After being a SAHM mom for over a year, I would like to get a part-time job a few days a week. I wonder what other moms' think as far as getting a part-time job. Do you think it is worth it? They usually only pay $10 an hour.
My mother offered to baby-sit for free two days a week but beyond that I wouldn't ask for more. My mom is great but doesn't go out much and I don't want my daughter to spend all day in a living room five days a week.
I am really looking for some balance and think working a few days a week (not at home!) would give me that balance talking to adults, getting out and make me a better mother. I would prefer not to work full-time until my daughter goes to school unless I have to. Thank you for the advice!
Thanks Moms' for the advice! It was very helpful. Just to clarify one thing: some moms' are lucky that their husbands have a flexible schedule enabling them to take care of the kids too. Right now my husband usually works nights and sometimes days and nights. When he works nights only, he is sleeping during the day. That's just how things are for now.
My background is education. I taught elementary school for about eight years and substituted in a middle school for a few months before we relocated to Texas. Back in NY now, I have been home for thirteen months now.
I will definitely start looking more proactively for a job. it is hard to find a job only two days a week. I would rather get a paying job but maybe for the summer I can look into volunteer work instead. Thanks again!
I don't see a problem with it as long as most of the money you make doesn't goes to childcare then go for it.
I started my home-based business selling educational Discovery Toys a little before my child was a year old...so almost the same time as you. I started slowly, as my baby was my #1 priority. As he became more independent, and eventually started school, half-days, then full days, my time was freed up to get out with grown-ups and work more. The toys were not only benefiting my pocketbook, but they were helping my child to become focused, patient, accomplished at age-appropriate tasks. (Boy, did that pay off!!!) I have been helping moms just like you for 15 years. Please visit me at www.toysofdiscovery.com and let's talk.
A.,
What would e the harm in giving it a try? Go for it. Even if it's not about the money, I think the other reasons you mentioned would be well worth getting out a bit. And if it is about the money--some money is better than no money, right? Don't worry about your daughter not getting out on those days--she'll be fine. She'll have you the remainder of the week. Give it a whirl. Good luck!
It might be worth it to find something you can do in just the two days your mom is willing to sit. Is there something you are good at or could teach? Are you looking for the money or do you just want to get outside the house. If there is a volunteer position outside the house that sounds fun, that would be a good thing. If you are doing it just for balance be sure to pick something fun and enjoyable.
I waited until my son was three before applying for jobs, now I am about to start working part time because we really need the money for our family. My husband can be home with the kids at that time, so it all works out. You have to do what feels right to you. God knows your situation better than us.
Hi A.,
My daughter is 10 now. When she was about 3 I needed some "adult" time and a creative outlet. I love to cook, so I started a Pampered Chef business. I'm not advertising here, but I love getting out 1 night a week (or sometimes 2). I work maybe a total of 4-5 hours a week and I make anywhere between $200-$400 every time I go out to do a show. People are cooking at home more now, so the business is there. Plus I get lots of free products and perks.
It's not for everyone and it is work, but there is no part-time job I could work for that number of hours and make that kind of $$. Find something you love to do and then make sure people will still spend money on the products/service. Everyone still eats even in a bad economy. They don't necessarily have $ for jewelry, candles, make-up. Find a passion and the work won't seem like work at all. Good luck and email me if you have questions.
Sounds great to me. You have free and wonderful daycare. Mom may not get out much, but she will take good care of your daughter with lots of love. You have the chance to get out in the world and be a real person again. LOL.
I think the break might be good for both of you. You could also consider doing some volunteer work.
Dear A., After reading your post I think if you do not need the money but just need to get out for a few hours, if there is such a job 2 days a week and mom will babysit for free then do it. My personal feeling is that the time will fly, even though it does not seem so now. One day you will look back and wonder why did I leave her? Yo can get a job in a school when she is older and still be home for her. My first 3 were each 1 year apart so I was home with 3 for a long time and never regret it. I think of the moms I know that have no choice and must leave their babies to go to work because they need the income. In any event you must do what is best for you. Good wishes, Grandma Mary
I had this same dilemma a long time ago. I don't suggest the part-time job because that's usually how much babysitters charge. So you'd basically be working just to pay a babysitter. Daycares are no cheaper. If the reason why you want to get a job is to have adult interaction then I suggest perhaps those 2 days your mom offered to babysit you just volunteer nearby instead.
