What to do what to do....

Hopingfor1soon · #1 April 5th, 2011, 03:03 PM

So I had decided that I was going to SAH with my little man and just babysit a couple of other kids part time. Well right when I went to tell my boss he tells me that I am going to be switching positions. Basically, to the job that I really wanted and that I am getting the equivalent of a 13% pay raise!!! Umm...that is huge! That makes a BIG difference on our financial situation. So what the heck should I do? UGH! Its not that I cant afford to stay home, but I do need to babysit to keep us comfortable (thank you student loans!). We would have quite a bit more money if I do go to work, but at the same time I will be missing out on time with Mason. UGH I HATE this!

Pebblesbuddy · #2 April 5th, 2011, 03:16 PM

I personally would stay at home. But that's just me. I wouldn't want to miss out on the early years and seeing all his first smiles and first rolling over etc. Are the hours normal or would you need to work overtime? Would Mason go to daycare or be watched by family? It's definitely a tough decision. Maybe see if you can work part time? Good luck let us know your decision

Mrs.Paradise · #3 April 5th, 2011, 04:23 PM

wow that is a hard decision... but one that only you can answer... I hope you figure out whats best for your family! good luck!

ChristinaR · #4 April 5th, 2011, 05:19 PM

That's a tough one! Would you have to use daycare in order for you to go back to work? If so then I think I would stay home because the extra money would just be going to pay the sitter. I'd still probably want to stay at home if I could. Good luck with your decision. KUP

daneeleigh · #5 April 5th, 2011, 05:42 PM

Idk, that is such a tough one. With the economy sucking so bad these days, a 13% pay raise is huge. Gas for me is 4.49 a gallon by my house just as a side portion of how expensive things are getting. Not to mention of how much it's going to be to send our kids to college one day. Idk, I would definitely have to sit down and see how much of a difference in finances it would make our how much it could allow yall to possibly put aside for the future.

jensma · #6 April 5th, 2011, 09:19 PM

i'd do the work...that jmo!

Soape · #7 April 6th, 2011, 03:53 AM

Oh that is a tough one. I agree with the others when they say that it's up to you. It's not how much time that you spend with him but the quality of the time that you get to spend with him that matters. If you think that working this new job will make you more tired and less patient then it might not be worth it. If you think that you would be happier doing this job versus taking care of extra children in your home then it might be worth it.

I will add that going part time was the decision that I made when Kennedi got here. I was really nervous about doing it at first. since then we have found ways to decrease how much money we use and I LOVE only working part time. It was the best decision for us. I hope that god will help you make this decision.

KDD · #8 April 6th, 2011, 08:38 AM

Why not give the new position a try for say 6 weeks and see how it goes before making a final decision?

Hopingfor1soon · #9 April 6th, 2011, 09:53 AM

Thanks ladies. TBH I would LOVE to stay home with Mason, but to do so and keep us comfortable and not stressed about money I have to watch extra children which takes away from the time I get to spend with him anyways. I am going to talk to my boss and see if me working from home in May is an option. If I can do that in May then in June-August my sisters and mom can look after him so I wont need any daycare. By then I should have a better idea of if I like the position and how being away from Mason is for me. Right now his most fun awake time is from 5PM-10PM anyways so I would get to be there for all of that since I work 7-4. But I am still struggling with the thought of leaving him, but that money is so nice...its about an extra $1000 in spending money a month after daycare costs...
Luckily Mason's grandparents and great grandparents are funding his college and he already has about $20,000 in his fund, but I would love to be able to do the same for our grandchildren one day and that money would help alot!
So much to consider...

MommyPoky · #10 April 6th, 2011, 12:26 PM

Oh man, if you can afford to stay home with him, you should do it. Money is tigher for us than I'd love, but being able to be here and see Josie roll over for the first time, laugh, crawl, it's just amazing. I wouldn't trade my time with her for any amount of money in the world.

Hopingfor1soon · #11 April 6th, 2011, 01:42 PM

I think we are going to have to sit down and re-evaluate our finances and see. If I can comfortably afford to stay home I want to. If not I will go back to work.

PiXiE*DuSt · #12 April 6th, 2011, 06:20 PM

I'd say if you have a family member that can watch him I'd go back to work..just the way the economy is right now that increase is huge. You wouldn't have to stress about providing for the family. Now if you have to use daycare thats expensive. Around here its 200 a week, so i guess you would see if its worth it or not money wise. I would prob take the job tho, lol.

MarinaAndCharlie'sMommy · #13 April 7th, 2011, 02:47 AM

I definately agree that this is a decision that will be totally up to you and your DH. I also agree though that if you have to watch other children it will most certainly take away from your quality time with Mason. Me and a friend were watching each others kiddos for each other for a few months after I got off maternity leave and it was awful!!! Personally I felt like I was so busy watching that little boy that I felt like I was neglecting Marina which made me feel worse since those were my "days off." Just wanted to share my experience with you... Of course I would jump at the chance to be a SAHM, though! Anyway, I know you will make the best decision for your family. Good luck and let us know what you decide

NortheastWifey · #14 April 16th, 2011, 07:18 PM

I was in the same spot about a year ago, Alicia, and I decided to stay home. I watch a friend's daughter on MWF (darn college loans!!) but I wouldn't trade the last almost year for anything. Being home with Amelia has been such a gift.

Micksbabe · #15 April 16th, 2011, 07:27 PM

I think all the ladies have given you great advice!! I love being a SAHM and spending every minute with my baby girl, but I am planning on going back to work once the kids are in school, maybe

I have a different situation though because DH is going to be working n Australia (starting in 12days!!!) so he is gone for a whole month, home for a month. We felt it would be better for Hunter to have me home with her so she had the consistancy.

Hopingfor1soon · #16 April 20th, 2011, 10:54 AM

Thanks ladies! Well we actually just made a final decision this weekend. I will be going back to work on May 16th. We are going to try it out and see how it goes for the summer and then go from there!