Working Where did you train

working at home [2008-07-24]
I love working at home for the reason that can go out with my husband and daughter for lunch, dinner or breakfast, as I have my own accounts and they give me a week to get it done and it works great for me. Yes, they are still on tapes and one of them I do doctors notes. This all works out great for my family. We are totally blessed by the Almighty God.

working at home [2008-07-23]
I work at home also, but one of the private accounts I work on requires me to go to the office twice a week to pick up tapes. Maybe that is a good thing. During the summer my husband and daughter go with me and then we grab lunch out together and do whatever errands we have to do. It really is a change and I love it.

Working? Where did you train? [2008-02-11]
I Just wondering where everyone trained and if your working as an MT. Thanks! Christy

Why don't you try working a little bit on the side. [2008-01-08]
If you find a company that is more lenient with your schedule, you may be able to make ends meet and also keep your skills going. It is hard at first, but then all of a sudden things will start to click. I think the pressure you feel is natural, and I think your husband does have a point if you are only making $6.00 an hour. He probably feels that you You are worth way more, but you may have to give a little to get a little at this point.

Often the 2nd, 3rd kids train earlier, easier than the 1st.sm [2008-01-06]
They see the other older kid(s) using the bathroom and they want to be like the big kids, so they take to training earlier and easier. My bro's kids, the first one was 2-1/2, the second one barely 2, and the third was only 1-1/2 and practically trained herself. There is hope!

WORKING WITH LITTLE ONES... [2008-01-05]
It is definitely tough to balance work with small children (or any age children for that matter), but it can be done. I have been an MT for 10+ years and my kids are 15, 8, and 3. Some days I just want to take a Calgon bath, but I It took me a long time to realize I couldnjust because I work from home. If I don So yes, making more than $100/week IS possible and you can do it. Even after 10+ years, I still treat my career with probably too much leniency (taking breaks and eating way too much-haha, going to the store, etc), but I do still manage to make around $500/week. Thank God my little one is about to start school...so now I can make some REAL money with less effort! : ) I think I'm just lazy - that's probably what it boils down to! HA!

WORKING WITH LITTLE ONES... [2008-01-05]
It is definitely tough to balance work with small children (or any age children for that matter), but it can be done. I have been an MT for 10+ years and my kids are 15, 8, and 3. Some days I just want to take a Calgon bath, but I It took me a long time to realize I couldn If I don So yes, making more than $100/week IS possible and you can do it. Even after 10+ years, I still treat my career with probably too much leniency (taking breaks and eating way too much-haha, going to the store, etc), but I do still manage to make around $500/week. Thank God my little one is about to start school...so now I can make some REAL money with less effort! : ) I think I'm just lazy - that's probably what it boils down to! HA!

Adapting to working at home [2007-11-30]
You just have to adapt. I have three boys at home and after my second and third, I was back to work within a week and breast fed while I typed. When you REALLY need the money, you find some pretty creative ways to stay focused. Look around for a good hospital that you can transcribe for. I work for a great hospital with great benefits at a nice pay rate. My kids are 8, 10 and 14 and constantly fight, tattle and need me for some various reason or another. They know that mom is at work and they try to keep the interuptions at a minimum. I know your child is smaller and has a little more difficulty understanding this. Hang in there.

Working Mom [2007-10-14]
Can relate to that!! Two teenage boys.....both in band....both play football...(by the way 1 is in 9th grade, the 11th....it gets really hard with trying to work....get your hours..meet your line count......but these activities keep them occupied RIGHT NOW.....and I don't have to worry about the PO-PO knocking on my door....

In the same boat working from home. [2007-10-14]
I feel guilty if I work and guilty if I attend the baseball game. My kids are 13 and 8, and they are involved in things, but I wouldn You only get one chance at it, and then they grow older. I My kids have adjusted. It is so funny because if I Or theyno work MOM? Ia break too ya know.... It takes a lot of strength to be a work at home Mom, and hang in there OP, it

Working at home [2007-10-12]
I guess I am lucky. My son is almost 2 and I was pulling my hair out because it never failed if I was busy he was cranky. But my neighbor(and dear friend) has some health problems and cant really hold down a regular job and offered to come over in the morning so that he can play in the yard on his toys and in his room (without me having to jump up every couple of minutes to assure myself he was okay). She feeds him, watches him play, and does some lite house work for about $25 dollars a day and because he gets to go out and play he usually goes down for a nap by 12-1230 and she leaves and on days when she needs to do errands he goes with her. I dont know what I would do without her. I know the pay isnt much but that is all she will accept so I try to supplement by giving her groceries, taking her with me when I do my errands so she can save on her gas and I watch her son (he is 8) usually one night on the weekend so she can relax. Hope you can find a happy medium cause the do exist. Stay strong and keep tapping.

