Longtime readers of this blog(1) know that I don't care much for my job. I feel stupid every day, and it gives me real, physical headaches. Being overpaid does not in fact help, but makes it worse - it feels like I am set up for a 'bigger they are...' ending. Oh well.
I was having one of those conversations with my wife - the ones where I know when launching into it that it is going to go badly for me - wherein I tried to let her know, very clearly, how unsatisfied I am with my current employment. She pointed out, very rightly, that I have never had a job that I was truly satisfied with, and I agree with her on that(2). At one point, though, she said something very interesting: I could try being a 'house husband'. But, she said quickly, I probably would not like that very much.
Since then, this has been rolling around in my head. What would it mean exactly? Far less money coming in, for one. Yet when I mentioned it at the time, she said, well, probably only $20,000-$30,000 less per year. How's that? Well, she figured, we wouldnt need to pay for the pre-and after-care for the girl at school, or all the summer stuff we have her signed up for; we would not need to pay to get the house cleaned (because I would of course be filling that role), and so on. Ok, I can see all that, but it still seems pretty insignificant. I started thinking that probably we would spend less on food, because I could use it more effectively (cooking decent meals, something I like to do) and would not eat out as much. Hmmm... if there were some sort of thing that I could do part-time, either at home (internet something?) or nearby, that would generate $20-$30k per year, I might be able to pull it off.
Would I like it? I think so. Actually I do. I always have a good time getting things done during the day, when I have time off or such. I don't mind cleaning, dishes and all that. I could finish those little repair projects that are stacking up. Maybe an hour reading everyday, or time to do my Python lessons or whatever I am studying. I like having time alone
So, why not? Well, as I say, I am not sure that finances work out. I would have to see some real numbers on what we might save. And I think some sort of part-time is necessary, but could not be volunteer work, would have to be for $$, which leaves, what? Retail? Stuffing envelopes? Also, the biggest problem is that I am an incredibly lazy person. I could see myself sitting around a lot, or wasting a ton of time on the internet, or generally dithering. And I tend to spend money when I am left to my own devices, which could make the problem worse (3).
I would like to examine it more. I will think on it (that's what I do best!) and maybe come up with some numbers, and keep my eyes open for part-time opportunities - if I could do some light testing at home, that would work great. I could clear out some of the junk, getting it on to eBay or wherever.
(1) All zero of you.
(2) Actually, I was the one who told her that, but it is nice to know that she remembers it.
(3) Although I have been pretty good about only spending my 'own' money, the part I reserve from my paychecks. And just today, as I have paid off almost all of my Christmas and birthdays debt, I upped the amount that I contribute to the common fund.
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