Question: I really want to be home with my children, but my husband wants me to work because he feels we need the money. I’m almost afraid not to work because we’re barely getting by. Your thoughts? Response: Here are some thoughts to prayerfully consider. (1) Many women with pre-school-age children are working for virtually nothing. By the time you calculate transportation, clothes, child care, eating out, etc., the wife must have a net annual income of about $18,000 to $22,000 a year just to break even. (2) If your husband insists that you work, clearly and kindly share and explain your objection; then respect his authority and do as he asks. However, if the decision to have you work is motivated by the desire to maintain a certain life-style, then you should know that more than likely within a year, you and your husband will tend to find yourselves dissatisfied with your life-style once again. (3) The real issue is to learn to be content with your present life-style/get help to learn to live on less than you make. “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11).