Working at home with kids [2007-10-12]
I have been an MT for about 20 years. I started when my youngest was about a year old. My husband used to work evenings, and basically was not much help because he worked a lot of OT. When I look back, I don nothing is perfect, but this has been very good to me. Hang in there, it will get better!

working from home is hard but I wouldn't change it for the world... [2007-10-12]
my daugther is 14 months old and in a few months I am going to put her in daycare 2-3 days a week, just to interact with other kids, but it sure will give me a break from time to time...I work now when the baby naps or before the kids get up in the morning but some days no one is quiet and I have no idea how I do it either...but you take the good with the bad right??? and I love being here for my children...it is nice knowing that there are other moms out there in the same boat!!!

working at home. [2007-10-12]
I agree. I started working at home 24 years ago and wouldm't give it up for nothing. Now I am very blessed having 2 private accounts, one is very major. My daughter now works so I have to take her to work in the morning and my husband who is disabled picks her up in the afternoon. For a short time I worked at a local hospital for training, it was worth it. Now I sometimes lay down in the morning for a nap and then back to work. It helps. My husband is very helpful, does some of my printing.

Working with small children at home [2007-10-11]
I have read the previous posts about working with your kids at home. I decided to start a new thread as these were posted a few weeks ago. I too have two kids, 3 and 5. I feel like I cannot get much done when they are home. If I am working I feel as though I am ignoring them, and that tears me apart. Sometimes my son will stand at the door to the office and stare at me, smile, wave.... (glass doors). When he was little he would stand at the door and cry. It breaks my heart. My daughter is now in Kindergarten and my son goes to daycare. It seems like the money I make transcribing goes straight to paying for daycare and the bus. I want to be home with my kids as much as I can, even if I am working. I am glad that I am not the only one out there that feels this way! Kudos to all the working moms!

Working with kids [2007-09-10]
Thankfully my youngest daughter is in preschool for four hours in the morning every day and my oldest is 13 and gone all day. I still work crazy hours, though because of my second job. I work while she's gone in the a.m. and for a couple of hours in the afternoon even though she's home, but at four she's able to pretty much play in the vicinty by herself without causing too much of a commotion or she plays outside in the fenced backyard where I can see her from my work space. But I also work from 9:00 (or 10:00) p.m., until 3:00 or 4:00 in the morning. You really just have to try whatever schedule works for you. There may be a lot of trial and error. I admire those who have more than one very young child at home and can still work and be productive.

homeschooling and working [2007-08-13]
Dear Guilty Mom, I've been there. I just want to encourage you to spend time with the Lord in prayer and reading your bible. Let Jesus tell you how to deal with this situation. He knows your situation and He knows how you need to handle it. If you don't know Him, pray and ask Him into your heart and accept him as your Savior, give Him your life, your marriage, your job and your mothering. He understands and can help if you allow Him to. He guides me daily and speaks to me through His Word and prayer and sometimes other people. Let me know if I can pray with you for any help. God bless and I'll be praying the Lord guides and protects your family.

Is anyone out there an independent contractor working remote from a C-phone? [2007-05-07]

Working with 2.... [2007-01-29]
Hi, It is a little tricky with two. When my second one, who is a year now, was born, it was easy the first 3 months. He slept most of the day. As soon as he started becoming more active it was definitely harder. I would put him in the packnplay or I would work when he took his nap. Although my first is almost 4 he can entertain himself, but your situation is a little different. I thinking having a 16-17 month old and a newborn will be a little harder. They may sleep at the same time so you could always work then. I just try to work when my husband gets home until like 11 or midnight. I have heard that it is easier to have two children closer together in age. Some parents will wait and space their children out in age, but I have heard it is harder. Before you know it, they will both be in school! I cannot believe my first is already almost 4!