I had to wait until my son turned 3 to finally go to school and do the things I craved to do but couldn't because I couldn't afford them. He's currently in full-time preschool and it's great
YES- if you can find a part time job, it is truly needed, to full fill your life with all the things you need! It is great that grandma is willing to help; and I'd go for it! We all need adult conversation; and out-side interests! Just continue to raise your child as a good parent with quality time; and stability! Both of you will be closer in the long run! I had to work full time as a single mother years ago, but it paid the bills; and often my son was able to come with me to work, so we were closer then most! He turned out to be the very best son any mom could possibly ask for!!! God truly blessed me with the ability to work & raise my son! I'm sure He will do the same for you! Thank your mom for her help! Good Luck and may God bless & guide you-Always,
Sincerely,
Kathy N.
Although I work for myself, I think you should do it. You are truly blessed to have a mom to help you. Plus it would give her that special time with her grandchild and your child time away from mom which we don't realize is so helpful for them.
If you can do part time work without having to pay for childcare (which it sounds like an option) and you can avoid eating out more. Then it can be worth doing if you feel you need to get out and communicate with adults. I have always dreamed of working a few hours a week but with no family around it has not been an option. And I wouldn't work nights and take time away from being a family. But it looks like you might have the option to work during the day which might be very beneficial to you! And you mom will probably love it also. I think for you it would be worth a try. If anything you can always stop and go back home again full time.
If you've got grandma to babysit free of charge a couple of days a week, then I'd definitely take advantage of that and look for something part time. I don't know what field you've worked in before, but you could sign with a temp agency or look into working as a substitute in the local school district (there are other sub opportunities besides teachers). Even if it's only $10 per hour, it does get you out of the house, into the job market and your paycheck will be yours to keep since you won't be paying for a sitter
Good luck!
I think it is well worth it. Even if you don't come out ahead financially, the reasons you mentioned are important - giving yourself some balance, talking to adults. I've always worked - sometimes full time sometimes part time and am glad - I feel I have a lot of patience with my kids and I always look forward to being with them. And if you have some free childcare to help out - it sounds great! Try it out, and if you then feel guilty or are not enjoying it then you can change your mind.
Hi A.,
I just wanted to let you know that after my son was born, my boss allowed me to come back to work only 3 days a week and I found the balance to be perfect. I loved that I was home 4 days a week and I liked the 3 days that I got a break from the "mom world" and got to have conversations with adults that didn't revolve around spit-up, sleep schedules and sesame street. We can't afford for me to not work, so as much as I wanted to be a SAHM, it wasn't an option. But I'm happy with my schedule right now. Even though I'm only part time, I'm in a salaried position. I don't know what your job experience / education is, but maybe you could find something P/T that pays a decent amount.
Sometimes I feel guilty that I'm not always home raising my kid myself, but I feel that having some non-mom time makes me a better mom. Best of luck to you with whatever you decide!
Hi A.,
Your best bet is to work in retail. Yes, the pay is like you said but it is so flexible. You can even come up with your own schedule, I think, as long as you are willing to close once in a while/week.
Good luck!
L..
Working from Home and Loving it!
YES, I think its worth it to look for something part time. I say this because you would have free care for your child 2 days a week and for the other 2 days, possibly 3 days, she could have the benefit of going to a childcare setting with other children. It would be good for her and also good for you to get out there. If you didn't have your mom to help, I would say its not worth it until she goes to pre-school, but the way you have things now, it sounds like a great idea...good luck!
I would go for it!
I would just find someone that could watch her instead of putting her in daycare cause its really high but best of luck to you!!
Take care and God Bless!!
I think that getting out of the house a few days a week is a wonderful idea. As SAHM moms, it is very easy to lose contact with adults. Sometimes we forget how to communicate with someone other than our precious little ones. It always good to meet new people and make some new contacts. These contacts could lead to a full time job position in the future when your daughter starts school.
I really enjoy working part-time outside of the home, I work about 10-15 hrs a week. My daughter is now in preschool twice a week but before then she would come along with me on supply runs (about 2 hrs of work to pick up, deliver and put away the items) and then I work two evenings a week supervising for concert events so hubby is able to stay home and watch our daughter (now I do the supplies run while she is in preschool).
The adult time, even if it is during work, is great while being a SAHM a majority of the time and working very part-time. Even when my daughter goes to school full-time I have decided to just pick up another part-time job, like working in the mall or other store, while daughter is in school. A full time job would not allow me to pick her up and take her to various other activities when school is done as well as having summer off (or grandma watch her twice a week).
When I looked into it when mine were little the cost of working was more than I would make part-time, as it would put us into another tax bracket. Maybe you are not in that situation, but we were.
So the tax bracket change, the clothes I would need, the gas commute there, plus we did not live near family so the cost of a sitter would have to be considered & caused me to choose to find my adult conversation at our church activities, and community events that either offered babysitting or you could bring your child.
Go for it if thats what you want to do. Sounds like its not about the money so thats good b/c then you can be a bit more choosey about what you do. Enjoy!
