Across The Pond: Part-Time SAHW

OH HEYYY! It's us again! Your long lost blog twinnie bffies! We're back in action for our next installment of our Across the Pond series after kicking things off 2 (!!) months ago!

Today we're chatting about another commonality we share: being part-time stay at home wives (SAHW). You can read what Tara has to say about everything down below! Then head to her blog, A Brew of Blessings, to read my responses to the same questions.

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What made you decide to be a SAHW?

Well it most definitely wasn't was an overnight decision. It was many months of prayers and conversation after conversation about what would be best for us and our future. We were both going at work full force which left us little time to do much else. Those nights of relaxing in pjs in front of the fire seemed unattainable. It finally came down to a perfect opportunity for me to step away, timing was the main clencher, so we went for it.

What does your typical day consist of?

Lets see... Sleeping in til noon, breakfast in bed, bath and then the mall and maybe a lunch out? KIDDING. Although I'm no doubt thankful for this change and opportunity it's not that glamorous. My stay at home lifestyle consists of working three days a week and home for two. On the two days I'm at home no two are the same. This SAHW thing is still very new to us so I'm navigating how to fill my day. I usually throw on some gym clothes so that I'm forced to face a workout before the day begins. It then allows me to spend some quiet time with S before his busy day over a hot cup of coffee and breakfast. It gives me a chance to then spend some quiet time in the still of the morning. I try to use this time to keep the house tidy as well as do some of the things that I enjoy such as this blog. I typically plan the meals for the week and buy the groceries, complete other task on my lists and occasionally meet up with a gal pal or two. And it's beautiful. Not gonna lie , I could get used to this. Maybe it's the novelty and possibly the fact that kids aren't in the picture quite yet, but whatever the case I'm feelin' blessed. The day usually rounds out with a home cooked meal, catching up on our favorite TV episodes and a digest of our day and some good quality time. 

Joy of joblessness?

I do consider it a joy. By me taking care of the house it frees us up to spend quality and quantity time doing the things we love and for the people we love. Although it was hard to step away from a rather corporate full time kinda career this has been such a sweet chapter. 

Challenges?

That's an easy one - the pressure. And not just from society , it's also the pressure that I put on myself. It's finding peace within myself that this is what we were called to do so it shouldn't matter what others might think or say. Sure we don't have kids yet and yes I have a college degree and a wonderful job. But this was best for us and our marriage and future. So the biggest challenge is continually reassuring myself that this was a united and conscious decision. Easier said than done but I'm learning.

Wifely duties?

I should first start by saying that I'm not entirely expected to do anything. I mean I'm not sure S would appreciate a pig sty to welcome him home but I can be assured that if I wanted a lazy day I'm pretty sure that would be perfectly acceptable. Haven't tested that yet though. I do set some 'duties' for myself though which consist of starting S's day out with a smile and breakfast, a packed lunch and then making sure our house is presentable.

How do you two make it work without working?

I've actually posted about this one recently. It's a dreaded yet very important 6 letter word called - budget. That mixed with S's hardworking and ambitious spirit is what sees us through. We felt like this was a specific calling for this period in our lives and we had faith it would work and it has. It's about shopping smart and planning. It's not always an easy route but it's the perfect one for us.

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Across the Pond Series Index

1. Across the Pond

2. Part Time SAHW (...that's what you're reading right now!)

P.S. The WINNER of the stella & dot giveaway is sweet Megan from Fried Green Pickles! Yay, Meagan! I'll be emailing you shortly! :)

Click here to travel across the pond...!

...to Tara's blog :)