BellaOnline Forums Relationships Married No Kids I sure did stump them!

Well, last Thursday was my last day of employment! My husband and I have been talking about me quitting work to be a housewife on and off for several years, and recently decided to go for it. 3 weeks ago I turned in my letter of resignation to my employer of nearly 10 years. I received quite a mixed bag of responses. A few people were extremely supportive and congratulated me. Then there were those who didn't say much at all. And then the final group - people who gave me a sort of "deer in the headlights" look. They didn't get it - What are you going to do? Aren't you going to get bored? You're so smart - why would you want to waste away at home? Oh, so you're going to adopt? You don't have kids, but you're going to stay at home? etc. Some people just couldn't wrap their head around it. No, I won't get bored - if I get bored I can go out and do something I want to do. I have hobbies and would also like to volunteer. So many of these women with children apparently can't think of anything to occupy their time with if it weren't for their children. Whenever a woman with children announces she's going to stay at home, everybody cheers and says how wonderful that is. Me, a childfree woman, announces the same thing and I get stared at like I'm an alien or something. If I wasn't so comfortable with my choices in life and my relationship with my husband, their responses would have offended me. Instead, I was quite ammused by the whole thing. I would have loved to hear what was being said when I wasn't in the room - simply for curiosity sake.

I'll bet some of them were soooo jealous that you could quit your job....good for you.
That's like when dh & I retired at an earlier age than all friends our age could ...we got asked "what are you going to do with all your time?" My answer "whatever we feel like doing". HA HA HA ! SOOOOOO, we bought a second home in a warmer climate and spend several winter months enjoying the sunshine and outdoor activities. If we would have had kids...there's no freakin' way we could be doing this.
So enjoy, and I congratulate you!
cp

Sounds good to me, freedomgirl. You are very lucky to be able to do that. Good for you!

I think that's great, especially if that's what you both want! I always say nobody ever writes on their tombstone, "I wish I had worked more." My husband and I both want to retire early too, which is why we only live on his income and save mine for the future.

Congrats freedomgirl, it's a big decision.
I did the same 4 years ago, leaving the police after 16 years. We don't have kids, and wanted to get away from the terrible English weather, and all that besides, so moved abroad.
I got the same responses as you from real happy envy, to 'what will you do all day...' accompanied by horror expression.
I can't tell you the joy I still get after 4 yrs, when in an evening knowing I don't have to go to nightshift, and in general doing exactly what we want.
I work part time for a wedding company ( a joy after the police ! ) and although leaving a well paid job was nerve wracking initially I don't regret an instant.
have fun with it - I thought I'd have loads of time for hobbies, but it's true what retired people say, they can't fit in what they want to do, and I've never been bored once.

The people who say to you 'what will you do all day' are either jealous, or have no imagination - you only have one life, so good for you and good luck .

Hey, congratulations on entering this new chapter in your life. I have always worked part time and summers I don't work much at all. We basically live off of husbands money, but mine is for my car, our groceries, savings, vacations. I like being a semi-housewife and spoiling my hubby with meals and attention, I enjoy my free time to read, etc. I love freelancing for the most part, sometimes I wish I felt more financially independent, but as my hubby says I bring other things to the relationship and it's nice that my money has brought us to some amazing places. Enjoy yourself