Return to Work???

You may be interested in what I do. I also didn't want to put my kids in daycare and found this company. I enjoy it. http://www.myadcalls.com/11235/ they have one of the best compensation plans available ex.: if you just built a sales team you would get $350 per person plus residuals...if you worked with businesses you would make $250-$2000 per sale. it's full or part-time and there is training calls almost everyday.

T. - a good rule of thumb is if you are going to make less than $25,000 you aren't going to come out ahead. There are numerous studies out there and you can spend hours reading through them and calculating, etc. - but the industry general rule is 25K - this is if your chid will be in full-time care.

You mentioned "extra income", which leads me to believe you are not in financial straits and would just like to pad things. If this is the case, consider just working part-time and see how you do. It is a hard decision, emotionally, and every mom is different. For me, it was never a question of NOT working. I love working. And I make good money. I could not be at home everyday as I don't have the stamina for that. I started off with nanny care and eventually switched to daycare. the care you find will make the difference. And the type of care doesn't matter, it's the people. An in-home daycare may let your child watch television all day, and a nanny may talk on the phone all day, and a daycare may not have structured activities. So there are cons to every choice - they are all GOOD choices,though, and only you will be able to know the comfort level of the typ of care you choose.

Maybe without even getting a job you can enroll in a mother' day out or find a daycare that does part time care and just for a few weeks try it out. See how you do, how your child does.

It's an agonizing decision, for sure, but just remember it's not permanent. You can change your mind. If you do work, give it at least a month to help you with separation anxiety and then decide if you like working. I wish you lots of luck!

S.

Before you go back to work sit down and figure out your finances as to how much you would make, the cost of daycare, wear and tear on your vehicle, lunches, clothing costs, parking, etc. Another thing to consider is this:

Let's say your husband makes $50,000 and you make $30,000. At the end of the year, you're claiming three people on an $80,000 income for your taxes. When you do three people on $50,000 and take into account the money you would not have spent on daycare, etc. many tend to come out almost even if not ahead. There are books about this (I may not be explaining it completely right) I think the one I read was called the Stay at Home Mother's Survival Guide and it goes over this very thing. My husband and I are struggling a bit due to the fact that we have no insurance because he's a subcontractor and when we do get it, it'll be a private insurance and nowhere as comparable as group benefits, but it's worth it to me to see my son grow and to know he's getting the best care possible. Good luck with your decision and I hope this helps!!

-J.
SAHM to 17 m/o Ryan Riff

I stayed home with my daughter for 6 years. She is about to turn 6 and I am returning to work. Still looking for a job but returning. Its scary. I want to be able to be here for her after school and such. I have to tell you we struggled hard for me to stay home for the 6 years and it was the best thing I could have ever done. I think if you can handle staying broke a lil longer, I would stay home till your lil one is bout 2. Talking age.

I agree, sometimes it actually costs you more money to go back to work. You need to really sit down and figure out how much you will bring home after taxes, daycare, work clothes, gas, lunches, car wear and tear, etc. etc. There are so many expenses you don't even think of! BabyCenter.com has a calculator, I think. There are lots of resources to help you figure out the finances part of it. Also, think about how you will feel bringing your son to daycare. Is it worth it for a hundred or two a month? For me, personally, it wasn't. I chose to stay home and live on a budget. But, only you can make that decision. I now work from home, which is the best of both worlds. Even on my most difficult days with a toddler and a preschooler, I am thankful to be home with them! On the other hand, DON'T let anyone make you feel guilty for going back to work if it is the right decision for you and your family! If you can get a great job that makes it worth it, try it out! Also, if you can find something that allows you and your husband to work something out so your son doesn't have to be in daycare full-time, that may be an option. Just think about it and don't rush into anything. Only you and your husband know what is right for your family...trust yourselves!

Good Luck!! Take Care!
S.

Oh...one more thing....make sure you interview several daycares if you decide to go back to work! And, get referrals, and make sure they are lisenced with the state...check out everything...talk to all the parents, not just the ones they give you the names of! Do a lot of research! Good luck!

The cost is a huge factor .... unless you're bringing in big bucks it will not pay off.

But then there's the reason why you're considering going back to work. If it's for money, it probably is not worth it. But if it's emotional then you need to think about why.

I did go back to work for my sanity when my youngest were 1 and 6 months.... but just 10 hours a week. I broke even on the cost, but it got me out of the house and gave me something to exercise my mind. That was 14 years ago, and I worked that 10 hours a week job into a full-time from home job after 3 years.

Being at home is by far better for me and the kids, but I need the work stimulation too. I was lucky to make it work out.

Kids grow really fast, so spend as much time with them as you can. Because if you're not the one influencing them all day, then you have to think about who is.... I believe that though they don't remember their baby/toddler years that their experiences influence who they become, so choose wisely is you go for the full-time daycare option.

I know some women need to work for finances, others just need to work to have a good social release and the need to feel professional and stimulated fulfilled. I am not judging these women at all (sometimes I feel that way too!) But I just could not bear to leave my 8 month old son with someone else! Plus, I wouldn't make enough money anyways for it to even pay off, after adding up gas, lunches, new clothes for work (b/c I'm not fitting into pre-preg work attire), day care... not including the emotional stress, I decided to stay home and be a little more careful on my spending money. Fortunatly, I'm a hairstylist, so I can get a little spending money here and there on the side! Spend as much time as possible with your baby... b/c he is going to change so much you aren't going to want to miss a second of it! Besides, do you really have to go back now... or can it wait a while for when your kid starts pre-k? That really isn't that far away! Pray about it sincerely, and your answer will come!

I have always worked but going back to work with my second who is now three was REALLY tough. I put her in daycare when she was 6 weeks old!!! The only thing that made it easier was the fact that the daycare had cameras and i could watch her from work all day long and save the pictures. Having the cameras makes a big difference in peace of mind.

Daycare centers can be scary and i would highly recommend checking out any one you are considering. I am very tough on mine, the key is to stay involved and don't be afraid to speak up, if they know you are always checking up on them, i guarantee your child will be well cared for:-)

If you type in Texas Childcare Search in yahoo you can see different daycares and see if they have had problems and such. The cost difference does make a difference and I question it myself but for me it is worth it for me to work, daycare is expense but the stimulation that the kids get also goes a long way. My daughters have grown so much in daycare and their knowledge of things really comes through. My 6 year old is ones of the smartest in her 1st grade class and she is one of the few that went to daycare. Daycares are not just for "watching" your kids, if you go for one for quality not price, you will find that they have curriculums just like school and the kids learn alot. They have a schedule and structure and they love it. If i have a day of vacation, my 3 year old prefers to go to daycare so she can be with her friends and play.

It is a personal choice so do what is best for you and your situation. By the way, if you do Admin work, UT Southwestern in dallas is always hiring and you only pay $40 a year to ride the train which cuts down on gas costs and they pay for your insurance and they have great benifits.

Good Luck!