as "a 'Polish stereotype': not that at bright and very immature for a 23 year old."</p><p>Would she keep house for an immature 36 year old?</p><p> </p><p>Polish stereotype to me means blonde and big-breasted.</p><p>I'm immature too.</p><p> </p>
ppanda
03-23-2007, 09:20 AM
<p>Hey TJ</p><p>I'm not a dad, but I see alot of people posting that you can work from home.</p><p>Not sure if the other "work-from-home" folks have run into this but...</p><p>I used work from home 7 days a week. At first it was great. I didnt have to worry about what I was going to wear- I just threw on yestrdays jeans and a T-shirt. I didnt have to face traffic and it saved me a lot of money being that the gas prices were so high. I used to get other stuff done around the house as well- doing laundry and stuff like that. It was great.</p><p>However after about 9 months I started hating being home- I always wanted to get out of the house- I couldnt stand being there because your house now becomes your work environment. Imagine not being able to leave the office- it sucked. I started associating home with work. It got so bad that I requested that I get a cubical in our office so I can come in a couple of days during the week.</p><p>I now only work two days a week from home</p><p>Just something to keep in mind. I'm not trying to descourage you from getting a work-from-home ocupation.</p><p> </p>
<span class=post_edited>This message was edited by ppanda on 3-23-07 @ 1:21 PM</span>
Tall_James
03-23-2007, 09:23 AM
<strong>ppanda</strong> wrote:<br /><p>Hey TJ</p><p>I'm not a dad, but I see alot of people posting that you can work from home.</p><p>Not sure if the other "work-from-home" folks have run into this but...</p><p>I used work from home 7 days a week. At dirst it was great. I didnt have to worry about what I was going to wear- I just threw on yestrdays jeans and a T-shirt. I didnt have to face traffic and it saved me a lot of money being that the gas prices were so high. I used to get other stuff done around the house as well- doing laundry and stuff like that. It was great.</p><p>However after about 9 months I started hating being home- I always wanted to get out of the house- I couldnt stand being there because your house now becomes your work environment. Imagine not being able to leave the office- it sucked. I started associating home with work. It got so bad that I requested that I get a cubical in our office so I can come in a couple of days during the week.</p><p>I now only work two days a week from home</p><p>Just something to keep in mind. I'm not trying to descourage you from getting a work-from-home ocupation.</p><p> </p><p>No, I understand exactly what you're talking about. Believe me, I will make time for myself by setting up playdates for the kids a couple of hours each week. I'll still go out for beers every once in a while with my buddies, watch a ball game, etc. I'm actually looking forward to taking them to an afternoon Pawtucket Red Sox game this year. </p>
<strong>Tall_James</strong> wrote:<br /><strong>EQ</strong> wrote:<br /><p>In addition to spending time with your children, this arrangement might segue into some other sort of work. </p><p>Ideally it will. My wife and I have long spoken of starting a home-based business but haven't come up with the right idea yet. Perhaps this experience will open my eyes to one that I never thought of.</p><p>Right now, I just want the kids to not be freaked out by the transition and </p><p><strong>The Sudden Disappearance of Sylvia.</strong></p><p>I smell novel and/or screenplay. "The Sudden Disappearance of Sylvia" . </p><p>Change some names and write about some of the experiences. You're already a talented, funny writer - this new adventure might give you a chance to explore that. </p><p> </p><p> </p>
Tenbatsuzen
03-23-2007, 09:37 AM
<p>TJ, maybe you should get an instant replay and just play all Vince McMahon clips when Sylvia comes in.</p><p> </p><p>"YOU'RE FIRRRRRRREEEEED!"</p><p> </p><p>"TAKE YOUR BRA OFF AND TAKE IT O..."</p><p> </p><p>never mind</p><p> </p>
Tenbatsuzen
03-23-2007, 09:39 AM
<p>You know, James, I give you a lot of credit - I'd be agonizing more over firing the girl than quitting the job.</p><p> </p>
Jujubees2
03-23-2007, 09:48 AM
