[Randomz]

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This post has been edited by Randomz: 09/02/2013, 08:23 AM

[SoxyMama]

I studied, got very high marks in, and got a perfect position (that could have forwarded me to a great career) in teaching - the fell pregnant. Went back for 6 months after DD was born (about 5 months old) then decided to leave it. I've done a little bit of CRT work but now I run home businesses, most successful is an online consulting business that has taken off and now I have quite a few regular clients, to keep me busy enough to justify not going back to work full time.

Honestly I'd definitely have more income if I continued the teaching, not to mention all those years of income I would have had if I wasn't a SAHM - so we have definitely made some very big financial sacrifices to do so. Regrets now? At this end I am really happy - but it took a few years to get there.

This post has been edited by Katakacpk: 31/12/2012, 08:01 PM

[JRA]

Yes and no, and so has DH

I was a leading professional in my area. I travelled the world, with my work. I was bloody good at it.

After having DS, breast cancer, mastectomy and chemo I had lots of sick leave, and then resigned

When DH was p*ssed off with his work when DS was 3 and a bit, we decided that he could quit and I would go back "part time". I am now working more than we originally planned, in a similar role, but just doing local work. I am not seen as one of the top experts for the world now in the product as I simply dont have the profile, and don't want it. I am very happy with my life now. I loved my life then. Priorities change.

This post has been edited by JRA: 31/12/2012, 08:10 PM

[Saecularis Angel...]

I was climbing the ladder in a pharmaceutical company after I finished my science degree. I left to retrain and become a priest.

It did affect my identity, but I feel it was a bit of a chicken-and-egg thing. The pharmaceutical thing stopped feeling like a good fit, so I went looking for the thing that would be. I feel like the identity change started before the career change did.

I think it was the right decision. Regrets would be too strong a word; there are things I miss. Like the income. We've definitely sacrificed a lot financially. And sleeping in on Sundays. But there are lots of things I don't miss at all, so on balance I feel I'm much better off, even though I'm still studying.

[Guest_CaptainOblivious_*]

I ditched a career in law in favour of teaching. It's only recent but I'm loving the change.

Did it affect your identity?
In a way. Teachers really don't get a ton of respect from people in society.You say you're a lawyer and everyone goes 'ohhh' in a good way but if you say you're a teacher it's a very different sort of 'ohhh' and not usually a good one. I knew that, but it's interesting to see it firsthand.

I was lucky and got a part time position covering the release time for teachers but that means you're basically considered a babysitter by the 'real' teachers, and being a first year out doesn't help either.

The money sucks which means less holidays and trips away for work so that has taken some adjustment as well.

Was it the right decision?
I think so.

Are you happier and any regrets?
Yes. The only regret is the money and maybe a little bit for the loss of the respect and the assumption that I'm intelligent that goes with being a lawyer. On a totally trivial level, the cool suits being switched for teacher clothes was a bit sad too

[JRA]

I didn't answer the identity bit. That worried me a lot. I was dux of the school, in the top couple in my degree, and always the top of my work. I worked 10+ hr days, always. I am also an introvert and don't do small talk etc well. I was worried what I would be without my work.

I suppose the cancer, chemo, mastectomy, neck surgery, all reminded me that career was only one part of my life.

My parents had a very different life prior to us kids, so I suppose that helped.

[jayskette]

I left pharmacy to go into IT. I love both and no regrets really, I can always go back.

[Elizabethandfrie...]

I recently left a career in law to slowly pursue post grad studies and be a SAHM. It's early days but so far it's been awesome. In time the change in status may bite, but for now I am comfortable with my decision.

[Tyrone Finkelmey...]

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This post has been edited by Tyrone Finkelmeyer: 26/03/2013, 08:29 PM

[mavisandjack]

Yes, I have given up a professional career. It is still early days but I really think I have done the best thing for me.

My job didn't make me happy. Being a stay at home parent does!