Rather shocked at cost of childcare for 2 DC's - makes returning to work look rather unattractvie

[bojangles]

Maybe I was being naive but I am utterly shocked to discover the cost of sending 2 dc's to nursery and the pittance that I will be left with from the salary of the job I am applying for. Is it really worth all the effort for such little money? Please try and convince me that there would be other benefits to returning to work which would make this rather bitter pill slightly easier to swallow.

Yes bojangles I think its worth the effort for a small amount of money because:

These childcare costs are temporary, they will improve once your children start school, so money maybe short for a while, but it will eventually improve and in the meantime you are hopefully furthering your career, gaining experience etc etc.

You don't say whether or not you are married. If your not married, only living together, then it's even more important for you to stick to your career as if your relationship were to break down, you wouldn't be entitled to the benefits a married woman would get.

Even if you are married, it's still worth maintaining a career in the event of divorce etc.

Your working life spans 45 years, childcare costs will gradually get smaller and smaller and will be zero once in secondary school.
I had twins and decided not to go back to work because of the reasons you cited - I decision I regret now even though I have been happily married for 15 years. I have no career prospects and am having to retrain now at the age of 42. Not moaning, just saying.

I'd say go for it. Grit your teeth and get your chequebook out, its not forever.

Good luck

bojangles are there some cheaper alternatives that you could consider to get through the first couple of (tough) years?

We used childminders who gave us a discount for second child, plus DH and I both dropped a day which meant we needed 3xdays of care. I realise we were lucky to be able to.

nametaken talks sense about keeping your career going etc. And yes it will be easier once they are in school.

With 2 cost wise it may be worth considering a nanny which means that your DCs would be looked after at home and you wouldn't have to worry about pick ups and drop offs.

ooh look, I'm on one of your threads again

I would opt for a nanny over the nursery if finances allow. Or get some good back up cover in place.

When i went back to work the first time, mine picked up EVERY bloody bug that went round the nursery and I spent more time going back to pick them up than I did at work. It was a nightmare! (and then one of them got conjunctivitis and had to be off for another couple of days and then she gave it to her brother and on and on and on...)

There may also be non-pay benefits to working. I don't make much over the cost of childcare but I do get pension contributions and family health insurance which is quite valuable to me as dh's company doesn't give any health cover.

have you factored in all the tax credits you will receive as well like WTC and any childcare voucher schemes you can use?

Agree that childcare costs can be a huge disincentive to return to work, but I would also say that the benefits my DD has gained has been worth every single penny of compromises made.

Also wanted to mention that the nursery school DD attends charges 50% for siblings - maybe could find out about childcare providers in your area offering reductions.

Thanks for all your messages. Problem is the job I am applying for isn't really career advancement but would get me back at work. The salary is lower than my last job as I am essentially over qualified for the job. I suspect that the problem here is more about the suitability of this particular job and its salary rather than the actual costs. My Mum helps out lots but she currently has my 3 year old nephew and having my two as well would be too much on her. We aren't entitled to any tax credits or WTC because of DH's income.

I could look at other nurseries etc but I like the one I hvae seen - I know people who send there children there and we have had some quite bad expereinces at nurseries before so I am a little sensitive. This nursery is charging pretty average though for the area.

If it was a job that I knew had prospects and would offer me career advancement then I would be happier to accept the expense of childcare but I am thinking that it might be better to hold off for something better rather than grabbing this opportunity just because I could do the job standing on my head!

bojangles - it makes no sense at all to forfeit being with your DCs in order to see all your salary swallowed up by childcare costs unless the job is very exciting and/or career enhancing.

I think you would be better off holding out for a job that is worth that many sacrifices.

I've got several friends who have chosen to be sahm s but do Pampered Chef as a proper job - if you can get dp to do childcare in evening this makes it easier. They are doing very well and this is now their 'career'. I do it as a secondary thing, but can give you more information if it sounds interesting.

mistlethrush, pampered chef does sound interesting. Tell us more.

Childminder?

I had just this dilemma and was determined NOT to end up giving most of my wages to a childminder/nursery just so that i could go to work.
Don't know what it's like in your area but around my way they are DESPERATE for Home carers for all shifts and they can't get enough of them.
The pay is much better that shop work and most give you a mileage allowance and sometimes if they are VERY busy they offer enhanced pay sometimes ten times the usual pay!
I've found it quite rewarding, not just moneywise, but for the fact you are helping another person stay independent in their own home.
I work less than 20 hours a week and can take home over £600 a month, which is more than i used to earn in my old job with 36hrs and 2hr commutes.
AB

Pampered Chef do fantastic kitchenware - its only sold through 'party plan' - ie I turn up at someone's house (by arrangement!) with things out of my kitchen (made by Pampered Chef) and do a little demo and talk about the things I've brought along and guests are able to try things out then order if they wish. I don't actively sell things - I demonstrate things and I will only say what I think - but I think that the majority of things are absolutely fabulous.