<strong>Tall_James</strong> wrote:<br /><strong>ppanda</strong> wrote:<br /><p>Hey TJ</p><p>No, I understand exactly what you're talking about. Believe me, I will make time for myself by setting up playdates for the kids a couple of hours each week. I'll still go out for beers every once in a while with my buddies, watch a ball game, etc. I'm actually looking forward to taking them to an afternoon <strong><em>Pawtucket Red Sox game this year</em></strong>. </p><p><font face="courier new,courier"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana"><span style="font-size: 10pt"><font face="Times New Roman"><font size="3">Ah, the Paw Sox. Spent many of nights at McCoy Stadium as a youth. Remember seeing Fisk, Boggs, Lynn, Rice, and others come through the system. I haven't been back in a long time and I hear that they fixed the stadium up nice.</font></font></span><span style="font-size: 10pt"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"> </font></span></span></font></p><p><font face="courier new,courier"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana"><span style="font-size: 10pt"></span><span style="font-size: 10pt"><font face="Times New Roman"><font size="3">I'm not a stay-at-home dad and don't think I could do it for both financial and emotional reasons. But I have a job that I have to work a lot of nights and weekends so when there's a function at school (field trip, parent-teacher volleyball game, etc.) I usually represent the family since my wife works in Manhattan</font></font><font face="Times New Roman"><font size="3">. The kids really appreciate the time you put into their lives at this age (elementary school).</font></font></span><span style="font-size: 10pt"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"> </font></span></span></font></p><font face="courier new,courier"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana"><span style="font-size: 10pt"></span><span style="font-size: 10pt"><font face="Times New Roman"><font size="3">One other thing to think about TJ is that the kids will get older and eventually go to school during the day, leaving you free to work from home while they are at school.</font></font></span><span style="font-size: 10pt"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"> </font></span> </span></font><font face="courier new,courier"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: Verdana"><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">Good luck!</font></span></p></span></font>
<span class=post_edited>This message was edited by Jujubees2 on 3-23-07 @ 1:49 PM</span>
WhistlePig
03-23-2007, 09:56 AM
Do it TJ! It will be great for your kids and they should come first. I'm a stay-
at-home mom and I love it. I also work but at night and when she naps so
you could do that and have the best of both worlds. I hope you can talk your
wife into it. A problem you might run into is her being jealous of the time
you'll get to spend with the kids. A lot of women act OK with this role
reversal but really aren't since it does go against nature.
mendyweiss
03-23-2007, 10:00 AM
Go for it big guy !! Just keep the cupcakes out of the house, or you will all be bouncing off the walls !!
douchebagsean
03-23-2007, 10:17 AM
<p>TJ-</p><p> </p><p>a friend of mine in addition to the fathers of some of my students are all stay at home dads and though there may have been a stigma attached to it once I dont see it anymore, in truth it is most fathers fantasies. if you can afford it financially then go for it dude and good luck my friend </p>
grlNIN
03-23-2007, 10:18 AM
<strong>Tall_James</strong> wrote:<br /><br /><p>I have thought about it and will bring it up. Not sure how it would work with a Sales job that requires a lot of hand holding. <strong>The only hands I would have time to hold would be while crossing the street.</strong></p><p>That made me swoon, no lie.</p><p>I first thought along the same lines as Matty maybe even a less demanding job because if you can swing the work at home thing you're still occupied for however many hours with that and not the kids. That could easily work if your hours are set to when they're in daycare/school.</p><p>It sounds like your heart is in the right place and maybe it's just time for you to get this extra bonding with the little ones. I'm sure they'd enjoy more airplane rides!</p><p>Whatever your choice is, im sure it will be the best for your family. </p>
Bellyfullasnot
03-23-2007, 06:42 PM
<p>Tall James, I am a stay @ home dad. I have 2 kids, ages 4 and 7. I originally started the Mr. Mom thing to keep the benefits from my wife's company. I left a "shop" atmosphere that I ran for 8 years. I think I'm going on 3 years now. I now work nights and heavy weekends in a different field and my wife is finishing school. It's challenging, but very rewarding. Many cops and firemen are home with the kids during the days as well. It takes discipline, but it gets easier as the kids reach school age. </p>
Tall_James
03-24-2007, 03:03 PM
<p>Tall James, I am a stay @ home dad. I have 2 kids, ages 4 and 7. I originally started the Mr. Mom thing to keep the benefits from my wife's company. I left a "shop" atmosphere that I ran for 8 years. I think I'm going on 3 years now. I now work nights and heavy weekends in a different field and my wife is finishing school. It's challenging, but very rewarding. Many cops and firemen are home with the kids during the days as well. It takes discipline, but it gets easier as the kids reach school age. </p>
Thanks man. I know its going to be tough but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to it.
