I left my job as a marketing manager and stayed home with the kids for 9 years on my spouse’s teaching salary starting back in 1998 (a bit more feasible then but still an upstream swim demanding lifestyle sacrifices). I alway had something going to bring in a little extra income, like grant writing or editing. We loved those precious early years and have no regrets. I returned to my career when both kids were in school. Still, we paid off the house and retired at 57 and 59. I love that your story turned into a Marxist rant! I hope your adorable daughter has a copy of the delightful Marxist children’s book Farmer Duck by Martin Waddel.