Should I quit work? Please help advise!

[MathildaF]

So, not a new issue, but would really appreciate some help. Currently I work full time. I have one son who is 16 months old. So far I haven't had to use childcare thanks to family nearby. However, this can't continue for much longer. Basically, I need to decide asap whether to put him into full time childcare or give up work to look after him. I'm fortunate in that my husband earns a decent wage and we can afford for me to stay at home (we are not rich by any stretch but will get by). I cannot work part time so that is not an option. I know I sound mad to even be asking this, I mean who likes work! But, I have to think of the future and also how I will feel dossing around at home and not earning a living when I am perfectly fit and able. We would like to have another kid but I am 40 and not sure whether this will happen.

At 16 months, your DS will probably enjoy childcare and the company of other children.

If you go back to work, you might miss him dreadfully for a while, especially on Mondays. But the benefits you gain might offset those pangs.

I don't want to try to answer for you, as every mother's situation is different. What I can suggest, based in my own experience, is to not focus too much on the short-term effects -- that is, the huge chunk of your weekly wage likely to be gobbled up by childcare. Look at how the next stage of your career is likely to unfold, and whether going back to work now, rather than waiting a few years, will put you on a more solid footing in the workforce re promotion, education and superannuation.

If you go back to work, will your family be willing to help out on some occasional weekend or evening? You might need their help just so you can have a rest sometimes.

Oh, and make sure DH helps with the housework, or you will soon be exhausted.

Is your employment a job you can drop and maybe pick back up ina few years or is it a career you have been building?

Your DS will get the free nursery hours when turns three so apart from wraparound care you may require your child care costs will reduce dramatically then.

If you go back to work will you take on housework between you both or factor in costs such as cleaner to help out?

I would keep working FT and try for baby #2. At 16 months nursery is great as they get lots of socialization. If you have a second I would consider taking more than a year off if you are able to return at a later date.