WTF?? It is so freaking expensive.
I plan to go back to work in January. My MIL has said she will watch the babies two days a week. My mom said she can watch them one day a week. OK, so that's three days, what about the other two? No daycare is going to have an opening for THREE infants. So I began to look into a nanny...OK the going rate is about $15/hour. We can do that if it's for two days/week. So that might solve the issue from January to May when we are off for the summer. Now, what about the next year? I know I am getting ahead of myself but that's how I think. I need to have some sort of a plan.
There comes a point financially when going to work isn't even worth the money but as I've said before, I WANT to work. I NEED to work. Plus, I don't think we could survive on my DH's teaching salary alone. I could go part time but that would mean I would lose tenure and have to pay OOP for my health care benefits. It's just too much to think about right now.
I know we will make it work, there is no other option. For now though, I worry.
Thanks for listening.
9 comments:
I initially had the same concerns...and still do to some extent. I am going to go back to work in September 2011 and need to figure out daycare. Like you, my MIL is willing to do a couple days a week but I've got to find something for the rest.
Here's my take on things...and this is what hubby always says (I think it finally sank in). "It will all work out. It always does." When I think about that, it's very true. I'm a control freak and an organized person and can't usually leave things, but in this case, I've decided I just simply cannot worry about the things that I can't control. I'll worry more when the time comes.
I hope you get things sorted out. How are you feeling?
I come from a different school of thought I guess, because I don't want to work and I don't need to work. But since that's part of what YOU want - is it possible for your husband to stay home instead? At least until the kids are in preschool?
Even if you had to stay home for the first 4 years (which sounds like a long time, but would fly). You'd still be able to get another teaching job when you were ready to return, especially if you were previously tenured.
That said, if you are able to get a nanny who can watch the babies two days a week, then that would work during the school year as well.
Things will work themselves out, they always do. GL!
It IS a lot of think/worry about. Especially for three.
I remember be totally stressed and I initially WORKED at the daycare my son went to...so if that tells you anything! lol
Hang in there. I bet when the babies come, you'll be forced to only think about the "immediate future" and you've already got that scheduled. :)
We are worried about that too, and we've just got twins on the way. I would say this is the #1 thing Si and I stress about! We still haven't figured it out, but I can tell you there is no way we can afford to put them in daycare at a center and nannies are about the same price. It's definitely stressful to think about. I'm hoping to follow the other commenters logic and say it will work itself out
I sure as heck hope it does anyway -for both of us! I'm such a planner too and not having a firm plan is driving me bananas! Hang in there Meghan!
Niki-
We couldn't survive on either one of our incomes alone. When I look at what we pay for a mortgage and other necessary bills, it's just not possible. We both need to work.
I wish I had some good advise, but I don't. I am very lucky that my Mother is retired. She would watch my twins everyday if needed, but since my DH is a fireman he watches them on his days off. I couldn't even imagine having to pay child care for 2 much less 3. I agree with you and everyone else it will work out. Please don't get too stressed out. Take care of yourself and those babies. I will say an extra prayer for you.
I have twins, that have just turned five and entering kindergarten! Hard to believe but it did fly by, that being said we used a babysitter/nanny. I put an add in the paper and also on craigslist. I used my cell phone and had people leave messages. I only called back those that sounded reasonable on the message. I then narrowed it down to three people and screened them again through our police station. We ended up the a god send of a woman (she was in her 50's, not what I thought we would get in the beginning but experienced moms are the best!! when it comes to childcare.) and hired her for $10hr. We live in CT, granted it was four years ago now, but I bet you could get someone very great for $13. She also did the kids laundry, and cleaned up a little. It was so great. I only worked three days a week, but definately needed that schedule to stay sane. Dont feel guilty for wanting to work, if that makes you happy, it will make you a better mom when you are happy. Staying home all day is very very hard. I did it for the first year and went back to work not for monetary reasons but for sanity! As you said it will all work out, kids are expensive...but well worth it! best of luck!
We only had the worry of 3 in daycare for a short period of time and I know how overwhelmed I felt. It must be so hard when it becoming a reality. I am glad you have a good solution for the immediate future and hopefully you will be able to find something that works for all of you long term. Childcare costs are so expensive. We have a nanny and we had to cut out alot of things to make it work.
I do not know about the USA but in Canada you can sponsor a nany for about 1000.00 a month way cheaper then childcare plus they help out at home with housework and meals..
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