Opting Out, Staying Home. A whole lot to talk about...

Boy, oh boy! I have been reading a LOT about the gap between Working Moms and Stay At Home Moms lately. It's obviously not a new topic of debate, but it seems that there's been a lot of talk about the Opt-Out movement that has taken a turn for the worse for many Moms.

In the late 90s-2000s many affluent, well educated, successful women "opted out" of the workplace to become SAHMs. Unfortunately, because of the economy, lay-offs, divorces, many women are finding themselves in quite a predicament today. They are unhappy at home, feel resentment towards their partners and children, have outdated resumes, etc. I find it fascinating really. - Not in a negative/mean-girl kind of way, either. I'm genuinely intrigued by this.

My story is not unlike these women, but the circumstances and financial aspects are quite different. I didn't have an office or high paying job. I was a PreK teacher working for next to nothing. My husband wasn't the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. He's a Police Officer for the lowest paid city in our state. Yet, I quit my job to stay home with our two children.

I read a blog entry from The Mainline Wife about how she is struggling to reestablish herself after ten years as a SAHM. In a way, she said she regretted leaving the workforce completely. I can totally relate. I love my children. I love staying home with them. BUT there are times where I feel like my talents are wasted on dirty diapers and carpools. I don't resent my situation. It's how things need to be. I've said it before that PoPo can't just tell a barricaded subject that he needs to pick the kids up from school - that's why I'm home. But I sure do miss my paycheck, no matter how meager.

Although the Opt-out women were financially comfortable and career driven before they quit, I don't see much of a difference between their desire for independence or feelings of  inadequacy, much like myself. That crosses over any socio-economic status and falls in with any woman who wants to feel accomplished - even if "accomplished" means flipping burgers or being an investment banker.

I'm interested in reading more findings on these Opt-out women. Who is still happy with their decision and who isn't? Why are women still being held back in the workforce because of their children? More questions I hope to discuss again.