A 60'000 dollar question indeed. Our family chose to homeschool, which is one of the most expensive educational options on the market if you consider it means making ends meet on a single income. I really appreciate that you offer the perspective of highly-educated women choosing to make a home, raising a family, and putting their skills to use in various creative ways. I have a masters degree in applied linguistics and used to coordinate the ESL program at a university. Yet I have not returned to regular gainful employment since my first child was born almost 18 years ago.

My skills have not remained dormant, but have instead translated into various ongoing projects: I have coordinated various large-scale homeschooling co-ops over the last 15 years (incl. chemistry, physics, biology, classical vocabulary, Latin, speed math, calligraphy, sports etc.), took on a weekly live radio spot reporting on current events in education and homeschooling, acted as a mentor to new homeschooling mothers, published a Classic Learner's Edition of A Christmas Carol, and started a substack harnessing all my experiences to share with families who are looking for anchors of hope and encouragement in a time of upheaval.

I applaud Freya for questioning whether there might not be another way - that it is not merely a choice between higher education or staying at home - but that they can go hand in hand to help both family and community to flourish. Within the homeschooling community, many young women choose to obtain university degrees so that they can teach their children to the highest standards and/or so that they can use their qualifications for flexible part-time work. Many of the mothers who participated in my co-ops were highly educated (a pediatric ear-nose-throat specialist, emergency room doctor, CEO, political candidates, teachers, university professors, clinical psychologists, computer programmers, etc.) I would be happy to offer more advice based on my experience gained over the years if it would be of interest.

Money is only one form of currency; spending time raising a family and creating a home is of exponential multi-generational value, far beyond any monetary equivalent.