Working with a lil guy [2006-12-08]
Looking for suggestions on how to work full-time (days) transcribing while caring for my soon to be one year old. I have had some recent changes in my work schedule and am now working during the day and dont trust sitters with my lil one until he is old enough to tell me what is going on. Soooooooooooooooooo I would like to hear from other moms on how they handled working and caring for their young ones surely I am not the only one to ever try.Thanks in advance for any and all input!

I've been working at home since he was 5 [2006-09-04]
and it's very difficult. If I could afford it I would hire a babysitter to come here. It's hard when you really have to focus. People are clueless unless they are employed. My favorite folks are the ones who knock on your door (even with the sign (Do Not Knock) or call you to chat like you are watching soaps or something all day!

I bf my 5-month-old while working (sm) [2006-08-18]
I use two pillows that I prop on my lap and lay her across the pillows. No, it's not the most comfortable thing in the world, but it works for us. We'll keep bf until she is at least 12 months old.

I had the same problem when I was working full time. [2006-07-15]
I have 4 kids ages 1, 3, 6 and 8. It can be very difficult to keep them entertained. When I was typing full time I would set my3-year-old up with a small table,coloring books, books to read, blocks, puzzles, lacing cards, some small toysand playdough. These are all placed in a plastic container that is only used when I am typing. She was allowed to pick out what she wanted in the this box. I do stop to praise her artwork or make a playdough snake but since she is right there it only takes a couple ofseconds. I also try to have a snack on my desk to give to her about halfway through along with something to drink. About once a week she could pick a special video and would watch that while I was typing as well. I will still do this if I need to type while they are awake. I also found that if I made a point of reading/playing with her for about 1/2 hour before typing, she did not seem as clingy. I work part-time now so they are usually in bed when I type but we still have a box put together for the days I have to type while they are awake. Mariah

I've been a WAHM for 10 years. Started working from home when my son was three cause he SM [2006-07-06]
had severe asthma. He's 13 now, almost 14 and my daughter will be starting kindergarten this fall which means for the first time in years I will be working at home with no interuptions during the day until the kids get home from school! I wonder what I'll do with all that extra money I'll be able to make! Probably gymnastic camp and basketball camp for the kids. Maybe I'll get myself a little treat! This is a great idea for a board, by the way!

Imagine I will be on here a lot -- my baby is 2 months old, working at home with a newborn is a [2006-07-06]
challenge, and I'm sure it's not going to get easier once he becomes mobile, then I imagine hubby will have to help out and my hours will probably be really crazy like 4 a.m. to noon. This is fun, though, every day he changes just a little more and turns into a little person!

I did both too. sm [2008-09-21]
I homeschooled my oldest child for 2nd, 3rd, and 6th grade while working as a medical transcriptionist. For his 2nd and 3rd grade, I set him up a workspace right in my office, so that I could instruct, assign work, monitor, and support. We then would go once a week to the district and he would test. Needless to say, he did wonderfully. It became more difficult however for myself trying to take my youngest at the time to school and pick up, work, go to school myself, teach, and take care of home and family. I was going through some personal issues with my hubby at the time and the stress was just too much for me. I did it again when he was in 6th grade. If you have the will and the self discipline, it is great! Good luck!

I would nicely say... [2008-09-01]
that she cannot come up while you are working. I find that with working at home, in many regards, you have to be very straight forward with people. If you went into an office they would not call to bother you, why should they because you are at home.

I believe it is all a state of mind [2008-08-31]
kind of thing. Some days I would love to stay in my pj I have 5 children that I homeschool every morning. I have a K, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th graders at home. They are the reason I do this job so that I can be home with them. I work 4 days per week, part-time and the kids have piano lessons, dance lessons, school work, etc.. We manage to get everything done in a day. They also know that when mom is working it is time for them to do something quietly and they cooperate very well. It can be done and it does not have to be hard.

reasonable [2008-08-19]
Your expectations, in my opinion, are reasonable. If your friends are working 80+ hours and making $500.00, they must be typing with one big toe and certainly need to get out of the business. What they are telling you is ridiculous.

