Sus: You are NOT silly. That is a very good question and something I think most mummies think about at some point in time.
It's funny, just about an hour ago, a very senior female colleague was having lunch with us & her parting words to me was, 'Don't even quit. Does not matter even if you are rich, or your HB is rich, just dun ever quit your job!'
Well, she went on with loads of reason, I ended 'late for work'... and among her very practical reasons are 2 key points:
1. You never know what might happen to your HB one day... touch wood, but if something happens, you don't want to be lost.
2. It is just different spending 'other people's money'.
Well, I'm sure this will be a difficult decision for you... Caleb is now at a very fun age. (I love seeing Yen's delighted face when she welcomes us home in the evening) Yes, I love all 3, but Yen is just at a stage that is so lovely & I can't wait to see her at the end of my work day. She's cheeky & fun at the same time.
However, work stimulation & satisfaction is very important to me too.
If I were you, I'd probably grab the work opportunity... at least try out (since you haven't tried working after having Caleb). If you have strong family support & is able to get great satisfaction at work, why not have your cake & eat it?
Of course you need to make sure you spend quality time with Caleb once you are off work. Then if after trying for a few months and you really do not like the idea of being a FTWM, there is no harm leaving after that. I mean at least you've tried & you know for yourself what works best.
If you do not take this up, you'll forever be wondering whether things might work out.
Even if you should decide to remain as a SAHM, I'd think it's good to consider going back to the workforce at some point later on.
Sorry, I think our situation is very different from the generations before us. We are living longer lives & cost & standards of living are higher than before.
Let's face it, our kids will become independent of us eventually. If I do not keep up with society, who is going to keep me later on? I won't want my kids stuck on me forever & when they stop wanting to be 'stuck on me', what do I do next? I also do not expect to become a burden to them later on. So I'd prefer to earn & save as much as I can now... & when the time comes, I hope to be able to retire, then help look after my grand kids.... kekeke..
Go for it gal... try out at least... if it doesn't work out, you know your HB will support you...