When You Want to Quit Work & Spend More Time with Kids
It’s Monday morning and my daughter is buzzing with excitement for her school camp. I should feel the same joy but instead my heart aches. I can’t be there to drop her off because I have to rush to the office after taking my son to school. I smile, give her a cheerful goodbye and hide the sadness behind my “working mom” mask. My husband steps in and takes her to school on his way to work. And that’s when the thought hits me, Is this really worth it?
If you’ve ever felt torn between your job and your family, you know exactly what I mean. I love my kids more than anything and all I want is to soak up every moment as they grow. But long hours at a full time job make that almost impossible. More than once, I’ve dreamed of quitting work altogether so I can be there for school drop offs, field trips and everyday little moments that pass too quickly.
But here’s the reality, our financial situation doesn’t currently allow it. Like many families, we’re still working our way out of debt and building stability. Walking away from my paycheck isn’t an option… yet. So, what do you do when you want to quit work but can’t. At least not today? Let’s talk about it.
Why So Many Moms Want to Quit Work
If you’ve whispered to yourself “I wish I could quit my job and be home with my kids,” you are not alone. For many of us, it’s not about disliking work itself. It’s about wanting to be present. We crave the freedom to attend the school assembly, to linger at breakfast without watching the clock, to simply be there for the little things. But for most families, the answer comes down to one word – money.
When we had kids, my husband and I weren’t financially prepared. We lived paycheck to paycheck, enjoyed eating out, going to the movies and spending freely. Looking back, I wish we had saved more before starting a family. Because now, working full time often means missing milestones that matter more than any career accomplishment. The good news? It’s not too late to make changes.
What to Do When You Want to Quit Work
Wanting to quit doesn’t mean you should walk into your boss’s office tomorrow and hand in your resignation letter (tempting as that might feel on the hard days). It means you need a plan. A roadmap that gets you closer to financial freedom and closer to the family life you long for. Here’s the approach I’ve been working on, maybe it will help you too.
10 Practical Steps to Plan Your Exit
- Set SMART Goals
Write down goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound. Instead of “I want to quit someday.” Try “I want to quit in three years by saving $25,000 and paying off all consumer debt.” - Build a Savings Cushion
Aim for at least three to six months of expenses in a dedicated savings account. This financial buffer gives you security if you decide to step away from your job. - Automate Your Savings
Set up automatic transfers from every paycheck to a separate account. If you never see the money in your main account, you won’t be tempted to spend it. - Pay Off Debt Quickly
High interest debt like credit cards or personal loans can keep you trapped in the workforce longer. Create a debt payoff plan and stick to it. - Review Your Mortgage or Rent
If you have a mortgage, consider refinancing for better terms. If you rent, look at whether downsizing or moving could free up cash flow. - Create a Vision Board
This might sound cheesy but trust me, seeing your goals daily keeps you motivated. Whether it’s photos of family vacations, cozy afternoons at home or debt free living. Make your dream visible. - Start a Side Hustle
Explore ways to earn income outside of your job. Blogging, freelancing, virtual assistance or selling digital products can all grow into something that eventually replaces or supplements your salary. - Stay Focused
Motivation will fade. Life will get busy. But don’t lose sight of your “Why.” Write it down and revisit it often. - Check Your Progress Monthly
Schedule a monthly “money meeting” to review savings, debt payoff and side hustle income. Small wins add up fast. - Celebrate Milestones
Don’t wait until you fully quit to celebrate. Every debt paid, every savings goal reached, every small step forward deserves recognition.
10 Focus Areas to Transform Your Finances
If creating a plan feels overwhelming, break it into smaller habits. Master one at a time until it feels natural, then move on to the next.
- Budgeting: Track income and expenses so you know where every dollar goes.
- Living Below Your Means: Avoid lifestyle creep, just because you can afford it doesn’t mean you need it.
- Setting Clear Goals: Whether it’s an emergency fund, debt payoff or early retirement. Know what you’re working toward.
- Stop Comparing: Don’t measure your life against someone else’s highlight reel.
- Track Your Spending: Use an app or spreadsheet to see patterns and cut back.
- Automate Everything: From bill payments to savings deposits, make good money habits automatic.
- Re-Evaluate Priorities: Ask if purchases truly align with your values.
- Practice Gratitude: A thankful mindset reduces the urge to overspend.
- Reward Yourself Wisely: Treat yourself in ways that bring joy without derailing your budget.
- Seek Support: Connect with others pursuing financial freedom. Accountability matters.
Finding Balance: While You Work Toward Quitting
Here’s the truth. You may not be able to quit today, this month or even this year. And that’s okay. Progress is still progress. Even while you’re working, you can start shifting toward more family time. Try adjusting your schedule, negotiating flexibility or carving out intentional moments at home. Sometimes, even small shifts can ease the ache of missing out. And remember, this isn’t about perfection. It’s about moving forward, one choice at a time.
Final Thoughts: You Can Do This
If you’ve ever sat at your desk wishing you were at home with your kids, know this. You’re not alone and it is possible to make changes. Quitting work isn’t just about walking away from a job. It’s about walking toward a life that feels meaningful, balanced and aligned with your values.
The short term sacrifices will lead to long term freedom. Every dollar you save, every debt you pay off, every side hustle you build brings you closer. Your “Why.” Your kids, your family, your desire for freedom will carry you through the hard days.
So take a deep breath, make a plan and start today. Because one day, you’ll look back and realize you did it. You created the freedom to be there for the moments that matter most – You’ve got this!
