I don't think you can change someone's thinking about work, self esteem related to it, etc. I am a teacher who is giving up the rat race after this year (30 years). Because I moved to MA from another state and took my retirement out to buy a house here, I only have 16 years of retirement here, but I need a change. For years, i have given everything and more to my job, gone for classes (M.A. plus about 90 credits), taught aerobics, religious school, and volunteered. Oh yes, and I raised 2 sons. Now, i am blessed with a husband who took a totally equal role and in fact stayed home with son #1 for the first year. But, I always have worked, never regretted it and no one will convince me otherwise; this is what i mean about not being able to change someone else's mind about these things. When my kids were younger, all of my friends (except work friends) were SAHMs. We got along great and respected our individual choices. But I could not afford to live the way I wanted to and stay home. Their spouses all made a lot more than mine at the time, since mine made a major career change shortly after son #1 was born. This was just way it was and I'm glad that my salary helped provide my kids with the kinds of experiences that i had when i was a kid. We made a huge sacrifice to move east and I never have regretted it. That said, I feel like it is "my turn," now. I want to play (i.e. ride my bike) and work at a job that has no homework and will let me go on vacation when I want to. My husband makes plenty of $, but I will have to stop some of my spending. But I think it's worth it. You have to do what is best for your mental health. I've always said that "money is power," and it IS hard for me think of not contributing to the family income in any significant way. But, I feel like if i don't do this now, i might wait until i am too old to play the way i want to.