Is It Worth It to Go Back to Work?

Hi there! I have a home daycare and would love to help you out if you deside to go back to work. Contact me if you feel like finding out more about me. Good luck!

I went back to work after a year and half, and I enjoy it, but really would feel better working part time. the reason is I was so use to being home with my son, that it took time getting back to the work schedule. With a 4yr and 13yr old, you will definitely be busy with that. I would say try part time first, and see how you like it and you can always go full time from there.

I've worked part time since my son was 3 months old. Returning to work was hard, but I'm glad I did. I love the balance of working part time and being in the adult world and still having lots of time with my son. I think I'm a better mother for being away from him a few days a week. My son loves his babysitters and I think it's been good for him to have other people care for him and adjust to different styles, etc.

I would think at age 4, your son is ready to be around other kids and if you can find a day care that you feel comfortable with, it's worth a try. You can always quit after a month or two if you hate it. You might try looking for child care first if that makes you feel better.

I think working from home sounds like the worst of both worlds. You don't get out of the house and have interaction with other adults, but you have work to do on top of taking care of your child and the house! I know it works for some people, but it wouldn't for me, unless I arranged for child care while I was working at home.

I think it all depends on what you want to do and what is best for your family.

For me, it was completely worth it to go back to work. I was at home with my son for 8 months before going back to work from an extended (unpaid) leave of absence. I was worried about who was going to be taking care of my child and whether he would thrive in that environment. Three months later, I think about how silly it was for me to worry about that! Day care gets a really bad rap at times, but if you do your homework and find a great place with educated and caring teachers, it can be a wonderful place for your child. It's been a fantastic experience for both my son and I.

I think finances could also be a big factor. After paying the daycare bill out of my salary we still have money remaining to do with as we wish. If it were different, as in, my whole paycheck went to daycare then I probably wouldn't work.

Finally, I spent a lot of time working on my bachelors and two masters degrees and totally enjoy my job. It brings me a great sense of fulfillment, and even though I loved spending time at home with my son, I totally missed the work I do. If you're going to work just to get a paycheck it might not be worth it. I'd be most concerned with your statement "when I get interviews...I just get cold feet and cancel." You should probably think about why that is - are you getting cold feet because you don't want to go back to work?

Go to the interiew!!!!!! Once you get your first interview over you will be wondering what you were so scared about. Just remember to dress professional, i.e. no kackies.

If you have childcare arranged then go with it. Your boy will be fine. He will probably enjoy the other interaction with the other children. Also you are getting him prepared for kindergarten.

Have you considered alternative work. I have started working at home, I workout in the morning,(you could put your kids in the kids club), then work in the middle of the day, pick up the kids and then finish up at night. I love what I do. I am happy to share what I do with you. One other thought is to work somewhere that has daycare. I do know that the health club where I go usually allows you to put your kids in the playroom/babysitting. You can even work in there with your kids. I hope this is helpful, M. P.S. Good luck with whatever you do. You can never get time back, enjoy it with your kids as much as you can.

I totally agree with Cyndi. If your son can go to a preschool you can look at is a school setting and not child care. That may help you not to worry as much. It sounds like you are ready to go back to work. Why not start with a part time job, see how it goes, and if you like it stick with it or go full time. It really sounds like your ready!! Good luck!

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I have worked full time even with my boys being young 5 & 6 currently. But I think at this age, working PART time would be a GREAT idea. Especially if your 4 yr old could be in a preschool setting so he's getting used to school, you are getting back out in the work force, having time with adults, etc. I personally would see that as a perfect balance for both of you...

Good luck!

I've been home with my children since day one and can't even think about going back to work outside of the home. Maybe another option you could look into is a home-based business. That allows you flexibility to be home when you're needed, make extra money, set your own hours and time out with other adults. I'm a Mary Kay consultant and started the business for those very reasons. You can be your own boss. They all have starter kit fees but they are very reasonable (at least for Mary Kay). It is tough to be disciplined with a home-based business but definitely worth checking out. If you do want to check out that option, I would suggest checking into a product you like. Just a little tip, consumable products are best because reorders come quicker.:) Hope this helps and good luck!!!

I say go for it if you are making more than enough to cover childcare. I took 2 1/2 years off to raise my children and in my profession after 2 years my licenses were no longer active, so for me to go back to work full-time, I'm finding that I can only find jobs around 35-40,000 and after taxes, that's really just enough to cover full-time childcare for my 2 1/2 and almost 4 year old. So, we decided that I would waitress 4 evenings a week. I get to stay with my kids all day and take them to their classes, story hour and playgroups, yet, get out and make some money while having contact with adults. I'm trying to chane professions though - from financial to photography. I have a couple of shoots set up, am self taught, and will do those for free, then will start charging since I'll have some experience and a portfolio. There are so many options for flexible, jobs where you can set your own hours. My sister was a chemist and after taking 13 years off, is now a real estate agent.
Good luck to you!

I've stayed home and now I work full time. If I could work part-time I would jump at the chance. You get outside time and money, but then more time with your kids. Just make sure that the parameters are clear so you don't end up working more than what you agreed to get paid for. Plus if you try it and hate it, you can always change your mind and quit.

I say go for it.

I have always kept my part time job after having my 2 kids (2.5 and 4 months old). I love my profession, and it is my sanity to continue doing Me things while also raising my children. Plus in my profession if I stop for a few years, I would have to start all over at an entry level position down the road. The money is also helpful with the household items. If you can work part time and have reliable childcare and great support system, I would encourage it.

I guess the first question is. How much will childcare cost vs you paycheck. I have been at home and a f/t worker. I am currently at home looking for work. If I could find a p/t job in my field I would jump at the chance. I think working p/t is a great compromise for moms.

Good luck with the interview.

Perhaps if you work part time you will get the best of both worlds. Adult time and children time. Daycare is expensive though. I pay $325.00 a week for 3 days. I say go for it....Your 4 year old will be in school soon anyways.

Alina:
It really sounds like you don't want to go back to work but feel guilty for not making a monetary contribution to your family. Childcare is tough for many of us, even with our own children. If I knew back then when I was in your shoes, what I know now, I would have stayed home to take care of my own kids (not let someone else see their milestones first), be my own boss and work around my family's schedule to get out of the house at convenient times, have fun with adults and get paid what I was worth! Nothing is easy or comes with a 6 digit figure income, but working your own business meets those needs. Your children really are not babies any more and are in school some of the time so that is when you can concentrate on your business and still be there to pick them up when they come home and have everyone around the table at dinner!

I've learned a lot in the many years I had to work and leave my kids. Having my own business has fulfilled me in more ways than just financial - I grew personally and emotionally and met a lot of new friends along the way that I would never have otherwise.

What is your professional field? If you have people skills, like to help others and want to make a difference, plus reach goals you may not have thought you ever would, then contact me to find out what I learned.....the hard way. Let your gut decide what you really want in life, for I believe that you won't be happy until you are doing what you want most. If you don't find out, you'll never know! Best of luck.

K.