Work or Home?
SEP
15
2007
Now that I am approaching the end of my pregnancy, I am faced with a decision that has plagued many working women before me: child care after maternity leave.
Currently, I have two jobs. One that keeps me on our home computer for a few hours a week and one that keeps me trapped at a desk, in an office from 8AM-5PM on weekdays.
Ideally, I would love to give up the office job and be a work at home mom. Unfortunately for my family, that is just not financially feasible at this time. So what am I left with? Twelve weeks of maternity leave followed by placing my little angel in the capable hands of an alternative caregiver while I am at work. Recently, my husband and I briefly weighed our options:
Full Time Daycare: We agreed that this option would not work for our family. Reasons included: lack of needed finances to pay a daycare provider, poor childcare available in our area, trust, and my unwillingness to let a stranger share in my child’s young life.
Full Time Relative Care: I argued that our daughter would be spending too much time away from her ideal caregivers, her parents. But we decided that we will use this option if it is necessary.
Part Time Relative Care: My ideal option, it is the best of both worlds, and I was sure we could work the pay cut into our budget.
Full Time Mommy Care: My husband’s ideal option. (Okay, mine as well. I’ll admit it. But I knew it wasn’t financially possible.)
So what was our childcare conclusion? We haven’t made one yet, because we can’t agree. It is an emotional topic for me and a frustrating topic for my partner.
How do I handle this? What have other mommies done?
The Mommy said on September 15th, 2007:
I chose to quit my plush full time job to be with my daughter. It was a risk financially, but worth it! We just cut back on some of the excessive spending that we did. We eat at home all the time now. Then I started this site! That way I can work at home during naps.
Do whatever your heart tells you! That’s all the advice I can give.
Anonymous said on September 15th, 2007:
Work or Home?…
Now that I am approaching the end of my pregnancy, I am faced with a decision that has plagued many working women before me: child care after maternity leave….
Lela said on September 19th, 2007:
When my first child was born she stayed with my Dad while I went to work and school. I felt comfortable because it was a relative who would love her like no day care provider would. And she also would not be competing with 12 other children for her needs to be taken care of. With my 2nd child we found ways to cut costs so I could stay at home. Permanent maternity leave is a sweet vacation (for the most part, lol). And I have found ways to earn some extra money when we need it. You just have to be resourceful and keep your ears open.
Lena said on September 19th, 2007:
When my first child was born I was lucky enough to quit my full time job and work part time from home. We too were worried about finances. It was working out great until our 2nd was born extremely premature. I was unable to work for months until she came home from the hospital. I tried to work again but realized that it was too hard to work with two kids under my feet. I decided to not work and focus on the kids. I have realized that no amount of money can compare to the joy I get from playing and teaching them. I also realized how much better they act now that they can have my full attention. We have to pinch our pennies all the time, but it is all worth it. Sometimes I think it is fun to see how much I can save by just changing little things. (I’m sure that sounds geeky)
Melanie said on September 23rd, 2007:
This was a battle for us as well, almost echoing what you have stated already! Same argument in the house. I believed; however, we could have made it without me working; however, my husband felt we needed a bigger house. Guess what, husband won this one. We have a bigger house, big bills, but have the luxury of flying in relatives from Romania and he is cared for by his grandpa. He is two now and goes to Daycare, for his age this has been wonderful because he gets to be around other children! We are fortunate to be able to afford this place and that my son loves it! Next to our house and everything! Been a long road, it is Never easy, no matter what happens and you decide. Try to pick what will truly benefit your entire family and create happiness for all…we are lucky! Didn’t sound like it I know from the beginning of my entry but it is!
Carnival of SAHMs | Our Family Village said on September 24th, 2007:
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Eden said on September 24th, 2007:
Have you really worked over your budget yet to be certain that you can’t afford to leave your job? If that’s really what you’d prefer to do, with some (ok a lot of)creativity there are lots of small areas you can cut that make a huge difference in the big picture. Giving up a second car and/or downgrading whatever you drive now. (savings might be huge just w/that- less gas, losing an insurance payment, car payment etc). Canceling cable and making use of free movie rentals at your local library.Cooking from scratch & learning how to be really frugal in the grocery store can cut that bill in half usually.
Penelope said on October 1st, 2007:
With my first son, I decided to continue working fulltime but he was taken care of by my aunt. Then my second son arrived and I decided to go part-time — as they both got older, I choose to put them in daycare/school for socialization and still work part-time. This has worked the best for my family, I feel I still have adult interaction but also spend more time with my kids than at work. They also spend time learning with other kids and building friendships.
Good luck with you!