Really possible? [2008-08-18]
I am not an MT (yet) but before I make the final step enrolling in M-Tec I wanted to ask a serious, point blank question. Can a new person, after completing M-Tecs course, make 20k a year at any point after getting a job (while working no more than 40 a week as well). Is this an at all reasonable expectation? I am looking long term career choice if I commit to the training but I have heard from working MT's in my state that they were working 80+ hours for about $500.00. If this is the reality then I will have to consider another option and that would be OK, just not optimal. I THANK you for any help you can give.

steph1-question on MDI-MD [2008-08-12]
Is there a benefit to working full-time, i.e. incentive or PTO?

AMEN Eileen!! That's why I work like I do also (sm) [2008-08-04]
However, in the 17 years I I've always gotten up, had a shower and gotten dressed ... transcribing in my PJs would just lead to depression I think ... I made showering and dressing a priority when I first had babies too ... especially after I read that new moms who didn't take time to do that small step had more problems with PPD. I try to get some sunshine every single day too, even if it However, I need to find more time to exercise but I It's so easy to let yourself go but I've always scheduled manicures, etc. at least monthly and try not to make transcribing my life (some weeks it's harder than others).

Wanting to switch companies [2008-07-27]
I am an experienced MT currently employed as an IC for a small transcription company in Nebraska.I do enjoy working for this company; however, I especially love that I do not have a set schedule. I am contracted to type a minimum of 1000 lines in a 24-hour period - VERY easy. Does anyone know of any other companies like this? Thank you for any suggestions!

Been there...done that [2008-07-24]
Please don't beat yourself up. I've been exactly where you are and it's not a hard place to end up. I could have written your post. I lived in my PJs and sometimes wore them for days, no make-up, and the same issues with even basic daily hygiene, i.e. showers. The best advice I can give you is what worked for me and that is to GET OUT OF THE HOUSE! I had to put MTing on the back burner and actually took a job close to home as a waitress! Believe it or not, it did wonders for my self-esteem. Most people would consider serving the public a degrading position or demotion from what I had done before. I needed the structure, a time-clock, and just basic interaction with other human beings. After close to a year, I am back at home working once again as an MT. Public service can be difficult, but it was just the boost I needed to get my mojo back and appreciate the fact that I'm in a field that allows me to work at home. Believe it or not, I miss the people so much, I'm considering going back to waitressing a few nights a week. I actually even made more waitressing than being an MT! Give it a shot. Waitressing may not be your first choice, but I would definitely advise finding any type of job that will get you out of the house. It will give you a reason to fix yourself up and dig the make-up bag back out. Please feel free to email me if you'd like to talk. Good luck to you!

working at home [2008-07-24]
I love working at home for the reason that can go out with my husband and daughter for lunch, dinner or breakfast, as I have my own accounts and they give me a week to get it done and it works great for me. Yes, they are still on tapes and one of them I do doctors notes. This all works out great for my family. We are totally blessed by the Almighty God.

Truthful advice [2008-07-23]
I just recently got married and I am working in-house at our local hospital. I LOVE getting out of the house and going to work every day. I love what I do and want to stick with it. We will probably not be having children for at least a couple of years as my husband has a year left in college to get his business degree. I want to be able to stay home and raise my children, but I have seen what it has done to my mom. She sits at home all day in her PJs and type, type, types. I am just wonderng if any of you have any regrets about deciding to do transcription full time from home in order to be there for your children? This may sound a little selfish, but I donsometime to think about it, but it has been a topic that I have really been thinking about lately.What I would really like to do is stay at home with them until they are all in school and then try to get a job out of the house while they are at school. Have any of you made this transition? Any advice would be appreciated. I would just like a heads up before making any decisions. Thanks!

no regrets [2008-07-23]
The only regret I have is what I have posted below - letting myself go and ending up in my PJs 24/7 and that has only been the past 6 months. Before that, I was working a day job, got dressed, etc... I like third shift 'cuz it pays more money and I'm a single mom - I need it and can't afford to switch the shift.

