I do admit, not working scares me. It is easy to look at the now and we can get through things now by making some sacrifices, but I have read too many stories about women who have stayed home and are now in their 50/60's with almost no super, no home and no hope. You just never know what life throws at you.

DH has almost died a couple of times, my sister died at 39 leaving two small children and a husband. I know the reality of how quickly things can change, we almost lost every thing when DH became ill. At least if I am working in a good, stable job, I can still provide for the children, I will have some super, I will have a home that I own.

Working also means that we can build a good, environmental, energy efficient home, which will also help our future as a family.

Not writing this to justify my working, but more to share my situation and feelings with others doing similar.
Oh I definitely understand that reasoning. While we haven't had the life scares that you two have, you are so right in saying you don't know what the future holds. At least by me getting my education degree I will be able to earn a good income to support myself and the kids if I had to. I know my super is sooooo low atm. We had plans that DH would contribute to mine, but there just hasn't been the spare cash the past few years so it hasn't happened. Hopefully now I'm working i will be in a better position to contribute to it.