Originally Posted by Cat Herder:
For me, personally, I can't do both 100% at the same time.
If I can't give it 100%, I don't commit to it. What would be the point?
First, I worked for 10 years to afford to stay home after having learned the hard way that I can't do both (pull up any SIDS thread here for back story). Then I had my 2nd and 3rd babies.
I opened the daycare for my own income. I have never kept kids my own childrens ages, so no conflicts. The best of both worlds.
I am almost done with the high school years, now, so will be keeping my eye on the job market changes and am updating my training.
In a few more years I will be back in my old positon, easily, having missed nothing.
When I die my children will remember me fondly and my career position will be filled before my seat is cold. It is what it is. 
do you think that it makes a difference if you worked out of the home more while they were infant/toddler vs preteen-teenager??