I totally agree... [2008-07-22]
This is what I would do: In the morning either before or after your sleep time, go ahead and get a shower and get dressed even if that is in sweats or comfortable clothes. Wear these same clothes to cook dinner and into your shift. I think the problem is that you're working 3rd shift and I think that is the cause of the PJ situation. I read a book that my 8-year-old wrote around Motherpajamas. I had not really looked at it that way, but I guess she does see me in lounge clothes moreso than everyday clothes. I also work full-time at home, but not third shift. You may also want to consider getting involved in something even if it is a painting class or something you like to do. I know this costs money, but your sanity will be saved in the long run. I am fortunate enough to have gotten involved with some of the parents from my kids Even though it is not over and beyond socializing, it is something, i.e., coffee for an hour on a weekday. It is very, very easy to get homebound in this profession. I cringe at the thought of going out on a Friday night with all of the traffic. I am only 37, this is not right. So, I am also letting you know that you are not alone. Hang in there, and like the other poster says get a haircut. Plan a dinner out if possible with your teens and make it a point to step outside a few times during the evening just to gulp some fresh air. I water the flowers. Is there something that needs done outside that you could do this? Hugs to you...

first step [2008-06-14]
Brooke: I want to commend you on going to church and the strides you are making to show a good example. But that may not be quite enough. It sounds as if your husband has an inkling that he needs to make some changes . However, I do still think that the suggestion for martial counseling with your pastor is important. From some of you have said it does sound like there are a few more seriuos issues than him simply taking you for granted. You make it sound as if he is controlling all the fiances and your behavior and actions through that. Now I understand being frugal but you stated he can spend what he wants but you afraid to even ask for 20 dollars to joint a Momgood now. But remember, again you are to be viewed in terms of good or bad or imply you deserve certain treatment do to past mistakes. In the end you shoudl provide for your future. I think every woman does need a saftey plan for financial security. Working part-time would provide you money to buy some things for yourself and also to join group. You need social support. Right now you are essentially isolated other than your husband and family. What about joinign a MOPS group through church? I am not sure, but dont' think there is a charge. You need a group of supportive peole other than your husband. Keep going to church - maybe your husband might get into the men's minsitry. This could serve two-fold. He could see and model from Chrisian men how they interact aand also how they treat their wives. It would also give him a social outlet. The two of you going out without kids is also good. remember so a combinatin of things. One thing (such as date night or occasional church service) isn't going to work. Pray together. Have yourchurch family pray for you. I undersatnd divorce is not an option. I salute your committment to your marriage but your husband has to be as committed. It cannot just be about YOU making changes. So pray for his change of heart and try to actively involve him. YOu must communicate with him. Not yell, no walk on egg shells. If you are afraid to talke to him why? Has he been abusive/ Were you abused in the past by someone? AGain if this the case you need immediate intervention. Bottom line God asks men to love their wives but he did not say control their wives or belittle their wives. Women should suport and love their husbands as head of household but not be afraid of them or cower to them....

I read that book long ago... [2008-05-21]
Really helped me understand why they are the way they are, but some stuff will not happen that she has me doing. They do need to be told things out right. I have found that my husband and I usually have very poor verbal communication skills, but using the computer to talk can help if you are trying to get away from the screaming and pointing. You need to stay on task when typing what you need from him (don't start ranting and raving). Words do come through on the screen, and since that seems to be his medium of choice it may just work. If all else fails, leave him alone with your children for a few days, if you trust him. Like you say he is home on the weekends. I know that it can be hard since you are nursing, but get a breast pump and get that baby use to a bottle. They still get all the benefits of you without you needing to be there. If he still belittles you than maybe marrying him was not the right thing to do and you need to search yourself to see what needs to be done. Beginning MTs have a lot of work to be done and the schooling work is not easy if you truly go through a good program. Do let him know that you are having second thoughts about this marriage as you thought you were getting a life partner, not a dictator. Hope this helps. My husband knows better. I can go forever without cleaning if he pisses me off. I started by not washing his clothes. He wanted clean clothes he could wash them himself, that was before children when we were both working. He got the picture then.

SAHM wanting to work. [2008-05-15]
I currently work prn as a Radiology Transcriptionist and would like to contribute more to the family income by working from home doing this. I have applied to several places and on here and don't hear anything back. Whats the deal, and what do I have to do to get hired?

