New York, with a baby, both of us working: any advice?

[Gemmitygem]

My DH has potentially been offered a job in NY. We have a 2 month old baby. I would try to get a job there as well and work full time.

Anyone have any advice or feelings about this? My gut feeling is 'no way' because I fear that childcare will be expensive, we'll have to live far from where we work and most jobs I could get will only have 10 days holiday a year..

grateful for any thoughts..

Would you have to work full-time gemmitygem? My hubby was offered a job in NY but after hearing the hours they work over there we went to Oz instead. He works long hours here, but at least I have my family around me.
I think it would be a great opportunity, but think long and hard why you are going and how ill you acheive your goals while you are there.
Our reasons for working in other countries have always been to experience a different lifestyle, travel around, but most importantly to enjoy a better standard of living than we do here.
Sorry for rambling on, I hope I haven't been too negative, good luck with your decision.
xxx

Hi, I live in US but in Boston area. Childcare is v. expensive. Here for a good daycare center, an infant will be about $2000 a month and that is for 'tuition' only. YOu supply everything else (nappies / wipes / food etc). That would be for a 9+ hour day.

If you would be working in the city, you may be better to live there too and cut down on commute. The idea of you both commuting into the city and working long hours sounds like the worst of all worlds.

However, that being said, you may be lucky to find a job outside the city and live nearby with daycare in same area.

Also from my own experience - both myself and hubbie work full time with 2 small kids. The first year (winter esp) in daycare is the hardest for babies as they pick up so many bugs and are often out sick. So depending on your employer this may be hard going.

On the plus side, being new to the area, you will meet more people and it may be less lonely for you working and also meeting other parents via daycare. We actually met quite a few friends via the kids ;)

Also on the holiday front, many companies do offer more than 10 days and this can be negotiated (even try to negotiate some unpaid leave and get it in writing !).

Good luck whatever you decide.

Gemmitygem.

I live in a New Jersey about 45 minutes outside of Manhatten. A lot of people live in my area and commute to work, and in some cases it may be better for you to hire a nanny than send your child to daycare, It could save you a lot of aggravation.

Don't limit yourself to New York because it can get extrememly expensive for not so nice places to live.

thanks for tips..

Basically I'm not too keen, from the commute/childcare point of view, and also scared of getting a job in the US (we're working in central Asia at the moment which is very different). Am close to telling DH 'no' but have promised to research the situation first...

If we didn't have kids, would probably jump at the chance, but we have a 2 month old son, so if/when I move from my current job I want to make sure it's to a child friendly job..

will keep you posted! thanks again all!

Are you sure you could actually get a visa to work there apart from the childcare issue?

well, he says yes,, me being able to work would be a 'sine qua non' of us going there...

The more I think about it, the more I don't want to go!

I'm enjoying life in Kazakhstan and my job for now anyway, so we'll see..