Future Househusband

[cashbalancetrouble]

CONGRATS! I have been in this situation for 3-1/2 yrs. I got here from a buy out. As a professional engineer I had many chances to go back to work but DW made more than I could and we were just tired of giving more to our dear uncle. I started doing all the normal work around the house with plenty of time left for golf etc. I have volunteered building habitat houses and things like that. I cook as directed during the week. DW is a great cook and I will never be any competition for that job. Her retirement is scheduled for this fall but now up in the air with a large loss in the market. DW was off this past week on MULA, mandatory unpaid leave. She started liking being off and maybe she will still retire this year.

GOOD LUCK!

[sailwc]

I thought about your post a lot last night because I do worry about what people think. I had a very successful and professional career before I fired at 55. Some people think something must have gone wrong for me to cash in and retire. When asked I just say I'm very fortunate to be able to do this. I need to follow your advice and stop caring what people think. thanks

[freebird5825]

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidr04 I am retiring at the end of 09 after 30 years with my company. My wife has 2-3 more years at her job so I will be home for the first time. I am getting myself mentally ready to watch her leave for work every day and for me to be at home. I am planning to keep going to the gym every day, improve my cooking skills,( i am pretty awesome with a smoker and grill), and am planning a cleaning routine for the house. I would appreciate any advice from the ladies and gentlemen who are part of this lifestyle. Money is not going to be an issue but the change in lifestyle will certainly be a big change. Regards, David

Welcome to the board. Countdown commences...
My fiance, a.k.a. dh2b (= darling husband to be) has to w*rk for 10 more years. So I have transformed from career girl to Suzy Homemaker, with a twist.
I will pass on some tips so you will be the A-number-1 househusband of the century.
- Keep the same hours. Get up when she does, hit the hay at same time. Naps at any time are optional and should not be openly discussed.
- In the AM, make coffee to go, a snack bag, whatever for her to take to w*rk. Major brownie (or cookie) points can be earned here.
- Do laundry and dishwasher duty. Leave folded clothes on the bed so you get credit. Point out the clean sink as often as possible.
- Get a housecleaner to come once a month. You can maintain the rest of the time.
- Have fun all day but never brag about it to the missus. That's what we are here for.

[cashbalancetrouble]

Sailwc and Freebird5825 make two very important things to understand. You are becoming a minority, both at home and outside. You will be looked at by some as not being able to afford anything and by others as an object of jealousy. At home, you must be aware that you are expected to be more of a load carryer.

To help be accepted outside, perhaps organize the golf betting pool. At home, by all means, make sure your efforts are noticed. Don't put all the washed clothes away. Re caulk the shower, it is noticed everyday. If you are handy, change the oil in the car and calculate the savings as if you went to the dealer, $49.95 vs $13.50 for supplies. If cooking is a problem, order the carry-out favorite, it will be ready after you pick her up. Maybe a picnic?

Relax and enjoy it, you have earned it, and will HAVE TO KEEP EARNING IT EVERYDAY OF YOUR LIFE!

ps, BONUS POINTS - Vacuum often, but never put the vaccum away till she is home, with a big house I move it from floor to floor.