May I suggest as well [2008-05-01]
that you seek marriage counseling, AND fast. My 10 year marriage ended in 2006 because of the same situation, EXCEPT I was working full-time at home with 2 children a home as well and still was expected and told to do EVERYTHING...... Good Luck!!

?'s about balancing work and kids [2008-04-02]
I would love to hear what others do in the same situation... In the past few months I have picked up more work. I am now working a minimum of 5-6 hours a day although usually more. I figure if I have to I can most of the time get my work done in 5-6 hours. So... I have a 2 yo, 9 yo, and 10 yo. My job is flexible. I can work the hours as wish as long as I get my required work done. I have two dilemmas... Summer vacation: All kids home. Will be bringing older two to a summer camp from 9-12 daily. It involves getting them up and ready from about 8-9 and dropping them off. Will be back by about 9:15. I will still have the 2 yo. Of course, I would also love to have some free time to spend with my kids in the summer (is this asking too much?). So it would be ideal to get my hours in as early as possible and have some time in the afternoon free. I also don I am thinking maybe getting up super early, maybe getting a sitter in the morning? Anyone else in this situation? Then, return to school in the fall...The older two will be in school so that part of the dilemma is solved. My 2 yo will be attending preschool 2 mornings. I am thinking maybe getting someone to watch her in the afternoons. Maybe a nanny? Anyone have any experience with nannies? Where do I look? Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. I am sure there are others who have been in these situations. I like hearing about what other MT Any hints, advice, tips, etc are great.

work and kids [2008-04-02]
Is working at night an option? I have a 12 yo, 9 yo, 6 yo, and 4 yo. In the summer I have to do most of my work at night because they are all home. You might try a splitting it up - working a few hours in the morning and then a few hours at night. It definitely can be challenging but it can be done! Good luck to you!

God knows when I need Him! [2008-04-01]
He definitely planted the seed in my heart that said to go to church... many times I've resisted arguing because I don't want to be angry all day, but according to what we learned Sunday, we can't control our spouse's actions, we can only control our own. Therefore, I should be the kind of person I want him to be and by my example he will be led to do the same. So, I'm going to do everything in my power to make him feel like I want him to make me feel, and do for him what I'd like him to do for me. This is a step toward progress... and I would never even consider separation or divorce, that's not in our vocabulary. Too many people throw other people away when they're unhappy instead of working on it. Now if he was a wife beater, or hurt my kids... I'd get out ASAP ha. Thankfully that is not the case.

God knows when I need Him! [2008-04-01]
He definitely planted the seed in my heart that said to go to church... many times I've resisted arguing because I don't want to be angry all day, but according to what we learned Sunday, we can't control our spouse's actions, we can only control our own. Therefore, I should be the kind of person I want him to be and by my example he will be led to do the same. So, I'm going to do everything in my power to make him feel like I want him to make me feel, and do for him what I'd like him to do for me. This is a step toward progress... and I would never even consider separation or divorce, that's not in our vocabulary. Too many people throw other people away when they're unhappy instead of working on it. Now if he was a wife beater, or hurt my kids... I'd get out ASAP ha. Thankfully that is not the case. Thank you for your encouragement!

Sounds like his mother was this type of [2008-04-01]
wife/mother and that is all he knows. My ex was like that (his mom was SAHM and did absolutely everything) and he found out real quick that was not the real world, especially as I was working 40+ hours a week. I truly believe you both need to sit down and let each other know your expectations. Since this has been going on forever, it is going to take time for you both to come to some sort of compromise. You can only do so much before you run yourself into the ground. Then you are no good for anyone--him or your children. Plus, your kids need to know that if and when they have families, it takes 2 to run a household, not just the mom.

