patrick.net

SQT,

I stayed home for the first couple of years when our child was born. If that means I gave up my "man card", then I was happy to do it. I have a relationship with my son now because of that time caring for him that many men would do well to experience. Even though we both now work, I am still the "flex parent", who is available on-demand for child-related things. It is a utilitarian decision for us. My wife is a Controller, so she has little flexibility. I'm a ... hmmm, what am I? Anyway, I am mega-flexible, so I should be the one to take the point with our son.

Then again, I find stigmas generally annoying. If anyone insists there is a "normal way" of things I'll be sure to go out of my way to do something else altogether.

SQT,

If by rarity you mean oddity, sure I admit it!

BA,

Thanks for keying us in! Just another trick up the sleeve to give the appearance of normality. It wasn't long ago that those bothersome details would have been covered during the ensuing "bidding war" so now (and I believe you are right on this one) recent buyers probably SHOULD be challenging their tax bills.

We're in the mom work vs. no work situation as well, directly impacted by BA real estate prices. By normal US standards, we make a good combined salary (2+HaHa's between the two of us). However, in the BA, with a baby, the wife will be going back to work at the end of the summer in large part b/c otherwise we won't be able to afford more than some stucco box in the Peninsula when we eventually buy (at the nadir of the market!!) It turns out, she has a lot more earning potential (attorney) than I do (MD), so if anything, I should quit and stay at home...

skibum,

It turns out, she has a lot more earning potential (attorney) than I do (MD), so if anything, I should quit and stay at home…

I'm biased, but if you do decide to stay home, at least a while, you won't ever regret it. Myself, I found no real resistance blending in with other neighborhood at home moms. We all took the kids to the park together, and they actually seemed to appreciate having a guy around in the group.

PS,

Understood! Just for the record though most guys don't take rejection all that well. I got to the same point you did, someone would actually say YES and I would just keep selling until I realized I'd better shut up and take their business. Funny world, ain't it? I have to agree, the very thing that attracted me to the lease option arena was the fact that most of the faint of heart would simply say it's not worth the trouble. "I'll just go ahead and buy the damn thing!" Perhaps that is what should have been said, this is not for the faint of heart.