It is a really hard decision to make. I went back to work when Ds1 was 10mo, I lasted 3 weeks (3 days/week). I just couldn't leave him, I found it so hard, knowing I was going to miss out his milestones and just generally missed him. He was with DH's aunty and cousin (who loved him to bits and he enjoyed being with them).
we were able to manage me not working, just. I started doing family day care just before he turned 3, this was after DH was retrenched and we moved in with his family, when we got our own place again, we needed the second income. I stayed doing this until I was pg with Ds2 and began spotting (after 3 years of ttc and fertility treatment there was no way I was going to risk that pg). I started back again when he was almost 3 as well. I've just had baby number 3 and have taken 9 weeks off, starting back this week, financially I just had to come back early, we have used almost every dollar in our bank accounts - just happens to be that time of the year when all the big bills come in together, (tax, car insurances x 2, electricity, water, etc)
Could you look at working from home, either with your current job, or starting something new? Or working part-time (I can't remember if you have a full time/part time job already)
Thankyou all so much - its certainly given me something to think about. Sunshine I needed to hear that, of course I'm not the only Mum missing her baby! Mollycat thanks for sharing your story (I went back at 10 months for 3 days too!), I am part-time only but even that doesn't feel doable. Thanks for the ideas MrsS, nickle! We are very lucky in that we may be able to get by with me working just a little bit..I will look into it!
Panda - hope you come up with something you're happy with!
We are just managing with me being a full time SAHM. It just didn't suit for me to go back into teaching just yet, and i didn't think doing part time admin jobs would be financially more beneficial once you take into account cc and travel costs, etc.
Its a struggle, but we made some financial choices that have made it easier. It did mean some sacrifices, such as we are still renting and DH rides a 20+yr old motorbike to work. But we both think it worth it.
IHave you thought of doing some sort of party plan? i've been doing Tupperware since last January, and that has really helped - its probably not a part time wage equivalent but its been enough to ease things! I generally do around 2 parties a week, and organise them for when DH can have DD.
Mollycat - I've often thought about doing fdc, but not sure - is it financially worth it? I'll have 2 under 2, so I know that would limit the numbers I could have.
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