Does anyone else pay out almost as much as they earn in childcare? And how do you justify it?

[GoldysMum]

I was asking because if I didn't have my mum doing a day I actually wouldn't be making any money after tax and travel. I am paying slightly more for childcare than if I had gone for other options but I feel like it's important to find the right person to be with my children, not someone who i've picked because they're cheaper or inexperienced. I'm thinking it is worth it because when they are both in school childcare will be cheaper and in the meantime I have a job I love and the prospect of career progression in future. However when juggling nannies, pickup times and nurseries I do think to myself that I might make life easier for everyone if I just stayed home and became my own childcare solution. We could manage just about on partners salary and what I bring home isn't paying the mortgage but I feel sad at the thought of giving up my job and being at home all day - much as I do adore my gorgeous children. Has anyone else been in this situation?

I think almost all working mums are in that situation! I was until I gave up for DS2!

iin a simila situation as have to return to work very soon after mat leave.works out i i would have barely £100 p/mth left after paying childcare fees.i earn very little as it is. How do you mums manage it? Its so depressing and worrying.

Try and think of it as you pay half the Childcare and your partner pays the other half. That way you are bringing in extra money. I had a friend who paid as much in childcare as she earned, but she said the cost to her career would be too great if she took 5 yrs off.

Firstly, what HSMM said - childcare costs are both parents' reponsibility, not just yours.

Secondly you said "...I have a job I love and the prospect of career progression in future." There's your answer. These nursery years are over before you know it. A little bit of hardship now is laying the foundations for your future life and career. It's a wise investment.

And I'm speaking as a sahm who gave up a career and now rues the day

Franke-agree with you
I left a job 12 months ago (teaching) and finding it hard to return. They want me to do a Return To Teaching course. It has been one year and they want me to do this!! Madness. Eleven years of teaching as well. Sorry rant over.
Yes it's great being with dc, childcare costs are super high but don't last forever. Find a good balance if you can.

I'm in the same position until DS1 starts school. I see it as an investment (teaching). It's not forever.

Although if I had three I might change my mind.

I think it depends on how much you like your job really. I really hated my job and resented it even more after I had children and lost most of my salary in childcare costs. So I packed it in and became a childminder. I really enjoy staying at home, going to playgroups and looking after babies. It is a real pleasure for me and does not feel like work. I do worry about the future though because if I ever want to go back to a 'proper job' it will be really difficult. I think if I had enjoyed my previous job then I probably would have just continued with it.

There's also pension to consider. I earn more than childcare but even if it was just a scrape more I'd still do it, because I'm in a final salary pension scheme that's now closed to new entrants. A six month break from work would potentially equal thousands of lost pension contributions throughout the rest of my working life

Because this is a temporary situation, its almost like asking how do you justify going to university.

It's a short term sacrifice for a long term financial benefit.

Hi, we are now having baby 4, 6,5,21mths already and the costs are just impossible - I do love to work and find that even just a few hours out of the house as an individual is rewarding but seriously doubting it will be worth it with 4...

Easy! How could you justify paying someone who cares for your most precious possession(s) much LESS than you earn doing something much less important?

Because the brutal truth of parental responsibility is that includes long-term financial planning, which involves paid work and career planning, and not just the short-term lovely bit of always being with your gorgeous children (short-term as they go to school and choose activities with their friends in the spare time, I mean, obviously they remain your children for life!)

Thanks guys, appreciate your responses - it's so hard weighing up all the decisions you make as a parent and hoping you are doing the right thing by them - good to hear what you all have to say about it - even the answers that add to the mummy guilt a bit!