I also have a professional job (and ds, 2.6) but like doing this as well - its great to go out and have adult conversation and a fun time as well as to make a bit of money.

You can roughly anticipate to earn between £15 - £20 per hour right from the start, with minimal set-up costs. There are no franchises, and its very supportive, with lots of training available (mainly free) if you want it.

There are several people in my team that have started their own Pampered Chef businesses because they want to be able to spend time during the day with their children but either want (or need) some financial independance or just want something to put their mind to which is fun and also gets them some adult conversation. Other people are doing it as their husbands have just retired and the house is too full - or because they fall in love with the products and want more of them (I must confess to be a bit like this too).

Let me know if you want further information!

Thank you all again, I don't really want just a 'job' to get the cash as we aren't struggling that much and could afford for me to be at home, but I am professionally qualified and would like to get back in to my area . Thank you for all the suggestions and some sound really interesting but I have been dabbling as a real nappy agent, book agent and teaching tatty bumpkin. These have all been fun but they don't get me back into my career. I am having doubts that this job will either. Sorry but posted another thread a few days ago about choice of jobs so don't want to bore people again, but there a few possibilities but the job that pays lower is essentially between me and another candidate and would be pretty easy in terms of location and actual work - only downside is that I bearly cover the childcare and as it is a local authority job it is on a set pay scale and no possibility for real enhancment. In fact the more I type about it the more I see it wouldn't be the best move!

I agree with Anna on this one as I dearly love being with my DC's and don't want to sacrifice it unless it is both financially and professionally rewarding.

My only motivation to go back to work was to try and get my career back on track.

hi bojangles, i REALLY sympthise with you as this will be the choice i will have to face in a few weeks if i decide to become a sahm (posted elsewhere, we've met on another board!!)

once you've left a 'career', you'd have to be bloody lucky to walk back into it, and like you my DH earns too much (can't believe i'm saying that) to allow for benefits, so for me it seems its either work full time, have a career and part time children who have everything they want in the way of toys, clothes, trips etc or be a sahm on a challenging v limited budget with a full time child who gives me more than any job ever could. its me or him. think i'm talking myself into it!

but in your position right now, i'd hang on to see if something even a little better comes along. how long have you been looking?

hello again SBW - 'a full time child who gives me more than any job ever could' has just brought tears to my eyes.

Not been looking long and not seriously looking but this particualr job was an unexpected vacancy having been contacted by the organisitation after a similar post has arisen to one I had previously applied for. I've just had details of the salary scale and at worst child care would take 85% of salary and at best 70% so I'm not going for it as it just doesn't make any sense.

There is lecturing job that I am supposed to be completing the app form as we speak (due tomorrow by e mail!) which is a MUCH better salary and much more flexible for holiday times.

I am also thinking stay at home for a bit longer and have another baby and worry about it all in few years!!!

Hi Bojangles.
The lecturing job sounds better is it possible to wait and see what happens from that?

Well, if you want something to put your mind to in the meantime and would like a little extra cash when you want to do it, Pampered Chef is very flexible - lots of people do it right up to when baby is born, and take some time off then restart when they want to. Might just be something interesting to do to get you out of the house the odd evening - when your dc will be in bed so won't miss you!

Hi MarshaBrady - yes the lecturing post is much better and I have actually just withdrawn from the other post - if you have more doubts than good things about a job then it obviously isn't right. TBH I am coming back full circle just to staying at home with my two. That is until(if) I get an interview for the lecturing post.

Who knows Mistlethrush maybe I will look at pampered chef.

Thank you for all your posts it has been so helpful to hear your experiences and suggestions.
x

Please can you contact me if you want some more information? try www. pamperedchef.biz /sarahrushton

• I'm really lucky to be in a great team which has fantastic support - which you can also be part of if you would like.

I hope that the lecturing post comes through for you - sounds much better. No point in the other job.

A friend of mine who is a solicitor has a job (post maternity leave) with a further education establishment - part time, which suits her much better than a high pressure job in her last place of employment.

Best of luck with what ever you decide!