SAHM - Do you have a degree/backup career?

Question

A friend of mine who has a son the same age as Emma (10 months) and is expecting again just found out her husband was cheating on her. I don't know if they will get back together, but she has no real job training to fall back on if her husband would leave her. I have an elementary education degree, but after staying home for very many years, it would be hard to find a full time teaching position without getting my master's degree first (I could always sub though).

So, do you have a backup plan? I don't think my husband would ever cheat, but he could die....it's scary.

Answer 1

I have a degree in Professional Writing but I wasn't even using that before Jacob...I was a nanny. I suppose I could be an English sub....

Answer 2

I am certified to teach general education K-5, and special education K-12 in learning disabilities and cognitive impairments.  I have my bachelors and Masters degree.

I *think* I may go back to school to get my specialist degree in RTI (an early intervention type program) so I could possibly be a consultant part time.

In Michigan, I have my permanent teaching cert., but still need extra credits every 5 years to renew.

Answer 3

I am a qualified speech pathologist but it is not a "back-up" it is just my life. I do get what you're saying though, I also know my hubby wouldn't cheat but like you said something else could happen.

I also have a very helpful Mum and MIL.... I think of myself as very lucky

Answer 4

yup...I am a professional estimator for a huge construction company (and unfortunately will be going back in March).  I am also a mortgage broker (license expires this year) but I could very easily renew and set up shop at home if I had to.  (No sense now as we have a VERY slow market right now).

That sucks for your friend..I know I have nothing to worry about with my hubby, but if something ever happened, my butt is covered!!!

Answer 5

I have a BA and plan on going back to school for my teaching credential once my kids start school, sooner if needed. If I needed to go back to work right now once I passed a few tests I could substitute teach. I also have work experience in Optical and Insurance so I could always get a job in that temporarily. It's smart to have a backup plan but hopefully none of us are going to need it.

Answer 6

I have a Bachelor and Master Degree in nursing. I have been a SAHM off and on for 17 years, but have been keeping up with my skills through classes and seminars. My oldest is 21, but my husband's hours and mine always worked out where we could both work and still not send our son to a babysitter or daycare. Also, my husband makes a very nice wage each year and some is put in a savings account each year. That would go towards the kids and I if he died. If we both died, the kids split it all. I'm really not worried about it. I will not say exactly how much we have saved, but it is far more than people make in several years.

Answer 7

wow, the answeres to this question suprised me!  Almost all the moms have a degree or something to fall on.  I worry about this all the time because I myself have nothing.  I woudlnt think anything woudl ever happen with my husband and I but you just never know.  I really want to start taking some classes or something but I am just not sure when I will have time.  

I really wish I had something to fall on.....

Answer 8

I don;t now, but after another year I am going to return to school for my dental hygienist license. Not as a back up, but to start working part time when my youngest starts preschool. I trust my hubby not to cheat, but I have no control over his dying suddenly, thats why he has a $300,000 life insurance policy.

Answer 9

I'm working on it.  I have 4 semesters left to get my English Ed degree.  I don't plan on being a stay at home mom forever, and I know that at the very least my kids will grow up and leave.  My hubby and I are also working on establishing a photography business that I could handle alone if I ever needed to.

BTW, as long as your teaching certificate is current you shouldn't have much difficulty finding a job if you needed one.  

Answer 10

im doin online classes for my basics then enrolling for a rn program when she gets a little old and i have the basics out of the way of course  

Answer 11

I have a degree in CJ, and have dabbled in the field for a few years prior to having a baby.  I love being at home (have been for over a year) but am also anxious to go back to work and start contributing some cheddar to the outrageous cost of living these days....

You really should look into completeing your masters.  You can do it online, never having to leave home, and it doesnt take long at all.  Might as well.  Not because something might happen to your husband, do it for YOU.

**Am also sorry for your friend.  I cant imagine what she must be going through :-(

Answer 12

I have a degree in Psychology and I definitely have a back up. First of all, I'm a huge money saver. My husband doesn't know that I have another savings account on the side. I control the finances. Also, since I recently became a SAHM, I've started doing some volunteer work at local organizations and I'm part of a few commitiess. I figured that this will help me later on when I'm ready to go to work or if my husband and I end up separating (hopefully not!)

BTW, sorry to hear about your friend.