What is the point of working???

[PussinJimmyChoos]

I work p/t and I'm finding that after nursery fees every month, there isn't that much left over for anything much...am increasingly feeling that I'd rather be at home instead of frantically juggling it all.

However, DS (nearly two) really really loves nursery and its doing him so much good, that if I did become a SAHM, we wouldn't be able to afford to send him and I think he would really be missing out!

WWYD?

If I had to make the choice again I would stay p/t because after 14 years as a SAHM I found it impossible to get any job at all. At least you're keeping your options open and can increase your hours in the future

Agree with Ecmo. I was working for virtually nothing when I had two little ones in nursery, but like you, I found that they benefited hugely from the nursery, they loved it and had lots of interaction/activities which they just wouldn't have got at home. So I saw it in a way as working to be able to offer them this rich experience. Also as Ecmo says, you're keeping your options open, remaining in the job market, because it wont be long before your children are in school and you ARE reaping the financial rewards. A lot of people find it really hard to get back into the job market so I would be reluctant to give it up as your ds is doing so well, There's a lot more to working than just the money- although that's nice too!!

You mean beyond money? TBH, I've never determined any other benefit to it besides that myself.

Money, money, money

PJC -- if he's your only child or youngest, I would definitely keep the job. The money & career path will be good in long run (even if it's only an extra tenner a month at the moment).

Trickier if you want more dc, though.
What about getting another job which you might enjoy more for its own sake?

ditto littlelapin

Long-term earning-potential, a pension!

Hmm, self-respect, escape from being considered a domestic appliance, adult conversation, keeping up to an extent with your professional skills...
Oh, and remember, you're only a 'SAHM' if you're in a couple-relationship and relatively middle-class. If you are single, or poor, the proper term is 'workshy benefit scrounger'.

To have a break from demanding children.

Financial independence.

Ability to support family as insurance should dh not be around or able to work for whatever reason. Relieves him of sole breadwinner pressure.

The flexibility to give dcs a financial leg up.

Less importantly, to give dcs a role model for women working.

But mostly, the money is too good

1. Financial independence. I don't want to be dependent on anyone other than myself.

Anyhow, approximately half of all marriages end in divorce, those odds aren't good.

1. I like the nature of the work, which is hard, and challenging and I am not terribly good at it, but it keeps my brain alive. I've no idea how sahms keep their brains alive. In fact I suspect they don't.

1. I like the adult company. Like minded professionals. Reasoned adults. All good.

1. I like the £££. This is a different issue from independence. It means I have options. I can afford stuff like private schools and if I want to buy a ridiculously expensive watch or car or something then I can. I mainly don't but I like having the option.

All I'll say is that you might not earn a lot now, but that might change over the years.

Going back to work next week part time and really looking forward to the time with dd and the time with work.........

Maybe you should aspire to work somewhere you get more out of than money if that's not happening.

What Quattro says.
Remember it's also true that a lot can change within a fairly short time when you are in the world of work, which is another reason for keeping in the market. It's about choice as Quattro says. We had a few years of being pretty hard up with nursery fees etc, but a few years down the line things are very different. It is empowering to know that you can buy something expensive, pay for private schools etc - even if you choose not to, it's having the choice that makes the difference.

What Quattro says.
Remember it's also true that a lot can change within a fairly short time when you are in the world of work, which is another reason for keeping in the market. It's about choice as Quattro says. We had a few years of being pretty hard up with nursery fees etc, but a few years down the line things are very different. It is empowering to know that you can buy something expensive, pay for private schools etc - even if you choose not to, it's having the choice that makes the difference.

It's definitely worth hanging in there.

When my lads were small & I worked PT I worked out that by the time I'd paid for nursery, a SN nanny for DS1, cleaning lady, ironing lady and gardener I was earning £16 a week, but in the long run it worked out, now no childcare costs, have increased earnings & without having kept my hand in all those years it would be virtually impossible to get a good job in my field now.

Stick with it, would be my advice

Pride?

Binkle - I would have pride as a SAHM...I think its a very important job...but sadly, one that doesn't pay well!!

Its a good point re keeping my hand in as the childcare costs won't be there forever and then all the extra money can go towards saving for DS, his future....oh and handbags for me of course

Pmsl at Brian stimulation!!!

Oh I know what you mean - I have been a SAHM for the last 4 years, I just meant a different kind of pride or perhaps empowerment is a better word.

Ahh, now I get you

I find my work interesting.

I like my colleagues.

I like being in town and being able to go to shops easily at lunchtime or on way home if I plan things right.

I like being able to buy my lunch and have different things each day that I don't have to cook.

I like having the door open for options for doing other things in the future.

and I like earning money, too, and being able to buy things and go on holiday.