johnniewalker
03-24-2007, 03:43 PM
I always thought it would be cool to try to learn something with your kids at an early age that you've never done. Something like trying to learn the piano. Either that or I'd go fishing with them everyday. This sounds great and im praying this works out with my wife. What a great excuse for a weekday baseball game!
Tall_James
03-24-2007, 04:30 PM
I always thought it would be cool to try to learn something with your kids at an early age that you've never done. Something like trying to learn the piano. Either that or I'd go fishing with them everyday. This sounds great and im praying this works out with my wife. What a great excuse for a weekday baseball game!
I got a guitar for Christmas that I need to learn how to play. That should be cool if I can take lessons in the evening. Also, we live right next door to a pond so we do a lot of fishing already. I already told the neighbor next door that I will be using her pool quite a bit this summer and she should never have offered in the first place!
Tenbatsuzen
03-24-2007, 05:01 PM
TJ, let me know when you start jogging to Baba O'Reilly and Scott Bakula moves in next door.
I salute you for doing what's best for the family and your kids, James. At this stage of my life I'd like to be a stay at home anything, but I'd also warn against not having any other job than full-time dad, though. Like others have suggested, see if there's anything you can do to work from home, even if it's part-time. Nothing in the world has made me feel more anxious and depressed in the past than the times I was out of work. I was never a dad, though, so I have no way of knowing how you'll feel. Best of luck.
PS - send that crazy, out of control Polish chick my way.
Don Stugots
03-25-2007, 12:07 PM
<p>TJ:</p><p> </p><p>Kudos to you. My question to you is - have you even broached the subject of becoming at work-at-home consultant with your company? You can spend time with your kids, not have to work as much, and still bring in a paycheck. I know you're not a big fan of your job, but it was just an idea to throw out there.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>
James, i agree with you 100%. you should be there for your kids. I feel the same about my job. i like matty's idea. i dont know if you answered it, but i would go this route.
Don Stugots
03-25-2007, 12:10 PM
I salute you for doing what's best for the family and your kids, James. At this stage of my life I'd like to be a stay at home anything, but I'd also warn against not having any other job than full-time dad, though. Like others have suggested, see if there's anything you can do to work from home, even if it's part-time. Nothing in the world has made me feel more anxious and depressed in the past than the times I was out of work. I was never a dad, though, so I have no way of knowing how you'll feel. Best of luck.
PS - send that crazy, out of control Polish chick my way.
Gvac, regina and I need a full time cleaning person/chef. you must take care of the dog and give me sponge baths. if interested, please PM me.
Stugots, I typed up a nice long PM for you with personal references and everything, but when I went to send it I was told your mailbox was full.
Clean it up and make some space Mr. Popular!
boeman
03-25-2007, 04:44 PM
Stugots, I typed up a nice long PM for you with personal references and everything, but when I went to send it I was told your mailbox was full.
Clean it up and make some space Mr. Popular!
I think he's stuffing his own mailbox...:tongue:
FUNKMAN
03-25-2007, 05:38 PM
Try it for a year and see how it goes. There's no other way to find out if it will work or not.
I'm almost 20 years in the corporate world but I've worked weekends and evenings the whole time. At one time I worked Sat-Tue Evenings, my ex-wife M-F 9-5 so there were 5 days during the 7day week where one of us was home with the kids. My ex also had a flex schedule so every other Monday she was off. So in reality every 2 weeks we had to worry about 3 days of Child-Care. I was always home during the day and when the kids were growing up I would take them to and from school and be there during the week if they were sick and had to go to doctors or had days off and were not in school.
