Making a loss going back to work?

[Imeg]

I just wondered whether anyone else has gone/is planning to go back to work despite barely breaking even after childcare costs or even making a slight loss?

I wouldn't have said I really loved my job but I'm not sure that being at home 7 days a week is for me either (a bit to my surprise - I thought that I'd be fine being a SAHM). I'm looking at going back 2 days a week but for various reasons I will probably barely cover the nursery fees though income may fluctuate a bit seasonally. I am still tempted to go back but am wondering whether this is a really silly idea?

I should add that my husband has a stable job so we'll be fine either way and I know that I am therefore in a very lucky position compared to many but I was just wondering whether anyone else has made a similar decision?

Go back for your sanity if nothing else. Nursery fees won't last forever if you stay in your current employment it'll be easier to increase hours and progress as and when the dc are old enough to enable you to do so.

I don't have this problem as I am quite well paid. However DP has just been made redundant. I'm currently 29 weeks pregnant. If he can't get a job paying at least £300 over our childcare costs plus his fuel costs he probably won't go back to work till dc is a bit older.

Go back.
Many reasons but especially

Your sanity and other things to converse about
Your husband can be encouraged to pull his weight (apologies if he totally already does, but many don't)
Career progression
One day you may end up single again like me and trust me, having a job is a gift.

I'm aware you won't see my point of view for the benefits of this, but my life turned on a sixpence and I dread to think what position I would be in if I didn't work.

I'm not in this situation but I would say that working is about more than just how much money you make. If you think you will get something from it and be happier then it could be a good idea. Also, sometimes I think it's good to take a long term view of these things (promotion prospects / nursery fees won't last forever, carrying on your career instead of starting again later etc etc) rather than just looking at the money in / money out. Good luck with your decision and I hope you enjoy whatever you decide to do.

don't forget too that by working you'll be investing in your pension too and be eligible for maternity leave should you have another child. definitely go back.

Well it won't be your income that childcare fees will come out of, it's the joint household income. It helps to think of it in this way!

It's an investment. Your career can progress and one day the childcare costs will be gone. As said up thread, investing in your career is important for all the unknowns that await you.

Very similar situation but i went back two days last week. lovely to be back in the real world. x

You say you don't really love your job. If you could somehow change it for a job you liked more or even did love would that make your answer clearer?

Could you try some alternative childcare approaches eg you do a day for a friend and he / she does a day for you? (If you're part time that is).

I would go back to work since i am not cut out to be a sahm.

You need to factor in both salaries and deduct childcare from that.

I think its each to their own OP.
Definitely not for me as no way would I work for nothing or to break even, but I wanted to be a sahm from the start.
If it will cost you to work and you enjoy it I suppose you could justify the costs by seeing it as a hobby or interest.
One of the bonuses of being a sahm is you have no childcare hassles, don't have to find emergency cover for ad hoc school closures, get to join the school community, help on trips, school assemblies etc.
Also factor in the long holidays when you still need childcare.
I wouldn't swop for the world, but everybody is different and you should do whats right for you.

After dc2 I probably won't clear a lot over childcare in the short run and I have to go back 5 days but I choose to do it - love my dc, could never do it 7 days a week - dh travels, works long hours and many weekends and the break from my dc keeps me sane although I do feel guilty, wish I was better with them.

Hmmm, lots of sensible ideas, thank you. I do think the point about taking the childcare out of joint income is fair, and I have thought about that - if I only have to cover half the childcare then the financial aspect is healthier. I suppose you could even argue that as husband earns a lot more he should pay more of it.

The baby is very outgoing and I think he will really enjoy nursery so I suppose I could also see it as working in order to pay for him to go there.

I do also see the longer term career benefits - I think I would have to have a career break if we have another one but at least it would be shorter if I go back for a bit now.
The idea of sharing childcare with a friend is appealing in some ways but I'm not sure I'm up to looking after two mobile babies/toddlers all day! I can see this might work when they're older though for before and after school arrangements.

Thank you all for your comments, it does help to think things through.