SAHM/WAHM and fairness, respect [2008-03-29]
I wouldn't call my position as a current SAHM terribly difficult. My toddler, while quite rowdy and misbehaved some days, is fairly content to entertain herself while I do housework. My newborn is a quiet one. My house is small and cleans rather quickly. There is a place for mostly everything, so there's not much clutter aside from my daughter's toys which migrate from her room to every other room in the house. I have to do laundry at my mother in law's because we don't have a washer/dryer, so my kids get to visit with their nana and papa while I wash the clothes. We have a fenced-in yard and there is a park two steps from my house so I don't have to pack the kids in the car to take them someplace to play. Some days I finish the housework so fast that I'm bored unless I'm creative and can find something for me and my toddler to do together (which is what I should be doing anyway). However, I do absolutely everything around my home, including on the weekends. My husband seems to think that because he works outside the home, he shouldnjust another bill. I take the girls to their wellness appointments. I change out the garbages. I keep up the garage and the yard. I check the mail. He puts our toddler to bed most nights because I'm nursing our newborn, but since he works late often I've been able to practice putting her to bed quickly enough so my newborn doesn't interrupt us by crying. He takes the garbage to the curb (most of the time). He's put the dishes away a handful of times. If I ask to go somewhere for some time alone, he'll watch our toddler for an hour or two (I don't ask for this often, but maybe I should?). He spends whatever he wants on computer games and fast food... I get nothing to spend on myself or the kids unless it's an absolute necessity. When I worked part time and was pregnant, I did everything. When I gave birth, he was forced to learn how to put our toddler to bed, so that's why he does that now. I try to sleep in but I can't with a toddler loose in the house and a hungry newborn. I'm feeling pretty run-down and lethargic lately, cooped up and lonely, insignificant and like I can't get anywhere. I'm about to start MT training and of course will still be expected to do everything around the house without any help and without any forgiveness should I miss something. I'm worried that even once I start working full time and the kids are in daycare, he's not going to lift a finger to help me out -- I'll have even less time after work to do all the chores on top of caring for the kids. I'm not looking forward to the arguments that will ensue if I fail to do the dishes one day or let the livingroom get a little cluttered. HeI better take care of that quick before he sees it as opposed to hey look there. one time when I was pregnant and started a valid argument with him about another topic, he resorted to pointing out my lack of housekeeping skills (which had nothing to do with the subject) in order to throw me off and upset me. I want to contribute to our household because we've been living off his income alone since January, but I feel that even working full time won't make him appreciate what I do for our children and our household. I am not ungrateful that he is our only income currently, but the only reason for this is because I just gave birth. Had I not done that, I would still be working right now, but there would still be an inequality in our relationship, and I don't know how much more I can take before I just shut down and shut him out completely. Any confrontation about how I feel leads to a shouting match and finger-pointing, so I just don't say anything at all. We just got married in October and I already see it going downhill if this continues. Any advice? How can I put it to him that I'm his wife and the mother of his children, not his 24-hour maid? That even though I'm not working, I still deserve respect and time to myself and a little money to spend on what I want? That when I am working, we need to split the chores because it's not just my house, it's his too? Or should I just repeat this whole last paragraph?

we lived with his parents one summer [2008-03-29]
and he did exactly nothing to help around her house. i remember when we were dating, his mom used to bark at him and his brother to do the chores but he would always wait until the last minute to do them. we had an apartment when i was pregnant the first time and he was the same way then -- but i was also a very nagging girlfriend and super depressed back then. we separated because we felt living together was hurting us. now i feel i've improved, i don't complain about anything ever and i'm very forgiving, but he seems to have gotten worse and almost expects me to do everything like it's common sense or something. his mom is very critical too however, the way he speaks to me, she speaks to her husband... i wish he'd paid attention to his stepdad growing up because that man is suzy homemaker, lemme tell ya. on top of working overtime, he still finds the energy to help keep the house clean, care for the dog, do all the lawncare and volunteer his time. my hubs just sits around it seems... and then calls me lazy. i found a local moms club but i'm afraid to ask him for the 20 bucks it costs to be a member because any money i ever want to spend, he thinks is a worthless purchase. needless to say, i've armed myself with the advice of suze orman and as soon as i start working, i'm opening my own bank account. right now everything is in his name and i have no access to any of it. granted i was a bad spender in the past but i'm much better at that now. i don't buy a single thing without asking him first. his mom also did everything for his 21-y/o brother who just moved out... to his dad's. ha. i guess the most extreme measure i could take would be to stop doing everything for him -- stop cooking for him, stop doing his laundry, and stop washing the dishes he uses. think that would make him realize he was taking me for granted? i don't mind doing all these things, i just don't want him on my back if i miss something every now and then. the chores i can handle, the criticism i can't.

I trained through Meditec [2008-03-21]
After completing their MT course, I went though their intern program, then started working for them.