Is there a point in me going back to work?

[briggsy's girl]

Approx after tax income and FTB part A (mothers share of FTB

just to clarify

there is NO "mum's share" of FTB

FTBA is based on combined income of both parents
FTBB is based on the lower income earner and the age of the youngest child

in our case, and many others here on BB, FTBB (if payable) is paid based on the fathers income.

[nothing2lose]

Personally, I think there's something else you need to factor into the equation.

What would it add to your sense of esteem and accomplishment going back to work?

I realise everyone is an individual, but for many, this is what is "priceless" about working outside the home.

Something to ponder

Good luck with your decision.

[Mildez]

I've been asking myself this same question. DH is a low income earner ($27000) last financial year and this year is looking even worse. Whilst I was working before DD no 3 was born combined we were not eligable for much FTB and definately no health care card or other benefits. I can't go back to work at the moment as DH can't cope with the kids. Our youngest is 6weeks old. I'd like to return 1 or 2days a week at the end of the year but then anything we are now entitled to we know longer will be. So I will be working for no more money then I will get staying at home. DH will be more stressed and the kids will miss out. DH doesn't do swimming lessons, piano, athletcis etc that they do with me. We fight more.

The bad thing about me not returning to work is the loss of my skills. I work as a midwife or did up until 6weeks ago. For us to be financially better off then we currently are I need to return to work a minimum of 6days a fortnight and for DH to care for the kids so they don't go to daycare. Daycare for us means unhappy children, loss of work and income for either DH or I as the kids constantly have colds, gastro, even whooping cough in the past etc. For us its just not worth it. It was when we had 2 children but now with 3 thats another story.

[Astrid]

Personally, I think there's something else you need to factor into the equation.

What would it add to your sense of esteem and accomplishment going back to work?

I realise everyone is an individual, but for many, this is what is "priceless" about working outside the home.

Something to ponder

Good luck with your decision.

Very true. I know for me I was getting to that point where it was going to get too hard to get back in to a decent job, at a decent rate. My best jobs and associated referees were getting a bit "old" and knowledge out of date. I was risking about $7 per hour if I did not go back soon.

Also going back to work can save you money depending on your circumstance. I know above all the extra costs have been listed, but in my case I have found that I was not out of pocket. For example I drink tea, most work places provide that. When I work, I buy less tea for home. Childcare provides meals, so there is a home expense that is dropped, same with activities. I go through less paint, playdough etc the less the kids are at home. As for petrol, car maintenance etc well I am out of town, so have to drive in a lot anyway, so I just do what I can on the trips to and from work, or ask DH to get what he can on his way home, so petrol and wear & tear does not go up. The biggest saver I have found is with electricity, we save over $100 a quarter even with me only working part-time. In the past I have had a job where I had lunch provided, plus discounts on purchases, another saving there It is good to see both sides, not just the negative when making such a huge decision.

Best of luck!

[briggsy's girl]

Personally, I think there's something else you need to factor into the equation.

What would it add to your sense of esteem and accomplishment going back to work?

I realise everyone is an individual, but for many, this is what is "priceless" about working outside the home.

Something to ponder

Good luck with your decision.

definitely weigh it all up - this point can be really important!

for us, for DH to return to work now, we would end up worse off. His ability to obtain employment in his normal field doesn't exist any more for health reasons. his skill set (and what he is able to train up in due to the issues he has) leave him with minimal opportunity apart from doing farm labour work - most of which is casual, and a significant drive away. for him to be able to go to work, he needs to work a full day to make it even close to viable when tax, ftb changes, travel expenses etc are taken into account - and we are in a "lucky" position in that we don't have to pay for child care due to family taking DD for us. there is just no guarantee of casual work providing that sort of consistency for us. and because it's an unskilled position, they can essentially get anyone to do the job so there is nowhere to negotiate on wages. Instead, to stop him feeling "stale" and to help that boost of feeling useful outside of the house, he does some volunteer work at lifeline. the positive change in him in the months he has been there is quite significant. he isn't bringing in any money (it probably costs us a bit in travel bus, as Astrid mentioned, he does a lot of "chores" while out, so probably not really that much) but his self esteem is doing a whole lot better

[fromscratch]

just to clarify

there is NO "mum's share" of FTB

FTBA is based on combined income of both parents
FTBB is based on the lower income earner and the age of the youngest child

in our case, and many others here on BB, FTBB (if payable) is paid based on the fathers income.

Thanks for the clarification

There have been a few very good points made.
Such as your sense of esteem and accomplishment, retaining work skills and quols.

[coolshades]

Well there's a lot to think about, you do have to way up whether it's financially fiable or not, and do the nuts and bolts of it and this may raise a few hairs on a few backs (Link removed by moderator) I filled in the poll and it's interesting the results, anyway lets know how you go?

[Astrid]

Interesting blog - not. There is no ability to comment. If putting up a narrow view, then at least allow people to respond. Also it is just full of ads and no content.