My wife hasnt worked since my son was born almost 11 years ago now. We definitely are careful with what we spend and when, drive older vehicles, live more rural, limit trips and hobby expenses. I work out of town on a rotation due to the additional money i can make that way.
Has worked out well though, the cost of childcare and loss of time with your children just isn't worth it IMO - my wife has done a fantastic job of ensuring our kids are good humans, and the kids always have mom at every event or extra curricular they do - no limitations on stuff like that when mom isn't working around a schedule too.
Also works great when i am off shift as we get to spend a ton of time together. Overall i think what's lost in a second income is worth the benefits in having your wife home
Wife was interested in getting back to some kind of work and get away from the house in the beginning - especially when the kids are little - its tough slogging there, but now as they are older she appreciates the flexibility she has in supporting their interests and always being there for them. She has little side things on the go now and then but is quite happy with how things are now. When the kids are in high school and significantly more independent that may change
Has worked out well though, the cost of childcare and loss of time with your children just isn't worth it IMO - my wife has done a fantastic job of ensuring our kids are good humans, and the kids always have mom at every event or extra curricular they do - no limitations on stuff like that when mom isn't working around a schedule too.
Also works great when i am off shift as we get to spend a ton of time together. Overall i think what's lost in a second income is worth the benefits in having your wife home
Wife was interested in getting back to some kind of work and get away from the house in the beginning - especially when the kids are little - its tough slogging there, but now as they are older she appreciates the flexibility she has in supporting their interests and always being there for them. She has little side things on the go now and then but is quite happy with how things are now. When the kids are in high school and significantly more independent that may change