For years women have dealt with the struggle of being able afford to stay home after having a baby, but these days, times have somewhat changed. With the price of fuel and food rising every week, along with the other related cost increases, many women are now faced with the problem of being able to afford to go back to work.
Though the time with your new baby has been magical, you may be one of the many women who are chomping at the bit to get back into the working world. Just as for women who are hoping to stay home, women who are considering a return to work have a lot that they need to consider.
Child Care Costs
The cost of childcare will take a nice chunk out of your weekly paycheck if you should return to work. In the case of families with multiple children, these costs alone can be the determining factor in the decision of whether or not it will be profitable to return to the workforce. If you can find a childcare program that you can afford or if you can enlist a family member to care for your children while you work, then returning to work might be a more feasible solution.
Transportation
Figuring transportation costs into the equation might bring changes to the affordability of work, as well. As fuel costs are changing rapidly, it may cost even more for you to drive to work each week than it did prior to your maternity leave. You must also factor in any changes in transportation that would involve taking the baby to and from daycare or the sitter, each day. Although these changes may seem very trivial, these little expenses can add up quickly.
Other Work Expenses
Chances are you are somewhere between your maternity wardrobe and your pre-pregnancy wardrobe, which can present some serious problems when dressing for your job. You might need to purchase a few items to get you through until the pre-pregnancy clothing fits or you might need a major wardrobe overhaul. Remember that you have other work related expenses that are not incurred when staying at home. Tolls, parking and lunches out are other costs that might make a difference in your total monthly income.
Comparing Pre and Post-Pregnancy Expenses
Once you have determined all of the expenses that must be paid once you return to work, you will need to compare them to the amount of income that you will be bringing into the home. Almost certainly, your income after these expenses will be somewhat less than it was prior to having a baby. What you need to decide is if the reduction in income makes it worth going back. If you still need the income, but the expenses are just too great, you may need to look for other options. Whatever you find, do not feel hopeless. There is certainly a solution that will meet your needs, whatever they may be.
Considering Other Employment Options
If a return to your previous job and schedule seems impossible or just not financially productive, look for other options. You may be able to work on a flex program at your current job, working more hours in fewer days. This can help to cut costs on childcare, travel and even wardrobe, as you will only need to be on the job three to four days a week. Another option is working alternating shifts with your spouse, taking turns caring for the baby while the other works. This can at least reduce childcare costs and bring the family’s income level up. A final option to consider is telecommuting or freelancing. This will allow you to work from home, caring for your own children, while bringing in extra money to supplement the family income.
Making The Right Choice For Your Family
Whatever you choose to do, make sure that you make the best possible decision for your entire family. Talk everything over with your spouse or partner and discuss your concerns fully. Listen to their ideas and suggestions and you will likely be able to find a solution that will make everyone happy and keep the family finances intact. There may be sacrifices in some places, but those sacrifices will likely pay huge dividends in the future. Even if you cannot afford to go back to work at your old job after having a baby, there is certainly some sort of compromise that can be reached.
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