i think i'm going to be very much like divvy - there are not a lot of younger people living nearby - most of them already have kids in school and are at work themselves, so i think i'll go back to work for at least a couple of days per week - plus i work in a job that changes on a daily basis - staying out of work for toolong would be really difficult. thankfully i have a SIL who wants to have more children but can't for health reasons, so has offered to look after any children we have p/t while i work - it will cost a lot less than child care, and will give her a bit of an income - plus my work are super flexible with p/t contracts. financially it won't make a difference whether i'm a SAHM or back at work, but i think it will be what i need to do...