Advice from any contractor mommy

[mmo0690]

Hi,
I am IT contractor and am expecting a baby end of July. I quite like my contracting career so far. So much flexibility to take breaks, more money, variety of tech stacks and sectors.

I would like to go back to work after delivery. But the thought of leaving a newborn to a stranger (nanny/childminder) makes me feel guilty. Also, would like to move to a bigger house in a good area.

We have been thinking of a few options:

1. Stop working for a year to raise the kid and back to contracting after. Possibly live off any saving I have. This will reduce the saving pot size for mortgage, possibly push back the date to get a new house.
2. Go back to work but leave the baby with relative/friend/child carer.
3. Go back to permanent job with some WFH days which can give some quality time with the child. Possibly earning less and less enjoyable as it has limited variety of work.

What did you do when you have first child while contracting and your partner is also in a full time employment?

thanks,

I haven’t exactly been in your position as DH and I are both Contractors but didn’t start until the children were older
The only thing that concerns me for you is that taking a year off might de- skill you ( or give that impression to clients). DH is constantly keeping himself current and at 45 he is still learning new (IT) languages

Are there any part time contracts? It would be very hard to leave a small baby. It is hard to have time with Kids when working from home, they need more attention than you can give when working.