Is It Time to Go to work??Any Advice Would Help!

A.,

What a tough decision! I work outside the home and wish so very much that I could stay home with my kiddo! My only advice is to do what is best for your family and that may very well mean taking the job at your father's company. Think of it this way...by spending 3 D. a week in childcare your kiddos will be exposed to other children and other ways of doing things (I understand you have kept children but it is different when they don't have you there...they sometimes feel free to try new things without Mommy and/or Daddy next to them). This can sometimes be scary since they may be exposed to things that you would rather not have them around! If you decide to go back to work I would suggest finding a program that will allow you to do "part-time" care so that you don't have to pay for an entire week and also searching for a facility/provider that shares the same values you do. It has made a huge difference to us that our childcare provider is a strong Christian environment which is something that has been very important to us. Whatever you choose I wish you the best; I know it's not easy at all! Good luck & many blessings!

It sounds to me that you will actually be working less hours for more money. I understand that you will be away from your children more, but you might find that you will be less tired than you are now having children in your home all day. That would probably give you more energy to spend time with just your kids. I'm a SAHM, and LOVE it, but I would love an opportunity to work part time. It sounds like the perfect opportunity. It's the best of both worlds, especially working for family where there would be flexiblity. Also, just the money side of it is a no-brainer and would be best for your family.

That is one of the toughest decisions, especially with a new one on the way. My husband and I "took turns" being home with our daughter until she started Kindergarten. Now she is almost done with 1st grade. It hasn't been easy even with her in school. Since you already work, albeit at home, would the shorter work schedule with better pay outside the home be a better schedule for you and your family? Don't forget to factor in the cost of child care, tranportation, clothes, and other upkeep (ie, make-up, haircuts, etc) when making your decision. I have heard professional people talk about how they make less than $5/hr when they factor all that in. I often wonder what the point of that is. I would rather be a SAHM, but finances don't allow for it so I feel your pain. Is there anyway that you could take the job with your father for a trial period without losing the ability to go back to the in-home childcare if you decide that works better for your family? Good luck with your decision. It's a tough process.

I know when I had to go back to work after I had my oldest daughter I cried all the time!!! And now that I have a 9 months old I decided to start my own at home business without having to watch kids or selling stuff. I have been at it since December and I will be home soon and I can't wait!!! Maybe what I do could possibly be an option for you. Email and I can give you some info @ ____@____.com. I hope everything works out for you!!!!

~C.

I work for my parents keeping the books (AP, AR, PR, etc) for their construction company. I work from home, so rarely do i have to get all dressed up, but it is not a dreamy situation. My 2 angels are in MDO 10 hrs per week, but other than that i am on my own to pick up the slack, becasue hubby works a lot, too. the money is what keeps me goin but sometimes i hate getting wrapped up in the family drama. i do stay up many nights till 2 am and by morning glory gets up wanting breakfast at 6:30 am, so i am always worn out. i try to catch up on sleep on the weekends. if you want to talk about it email me at ____@____.com and i will do my best to answer any questions.
all the best, liz