My now ex-husband and I agreed when we had children, one of us would stay home. We lived TIGHT on fiances and had four kids. I stayed home and full-time raising my kids was my career (after college/grad school pre-kids), along with taking care of other kids (gratis), volunteering in schools/charities and taking care of our home. After 21 years, divorce. When I could get interviews, the first question was always FROM THE WOMEN, “why didn’t you work”? As if taking care of our four kids, our home, other kids, volunteering in school/scouts/charities wasn’t “work”. I’m still punished in the job search for staying home raising my kids (which was not only the right thing to do for my kids, but financially daycare for four kids would have wiped out any salary I made. My career choice has no value in job hunting. Absolutely none. For my kids, it was the only choice.
I have a friend in the exact situation, as yours. She interviewed for months. I found out she was looking for a job and it just so happened a family friend was able to hire her (bookkeeping).
You’ll always know in your heart that you did the right thing for your kids. I’m sure that they’ll return the loving care, to you, when needed.
We sacrificed and I stayed home with our kids...doing the same *work* as you. My mom worked, outside of the home (by choice), and what I wouldn’t have given for her to be at home, with us kids. It really makes a difference...and means so much. Blessings to you!
You are right. It is wrong to penalize women (and men in that situation) who raised a family. Makes me really angry but what can you do?