Cleaning the house and laundry is not too big a deal. Cooking is a bit more involved or it seemed to be for me. If you don't want to eat the same things over and over then it's a good time to get creative in the kitchen.
Best Of Luck in any decision you make!
Don Stugots
03-25-2007, 05:44 PM
Stugots, I typed up a nice long PM for you with personal references and everything, but when I went to send it I was told your mailbox was full.
Clean it up and make some space Mr. Popular!
done. you could email it to me too. or via myspace. smart ass. we all needed to empty our inbox.
Captain Rooster
03-25-2007, 06:10 PM
TJ, I'll keep this short. My wife and I want one of us home. My wife will be staying home for a year--at least--because the kid is worth sacrificing for. If we can' do it, my wife'll go back. If you have some padding, even a few months worth, go for it. You love your kid. Period.
Recyclerz
03-25-2007, 07:10 PM
Although I'm not really committed to this position I feel obligated to play the Devil's advocate here, at least a little.
Although I'm not a parent, I believe that being one and raising reasonably well adjusted kids to adulthood is the most important job in this society. Unfortunately, it is also one of the least rewarded. I'm totally with you on the psychic and emotional rewards of being a stay at home Dad and I empathize with the soul deadening aspects of having a job you don't love. But....
The fiduciary busybody in me says this is a big money decision you're thinking of making. Going from two middle-class incomes to one, especially in a relatively expensive place to live like MA is a big step. I'm not sure how much Mrs. TJ is going to be raking in, but odds are that some parts of your lifestyle that you've taken for granted up until now (vacations, Starbucks coffee, et al.) are going to be memories soon enough. That part is probably the least of it though. Economic studies show that what used to be called the "Mommy track" in the biz world has less to do with discrimination against women and more to do with the unfortunate but real phenomenon that people who take time off in mid-career (mostly for child care but really for any reason) never reach the top or total earnings of their population cohorts. Again, not the end of the world compared to your relationship to your kids, but something to consider.
I realize you have an excellent opportunity to try out your plan right now given your au pair problem, but if this thread is for tossing out ideas why not consider this one. Cobble together a new child care plan for now, keep showing up at the soul sucking job for six to 12 months, but bank everything from your checks and live on just what the Mrs. is bringing home. This will give you a taste of what the new lifestyle will feel like (plus build up a little nest egg for emergencies) and will give you & the wife the data to make a little better informed decision.
Anyway, since you've demonstrated some significant smarts in your contributions to the Board (excepting, of course, your affinity for The Sawx), I'm sure you'll make a great decision for your family.
Tall_James
03-27-2007, 12:05 PM
OK, I fired the au pair this weekend (sorry I couldn't do it on PalTalk Tenbats). She said she was not suprised by our decision but I could see she was holding out some hope for a last minute reprieve. I nipped that thought in the fucking bud.
Today I quit my job and while it surprised everyone here, it went quite well and was met with some tears by several members of the staff (nice!). My boss basically told me that I would always have a job here if I needed it. I offered some suggestions as to how I could stay with the firm on a consultant-type basis and they were well-received so I am heartened by that.
Now, my next steps are kicking the au pair out of my home (contract states we have to provide her lodging for at least a week until she is re-placed) and starting my new career.
I can't wait.
My boss basically told me that I would always have a job here if I needed it. I offered some suggestions as to how I could stay with the firm on a consultant-type basis and they were well-received so I am heartened by that.
Now, my next steps are kicking the au pair out of my home (contract states we have to provide her lodging for at least a week until she is re-placed) and starting my new career.
I can't wait.
Sounds like a win/win scenario. Congratulations and best of luck to you buddy.
Don Stugots
03-27-2007, 12:15 PM
OK, I fired the au pair this weekend (sorry I couldn't do it on PalTalk Tenbats). She said she was not suprised by our decision but I could see she was holding out some hope for a last minute reprieve. I nipped that thought in the fucking bud.
