Before my first pregnancy, I worked rotating shifts full time, sometimes bouncing between several different branches in 2 counties. It was assumed I would always do those things. When I came back from maternity leave, I needed Thursdays and... Fridays off each week due to childcare conflicts and offered to work each and every weekend and holiday in exchange -- even told my boss I could swing Thurs and/or Fri if hubby was off -- and was told NO, no compromises or negotiating. If I'd been able to work that out, I might have stayed because childcare would've been all family, all free and local. As it is, I tried to make it happen but ended up resentful of every minute I was at work and exhausted just doing the bare minimum at home. Becoming a SAHM was my answer. Now I have my 2 yo and a 4 mo daughter; I make most of our food from scratch, clean as naturally as time allows, actually spend time with my kids AND the house stays cleaner. I'm happier and we're all healthier for it. We do without a lot and it wouldn't be possible without my mom's help, but I have no regrets.See More