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I work FT not PT. I thankfully have a lot of help from family so only have one child in daycare, twice per week and don’t need at childcare for the one in Kindergarten. The biggest thing for me was getting to a place where I was okay with things not being perfect. Our house is rarely super tidy, and I never have all the laundry done. A big one for me was only preparing a rotation of about 5 very simple dinners. I think most important is being comfortable with your childcare situation.

I worked PT very briefly and honestly it was a breeze in terms of work/life balance compared to FT, but I also felt it made me a better mom than when I was home more often. Weeks when I have to take a personal day and stay home with the one in K because she doesn’t have school seem so leisurely and relaxed! I think once you get used to the being separated from your little ones bit you will find the housework/chores/shopping/cooking etc part to not be bad. Plus, with them out of the house there is a lot less to clean!

@YogiRunner: You can do it! Congrats on finding a part time gig that is right in your wheelhouse, especially if you think such a gig is hard to come by. I'd take the job, even if only breaking even for a while. It will get you back into the game, and your kids will be out of day care soon and hopefully then you will be in the positive. I work full time. It so hard to leave the kids. But I live in a high cost of living area, so I need to work to be able to live where we want - which is where we grew up and where are family is. I don't loooove working, but I'm proud of what I do and happy to contribute to a great life for my girls! Finding childcare was the biggest stress of my life. Once you get that sorted out, you will be fine. Let me know if you have specific questions! Best of luck!

I’ve been working part time for about a year after staying home for 2.5 years. At first it was to break even with school and have a break for myself but I’ve gotten some raises over the year and taken on more responsibility so I’m coming out ahead now. Honestly, it’s such a good break for me. I was starting to go crazy staying home. Yes it’s more work to make dinner on the days I work but I meal plan every week and save the easier meals or crock pot meals for my work days. My commute isn’t bad (20 min max) and my sons school is in our neighborhood so usually I do drop off and my husband picks up. It’s worked out well for us so far and It’s soooooo worth it for me to have a break.

I am working 3 days a week after coming back from mat leave with baby #2. It is extremely unusual in my field and took a lot of negotiation with my employer. It is a great balance for me. I have a commute as well, my work days are fairly long. Realistically, with my kids and their demands, the commute, etc. I couldn't work 5 days a week at my current job. But 3 days is doable. It is definitely a struggle getting out the door those days. I try to prep as much as possible the night before but it's still hair on fire hectic.

After childcare expenses, I'm not taking home much ($500/month) but for me, it's looking at the long-term - my older son is 3.5 so he'll be in public school before too long, so my income will go up. And for me and what I do, I feel like it's important to keep my foot in the door, so to speak. If I took 5 years off, it would be tough to come back.

I am EXTREMELY thankful it has worked out for me.