Deciding To Become A Stay-At-Home Mom? Consider This Cautionary Tale

There’s a story I’ve heard countless times over the years, from both clients and colleagues. The details vary from one couple to another, but in general, the plot goes something like this: Out of school, Amy and John each landed plum jobs in their fields. They worked hard and made excellent salaries, affording them the classic DINK (double income, no kids) lifestyle for a few years. When deciding to start a family, Amy and John discussed how best to be parents and manage their careers. It was important to both of them that one parent be home with the children. Like many of her peers, Amy chose to become a SAHM (stay-at-home mom) – and, happily at the time, left her job to begin this exciting new chapter in her life.