the salary would basically break even with the cost of childcare? Basically, is working worth it for you for reasons other than the financial ones?
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It depends on the job! Is it something that will help me overall in my career? Would I feel fulfilled/happy doing that job? How financially stable am I with just dh's income? Would the benefits of the job increase overall salary?
I think there's a lot of questions you have to consider on whether it'd be worth it FOR YOU.Personally, we are living really tight since I've been in school the last two years and I need a job that will provide a decent enough salary, so for me personally, I'd have to say no. But everyone's family circumstances are different!
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Is there chance for salary increase and job advancement?
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@Mrs. Pen: Yes to all of the above haha
@BandDmommy: Maybe a little, but it would be non-profit, so really the benefit would be that it would get my foot in the door to do the work I want to do, and then when the kids go to public elementary school I would already be a few years in.
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@Mrs. Lion: if it would make you happy, go for it! I disliked being a SAHM and my mental health suffered. You have to do what's best for you.
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@Mrs. Lion: I wanted to but ultimately I had to turn it down. But there was very, very little room for advancement and the pay was 1/3 of what I make now.
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Yes, no question. Long term I think the benefits are pretty clear, even if short term it only covers expenses.
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Thats pretty much our current situation. It's still worth it to me, because I don't have the fortitude to be a SAHP. It's better for all our sanity if I work, even if it means we have to pinch a few pennies.
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Like @BandDmommy: mentioned, I think you need to consider the potential for a higher salary/advancement once the kids are in school. Does the position offer any kind of retirement benefit? Matching contributions to a 401k or similar earlier on would help make it worthwhile.
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@Mrs. Lion: then I'd say go for it!! It sounds like it'd be a good move long term and even short term if you're doing what you love!!
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Yes, it would be worth it if this meant I would be more employable in the future or if it would get my foot in the door of a competitive industry. It would have to be a pretty special job, though, so that the intangible benefits outweigh the financial ones.
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Definitely.
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I would say go for it. What about other benefits like
- PTO - will you be stressing to take time off for kids appointments and illness? Will you have any extra PTO to relax and do fun time off?
- Long term benefits like retirement
- Cost of being busy - More meals out, less time for cleaning, etc. -
When I start looking for a job in a few months I anticipate this to be the case for me. The way I look at it is by the time the kids are older and care is less expensive I will be making more because I'll have more experience. It's worth it for me, but I'm also not interested in being a full time stay at home mom.
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No way! But then again, I work for very little but don't require additional childcare, so I understand doing something if it is important to you for other reasons.
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No unless it was our only means for insurance/401K, then we would have to consider it. But honestly, if my entire paycheck went to daycare I would either find other employment or consider other options like cheaper care/part time work.
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Absolutely. I'm not cut out to be a SAHP, so unless there were other major issues like not enough PTO, no flexibility with scheduling, benefits, etc., I would do it. I work because I love to (also in the non-profit sector) - I'm lucky to be making good money for the sector, but I would do it even if salary wasn't a driver.
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Yes! For so many reasons-to keep building skills/resume, to have a chance to do something I love, for insurance/401k etc. Plus as time goes by, childcare costs decrease, while incomes cayb increase.
I only work part time but I'm not happy about it, so I'm looking to change careers to have a better chance to work full time.
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If it would make you happy then yes. I view paying for childcare as a short term investment to achieve a long term goal of advanced/stable career, so even back when we were breaking even I still thought it was worthwhile for me to keep working.
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Absolutely!
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Not for me, but I think it's a personal choice affected by personal preferences and situation.
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Yes I would. My son loves daycare so I see that as a benefit to him too. Also I wouldn't look at it as just your salary covering childcare but something both you and your partner work for.
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Absolutely for the right job that gets you the right experience. I work because I love what I do!
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Yes, if the job was otherwise good and would help my career.
I'm not saying this is the case here, but I don't agree with the notion that child care is an expense that comes out of the mom's salary. Childcare is an expense of both parents!
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No way. It doesn't make sense to me.
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DH has such a job. He's essentially paying for childcare salary wise but we're looking at this as the work experience he needs to move into a better paying job that he could support the family with one day if needed. Within 2 years he should be in another position and before that he'll have pay raises within his position.
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Sure, especially because daycare costs are temporary but your career aspirations can go on for decades if you choose
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If I liked the job then yeah!
I wanted to say about whether there was room for advancement but I think you can turn most experiences into opportunities if you try.
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I think it depends. Is this pay the most that you can find in your industry at your experience level? Is this a job you would really enjoy? Is this a job or a career? How much longer do you have the same daycare costs for?
I think if you'd love this job and it's the career you want to be in and it's the most compensation you can reasonably expect then yes, I think it's a good idea. There's a lot of value in working outside the house, especially to one's mental health (depending on the person). But if you could be better compensated then I don't think it's worth it.
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As much as I love working and cannot imagine being a SAHM, there would have to be at least one intangible benefit outside of the salary (eg., good health insurance benefits, good retirement plan or pension, it's a stepping stone to a higher paying job, etc.)
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After taxes, insurance and retirement is taken out, I barely clear day care. But I need the insurance and years toward retirement (teacher) and I enjoy my job, so yeah, it's worth it!
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In your situation as a SAHM going back into the workforce, no. It's not worth all the extra hassle and stress to just break even ino. Unless you *needed* the money I would keep looking until you found a job in your field that didn't just cover daycare costs.
I was unemployed for a while and it was so much more work going back to work FT with two kids. I feel like we get no free time. The kids have to wake up by 6 every morning. When we get home it's a mad dash to dinner, bath and bed. By the Time both kids are aslee DH and I are usually beyond exhausted. -
Personally for me no, but this is an ongoing argument I have with some family members and I do see all the great reasons that other posters have mentioned why you might choose this route.
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Thanks everyone! I don't feel quite so crazy now...I am definitely hoping to find something that is more than just a break even, but in my field and location it is not likely. Going back to my previous job as a full time teacher I would be in the hole, and doing work I am passionate about and qualified for means low salary for me.
This is definitely a mental health issue for me, so if I can find a job doing something I really love, I think I would take it even if it financially doesn't make sense. I was just feeling really guilty about it...like, how dare I send my kids away for no tangible financial reason. That's just my inner crazy talking, and I guess my mental health is probably a more valid reason than money anyway...
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@Mrs. Lion: oh yeah, mental health is a definite reason to do it!
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Currently with 2 children in daycare I am still bringing home a little money but soon with 3 I will be "losing" money. However, I work because I can not imagine being a SAHM (I don't know how you all do it, you rock), I want to stay in the work force, I like my job, I have great health insurance for a very affordable price, I have a great 403b plan with employer matching, and I feel a responsibility to pay my student loans ($600/month
). So to me personally it is worth it. That being said I am fortunate that my husband does very well and can "carry" us financially. Other posters have made some valuable points why it would not make sense and I think it comes down to your personal preference and situation. Good Luck!
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not for a few years. i want to continue my career, but if i could stay home completely for 5 years, then i would. and i could technically make that choice, but i choose to work because i was just starting my career when i got pregnant the first time, and after years of living the "poor student" life, i do want to make some money to help support the life we want (house, etc). The compromise is cutting back on some things so i can work part time - which i plan to do after my next mat leave is over.
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No way. I would love to be at home, and if I were only making enough to cover childcare, I would just stay home.
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At this point in my life/career, no, but if I were changing fields or beginning, I would consider it.
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If I found something that made me happy and I could work with my family's schedule. It's really hard maintain mental health wellness as a SAHM, I'm starting to learn.
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