Unlike the night before, our group of mostly 30 and 40-year-old moms described themselves as moms who work, not working moms.  “I’m happy being called Tommy’s mom,” said one.

“I had to go back to work when my husband lost his job,” said one woman.  “I had to take a part-time job when my husband had to change jobs and took a cut in pay,” said another.  “I changed jobs to one with more income and growth potential last year, which is good because my husband just found out he is losing his job after 17 years.”

Even the new mom in the group admitted that despite having been a career-driven woman her whole life, she now identifies herself as a mom first.  She’s thinking about cutting back her hours to have a second child.

For those pushed into the workforce for economic reasons, there are trade-offs they are willing to make and those they aren’t.  “I told my boss I had to be home when the kids get off the bus,” said one mom.  “I took a job that would let me have my nights and weekends free, “said another.

All agreed their change in status has brought a change in shopping pattern.  “We don’t go out to eat as much or use our cell phones as frequently,” said one.  “I’m trying more generic brands,” said another as heads nodded around the table.  “I love coupons,” said yet another woman as the heads continued to nod in agreement.  “I wont be spending as much this holiday,” added another.