After we found out we were pregnant we decided that I would not return to work once Gianna was born. We knew that we would have to tighten the belt a bit since we would be down to one income but we didn't worry too much about it since the hubs was going to reenlist in October and we were planning on using the bonus to pay off the rest of our credit card debt. The army has other plans and now the hubby can't reenlist until March. Which is fine but now we are going to have to tighten our belts even more until then.
One day when discussing finances and our bills we brought up the topic of me going back to work. I immediately started crying hysterically. I can't imagine leaving her alone with anyone. As I've stated in many post's Gianna is a high needs baby. She needs to be held all the time. I mean all the time. And right now I coddle her. She's my first and she is only little once so I cave in and hold her all the time. No one that works in a daycare would do that. If Gianna was the only kid they had all day then of course they could give her the attention she requires, but with four babies to one daycare provider it wouldn't be possible for them to do so. And that's not their fault. That's just the realty of daycare. They can't just give her all the attention and ignore the other kids!I would be stupid to expect them to
And even if I got a job am I only working just to work or would my income be significant enough to warrant going back to work. WE moved to a really small town. The only major store here is Walmart. The rest of the store's are your little mom and pop shops all family owned and ran. So getting a part time retail job would be a little difficult. And there aren't many other jobs available in this town.Especially in my career field. To get a job in my field I'm looking at a minimum of a 45 minute drive to work every day. Then you add in daycare. I priced a few here in town and the cheapest one is 125 bucks a week. Not to bad but if I'm driving an hour to work and an hour back, that's a lot of money going to gas. So in the end is the extra few dollar's I'd actually make worth going back to work for. Right now we decided that no it is not.
So for now I will be a stay at home mom. I have put us on a strict budget and we are trying to not spend frivolously. It's def doable but still an adjustment after two income's. Would the extra cash be nice, of course but I wouldn't give up any time spent with my little girl. With her dad being gone all the time due to work she needs one source of constant and stability in her life.
While I know this decision isn't for everyone it is the best for us right now. I have looked into selling scentsy or other home based businesses but since we live in a predominately military town everyone I know sells something! Everyday I have an invite to a 31, scentsy, partylite, pampered chef or mary kay party. No I don't go due to our budget but that also made me give up on a home based business like that. I do wish I could find some other way to work from home and bring in cash but there aren't too many options. Anyone have any good budgeting tips? Work from home options?
My husband and I decided the same thing when we found out I was pregnant, and then the Army changed plans for us too, as it does. I cried as well, but we've figured it out. I'd say the best thing I've done to help us budget is meal planning! It's shaved a couple hundred dollars off of our monthly expenses by keeping a list of what we have on hand in the cupboards and the freezer so I know exactly what we need. So inventory away, and know what you're having (at least for dinner) for a week or two out. I find doing the whole month at a time isn't easy to stick to for us, but two weeks at a time seems to work. Also, carry cash. Having cash leave your hand is eye opening, rather than using your debit card for everything. Makes a huge difference!
ReplyDeleteI like this site for inventory and shopping lists (links at the bottom of the webpage):
http://organizedhome.com/kitchen-tips/menu-planning-save-time-kitchen
Good luck!
Way to go, Mama. I know it's a hard decision, but I'm pretty sure our kids want us more than they want fancy things.
ReplyDeleteI think you definitely made the right decision. Nothing can ever replace the memories you will have with your little girl. You can always go back to work when she is much older.
ReplyDeleteWe pay using cash for almost everything and put our alloted amount of spending in an envelopes system. We have Food, house needs,Pet needs, entertainment, and kid needs. Whatever cash we have leftover in any of the envelopes goes into the rainy day fund envelope. Works really well for us and we dont spend unwisely. We are doing the Dave Ramsey program to get out of debt and in 12 months we paid off $22,000 in debt. WE will be debt free by Spring minus the house. :o)
ReplyDeleteI agree it is best to stay home. No one will love your baby the same as you and it should be you to be with them in these early years. You don't get these moments back. My son is almost 4yrs old and I have been with him everyday since he was 2 months old. I tried to go back to work and it killed me!! I literally made myself sick with worry everyday. I quit my job of 6 years so that I could be with him. I am just now going back to work and I am a photographer. I do very well for how flooded this area of work is. Everyone is a photographer. LOL
You are such a great Momma to Gianna. :o) Hope everything works out!!