We know that as primary care givers, we are ALWAYS working. I also consider myself "homemaker". That would mean when I am not helping my wife and kids reach their goals, I am working on the home. Whether it is cooking, cleaning, or painting, fixing, trying to fixing, fixing, but really breaking some more or whatever, I am always working on something.

I think the poll means "also work" as in something that has to do with nothing related to AHD or being a homemaker, i.e. a source of income.

I freelance my my design/graphics work. I don't persue anything at the moment. Every now and then the phone rings and it is one of my friends I used to work with asking if I am taking on any work, but I generally don't advertise for work. I use the extra income for beer money or for a new gadget or toy or Cubs tickets or it goes into the vacation pot, depending on the job(s).

I am always working on something with my graphics work. Just to keep my skills honed, and a little bit of sanity. Sometimes (not often enough) I'll go down to my studio and paint on canvas!

You are right - I mean "work" as in something that brings in cash. Maybe the better term is "outside income?"

Our KCDADs group has guys that fit into each of these categories and I thought it would be interesting to find out if that was the same throughout the country. The other thing that is interesting to me is how at home moms would poll in this question. My sense is that a much higher percentage would be in the "NONE" category as opposed to us at home dads. And that is the interesting sociological question here - why do many at home dads work for some income while many at home moms do not? Of course, this question is only relevant if my above hypothisis turns out to be correct.

And, yes, as at home dads we do work just like brianc says. There was a study done recently that said an at home parent's income would be approx. $120,000/year if he/she was paid to do what he/she does. Isn't it great to receive that salary in hugs and kisses!

Maybe the working woman needs help more than the working man to support the family since women traditionally make less in the workplace than guys. It might be easier for the working dad to make enough to support everyone. Just an idea.

I'm Not a Slacker

I work for my family's laser engraving business. I am the entire art department, and the sales department. I work mostly by email and phone, with the occaisional outside sales call. I do have a few clients that I can bring my 3 y/o son along with, but most of my outside calls are done after my wife gets home, or during her summer break.

I used to do most of my computer work during nap times. but my son has nearly mastered CorelDraw, so I turn him loose on the desktop while I use my laptop or vise versa. It doesn't bring income into the house, as the pittance I make right now goes to buying my monthly round of beer after hockey practice.

Dayv
www.athomedadconvention.com

I personally run a rather successful Remodeling Contracting business for the past ten years. Now, it's true that I'm a SAHD for approximately 9 months out of the year as my wife is an elementary school teacher with tenure (and bitchin' health benefits!!). Since becoming a SAHD, my business has moved into more custom furniture (bookcases, islands, ent. centers, etc.) but 3 months in the summer I'm busting my butt all over Atlanta doing large scale projects. I work on referral anymore, so most of my clients are familiar with my situation and either offer to help watch my daughter, or wait until the weekend to use my services. Either way, it's a great gig.

I do some publishing freelance work for one company. I occasionally go into the office during the evening, which works out well for everyone. I also do some work for them from home, but it's not easy on the 45-minute baby nap schedule.

I also teach Latin to homeschoolers. Part of the arrangement is that baby gets taken care of while I work. And it works out pretty well. I get to make some money doing something fun, and I get two free naps in the truck from baby when I'm driving to my appointments.

I haven't been able to do anything, other than a little bit of yard work, over the past three years, and I can't find the time now, having 4, 2 & 3mos. Plus, my wife's schedule is just too tough to work around. But, I am trying to find a way to carve out a tiny piece of something at night so that I can regain a little sanity. So far: no good.

I work three to four nights per week at a restaurant that is open until 2am. Most of those nights I am a closer, so I am out the door when the doors close. Can be tough to get home, attempt sleep, and get up with out four month old for feedings and early morning wake-ups. Then, on weekend mornings, I referee youth soccer. The extra cash, and I mean cash, is really nice because we never have to use the credit card anymore.