Today I quit my job and while it surprised everyone here, it went quite well and was met with some tears by several members of the staff (nice!). My boss basically told me that I would always have a job here if I needed it. I offered some suggestions as to how I could stay with the firm on a consultant-type basis and they were well-received so I am heartened by that.
Now, my next steps are kicking the au pair out of my home (contract states we have to provide her lodging for at least a week until she is re-placed) and starting my new career.
I can't wait.
good for you James. i am happy for you. In an effort to get back at the nanny, why not snap some nude pics of her and post them. that will show her a thing or two about a thing or two.
nate1000
03-27-2007, 12:46 PM
<p>Still the sexiest move. Ever.
<p>That made me swoon, no lie
Hey, how about a little love for us hard working dads who bust our ass, drive shit heap cars, for-go nights out, wear three year old suits, sweat each mortgage payment and generally sacrifice so that our kids have a full time mommy at home? Nothin?
TJ- If you can swing it, go for it- you are sure to look at this time as the best times of your life. All of you.
Believe me, if my wife could pull down anything close to what I make, I wouldn't think twice about it. Just keep an eye on the cash flow and pull the belt in a bit.
bobrobot
03-27-2007, 12:48 PM
I have been a stay @ home Dad for 11 & 1/2 years. No matter what else happens, this has been the single most important & rewarding experience of my life!!!
Tall_James
03-27-2007, 03:37 PM
I have been a stay @ home Dad for 11 & 1/2 years. No matter what else happens, this has been the single most important & rewarding experience of my life!!!
That's what I like to hear Bobo, thanks!
Now, at what point do I have to strip naked and learn the mandolin?
Tenbatsuzen
03-27-2007, 03:59 PM
That's what I like to hear Bobo, thanks!
Now, at what point do I have to strip naked
http://www.weirdparanormal.com/patterson_bigfoot_lg.jpg
bobrobot
03-27-2007, 04:46 PM
That's what I like to hear Bobo, thanks!
Now, at what point do I have to strip naked and learn the mandolin?
That is entirely dependent on when you are ready to start jammin' w/ the stay @ home mamas!!!
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/bobogolem/NudeMando.jpg
I offered some suggestions as to how I could stay with the firm on a consultant-type basis and they were well-received so I am heartened by that.
THAT'S great to hear James. I'm glad things went well for you. I hope that this is the beginning of a happier and more rewarding career for you.
And I can take the au pair off your hands. Maybe if I woo her with Bobby Vinton's "My Melody of Love"....
Bellyfullasnot
03-28-2007, 05:47 AM
Good luck James. Keeping one foot in the door must help make the decision easier on the home front. I'm guessing your kids are very young. It gets easier when they are out of diapers and easier when they are in school. Starting this in the spring is great also because you have more options to keep them occupied during the day.
Chip196
03-28-2007, 06:02 AM
Congrats TJ ... I hope to someday be in your position.
"You wiring it 220?"
"220, 221 ... whatever it takes!"
Tenbatsuzen
10-08-2010, 08:58 PM
After the last few months, I went back and pulled up this thread. I didn't realize it back in 2007, but TJ's words resonate with me as strong as ever.
I don't think I want to completely not work, but I'm at the point where I'm sick of being in corporate, and I'd rather open a small business and work for myself than someone else.
badorties
10-09-2010, 11:08 AM
After the last few months, I went back and pulled up this thread. I didn't realize it back in 2007, but TJ's words resonate with me as strong as ever.
I don't think I want to completely not work, but I'm at the point where I'm sick of being in corporate, and I'd rather open a small business and work for myself than someone else.
i've been in the same job, same office of six people, same desk for nine years now with no real defined future of advancement or growth ... i make a decent living, but dread every waking second i'm there
my wife has a great job, and defined career path to the proverbial top ... i would love nothing more than to be a stay at home dad ... my wife might be two promotions away from that dream
but, i want the best for my kid and will drudge my way through shitty days
Perrynoid On Demand
10-13-2010, 07:12 AM
Im a SAHD and love it. Spending time with my son is not only a blessing but a complete blast. I also work from home in the evenings and hit the gym between 3 - 5am - so I do miss my sleep a little bit...but it's all worth it.
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