Survey of SAHM's and Working Moms

My story defintely deserves your attention. I am a SAHM for over ten years. I am now a mum of two aged 8.5 and 6.5. Before, I worked as a HR manager in a large corp with stable income. I gave up my job because I think it is my responsibility to take care of my own kids. The helper cannot replace me and my kids need me too. I will give them my love, my kiss, my carings, my hugs whenever they need it. Time just flies at their early stage and we can never ever turn the clock back. Although we are definitely not well-off, we are willing to accept de-graded living standard and we enjoy being together with the kids. However, due to a very heavy mortagage burden (thanks to Tung Chee Wah, he made our apartment depreciated over $200 million over few years), I decided to work something part-time to share the burden. It was a very difficult decision. Who is willing to hire a mid-aged woman with two kids and who is uable to take up overtime work? Having considered this, I started to look for jobs that allow flexi working hours and the answer is Nope. The only choice is to become a boss yourself. I decided to further my studies in my spare time. I chose to study "Fitness trainer" and became qualifited. I studied 'Phonics" and became qualified as a phonics trainer. I studied "Development of Children" to know more about how children learn and behave. Those study time was hard for me. I used to wait until my children went to bed, then I started my reading, assignment and very often I worked up to 12 or 1 o'clock in the morning. All these hard work proved to be worth-doing. I set up a small learning centre teaching small children phonics. I hired some part-time teachers to do the art and craft. I also helped the primary students with the homework. Besides, I also conduct some mum's fitness exercise class in the evening. I can decide my own schedule according to my family needs. Most of the time, I work when my kids are at school. This is a very meaningful job. I help those working mum to mind their kids homework, I take care of their general behaviour and I also help those poor with their learning problems ( no charge!). I communicate a lot with other parents and they like to talk to me regarding their kids problem. I enjoy this job very much. I can do something meaningful while I do not deprive the time of my kids. Of course, I sacrifice my leisure time. Those time which I can spend my afternoon in a descent coffee shop, those time which I can shop around and look for the latest fashion.

I am sure that very mum can do the same if they want to do it. If you want to joy me and do simiiar things, leave your email here and I will definitely give you a reply.


A HK Mum

I'm another SAHM by choice. I have 3 sons: 13, 11, & 5. I became a SAHM when we moved to Asia over 6 years ago & am very happy with my choice. I worked up until my eldest two were 7 & 5, and it wasn't easy balancing work & children's needs.


Prior to our move to Asia, I was an Environmental Chemist for 16 years. I loved my jobs & was happy in my industry. I am certain that I could have continued working had I chosen that route. When we moved to Asia, we found that we had the means to live on one income. We are doing a better job of saving now than we ever did while my husband & I both worked.


On the upside, I've found that I've been able to be much more involved with my children & their various activities than I did while working. I won't have children forever & I'm glad I'm able to have this opportunity. Oddly, it's also helped me develop other types of skills that I may not have investigated had I not had this break in my career. I've been able to do a variety of volunteer activities which have served to improve my public speaking skills as well as given me a chance to see another side of Asia that I would have missed.


On the downside, I worry about my professional knowledge becoming rusty & outdated. I think that I may want to return to the environmental industry when my children are older & we return to the US, but will my industry have passed me by?


It's a tough question and each woman has to decide what's best in her own situation. I don't think that there is a one-size-fits-all answer on this issue.

I'm back at work full time only because we need the money- we don't have enough financial means without my salary- we are not on a huge expat package.......I used to work as a nanny and could see how strong the bond was between the kids and the parents despite the fact they were at work full-time. I think SAHM should be happy if they have the chance to do so..............on the other hand..........even as working parents you can raise wonderful children.........there is always some sort of 'negative' touch to it if you say you have maid taking care of the kids or in Europe a daycare center..........I spend every morning/evening and the complete weekend only with my child and after a while of adjustment right after I got back to work ( I felt very guilty) we are both doing very well..............