Prompt #72Return to Work
Prompt 72: The "Should I Stay Home?" Decision
When to use it
You're considering leaving work to be home. You want a real decision framework, not a permission slip.
The Prompt
I'm considering leaving my job to stay home. I need a real decision framework, not 'follow your heart.'
My context:
- Current baby: [E.G., "6 months" / "1 year" / "2 years"]
- Why I'm considering it: [E.G., "childcare costs more than I make" / "I don't want to miss this stage" / "I hated going back" / "I want a break" / "I want to be there for [event]"]
- Career: [E.G., "I worked hard to get here" / "I have a clear path forward" / "I'm burnt out" / "I want a change anyway"]
- Money: [E.G., "we can afford it for [time]" / "it would be tight" / "I'd have to go back eventually"]
- Partner: [E.G., "we agree" / "they want me to" / "they're neutral" / "I feel pressured"]
- My identity: [E.G., "I lose myself without work" / "I'm a better mom when I work" / "I don't know anymore"]
- Social: [E.G., "I'd lose my work friends" / "I have other mom friends" / "I'm isolated" / "I'm a loner either way"]
Please give me:
1. The 8 questions to ask before deciding
2. The 5-year projection: what happens if I leave (and if I don't)
3. The financial math: break-even, retirement, emergency fund
4. The re-entry challenge (how hard is it to go back?)
5. The 'I'm just burned out right now' reframe
6. The 'this is a season' framing (vs. 'this is forever')
7. The 'I want to do both' option (part-time, consulting, freelance)
8. The 'I want to be home but I don't want to lose myself' dilemma
9. The 1-year trial (and how to set it up)
10. The 'everyone will judge me either way' truth
Important: I want to make a real decision, not just react.Example output
*"8 questions: (1) Is this what I want, or what I want RIGHT NOW? (2) What am I running from? (3) What am I running to? (4) What does my partner think, and why? (5) What does my 5-year-self want? (6) Can we afford it (truly)? (7) Can I re-enter if I change my mind? (8) What will I do with my time? 5-year projection: leaving = potential lost retirement savings, harder re-entry, identity shift; staying = potentially missing some years, less burnout. 'Burned out right now' reframe: leaving because of burnout might mean you return to work in 18 mo, less prepared. 'This is a season': true, but seasons can feel like years. 1-year trial: set it up with a clear 'I'm going to re-evaluate at month [X].' Re-entry: harder than you'd think, but not impossible (especially if you keep network + skills fresh). Part-time / consulting: best of both for many."*
Related prompts
Return to Work#68
Prompt 68: The Pumping-at-Work Logistics Playbook
You're going back to work and need a real pumping plan. Not "just pump when you can."
#69
Prompt 69: The Working Mom Guilt Re-Anchor
You're back at work and drowning in guilt. You want a real read on the evidence, not "kids are resilient" platitudes.
#70
Prompt 70: The Second Baby Decision Framework
You're trying to decide if/when to have a second baby. You want a real decision framework, not "you'll know."