Deciding whether to work or stay at home to raise a family is a difficult task for women. Young mothers who have just started their careers and established career women, who are thinking of devoting time to their families, have a lot of things in common. Both must determine what ultimately will work best for themselves and their families. Here are some points you should consider as you review your options.

Know yourself

Does it seem that everyone you know has become a stay-at-home mom? This must mean that you should stay at home with your children too, right? Not necessarily. You know yourself better than anyone else. Will you feel satisfied if you leave your career behind? Are you prepared to exchange power lunches for your chores at home?

Be honest with yourself. If you have severe doubts about your ability to handle the challenges of being a stay-at-home mom, then don’t be so quick to chuck your high heels and briefcase. Instead, consider trying the stay-at-home test.

Take a two-week vacation at home this year and get a glimpse of life as a stay-at-home mom. If you like how it feels, then go ahead and submit your resignation letter. If it doesn’t feel right for you, return to work as you are now confident that this is the right choice for you.

Get family inputs

Your decision affects all family members, so get their inputs before you cast that final vote. Invite them to a family meeting and discuss the options that you are considering. Ask for their opinions.

This approach will put you in a much better position to make a decision you can live with, because you can incorporate their needs and desires into your decision.

Home finance review

Family finances sometimes can be a deciding factor. Your income may be needed to maintain the status quo. But are you and your family happy with the status quo? Would you be more content at work if you knew that you were sticking to your job by choice and not because you were compelled to do so?

Take control of your life. Arrange for a meeting with a financial planner to see if you can whip your finances into a proper shape. A few changes here and there will certainly put you in a much better position irrespective of the career path you choose.

Striking a balance

Some people think only in terms of the black and the white. You are either a full-time stay-at-home mom or you work in an office 40-plus hours a week. But take a hard look, you will soon see the shades of grey.

A number of women have chosen to get the best of both worlds. Some women do opt for part-time or volunteer work or even start their own businesses so that they can have a flexible schedule to take care of their families.

Stick to your choice

It’s a good idea to take stock of your situation from time to time. Your family’s needs change with time, but don’t keep second-guessing. You will know when a decision you made earlier will no longer be right for you and your family, and then you can make changes accordingly.