SAHM or back to work?

Question

Okay ladies, I need opinions 
I’m due to go back to work in September. 
I did up a budget and for me to not go back to work and stay home with our daughter, after all our monthly expenses (except for groceries), we would be left with $1100 extra per month. 
If I were to go back to work full time and put her in daycare, we would have $2100 extra per month, but I would only see my daughter for 2-3 hours per day before having to put her to bed (and have to make dinner in that time). 
I do have a small side business that brings in some extra cash but it’s not steady. 
What would you do?

Answer

Honestly, I’m a SAHM & we’re left with $80 after all bills are paid. 
But it’s worth it to me because: 
- if I go back to work I’m literally paying for someone else to watch her. Daycare would be my whole check & then some
- we have no family to help watch her 
- we also trust no one with our baby 
Lol so our circumstances are different but if we can make it work with $80 left to our name after everything I think u will be more than ok with $1100. 
Make a list of pros and cons if u have too & see what outweighs each other.

Answer

Like every single expense? Food, gas, everything? If that’s the case and everyyyy expense is covered with $1k leftover, I say stay the heck home!

Answer

Stay Home!!!!!!!!
If we could save that much I would 100% avoid daycare

Answer

Is there a long term consideration? ie when your baby is older and you decide to return to your career, would it be possible to pick up where you left off?

Answer

Would 100% stay at home and do your side gig to not lose yourself completely in motherhood. If I could I would stay at home and work casually (one shift every other weekend when hubby is off) but unfortunately we aren't there financially at the moment.

Answer

That’s plenty of money to have left over every month! At least it would be for us. But personally I love working. Idk if I could stay home, I’d lose my mind. Daily adult interaction and conversation is something I need in my life lol But that’s just me! It’s all about how you feel and if you are passionate about your career or not. We found a super trustworthy sitter to watch our babe 3 days a week, my mother in law watches him one day and my mom another day. If your career will hold your position for you, should you decide to go back after your babe is grown and in school, then definitely stay home. I’m 30 and have a great job, but my position definitely wouldn’t be held for me. So, the thought of staying home and then having to start my career over in a few years is something I definitely did not want. Do what is best for you mama!

Answer

Stay home! Be with that sweet baby! They grow so fast 🥺

Answer

I’d stay home. I went back to work for a month before quitting because it wasn’t worth leaving bubs all day.

Answer

I am a SAHM and even though we would have extra money If I worked, I love the time with my baby. I don't feel like I will miss out on his milestones of him growing up. 
I wouldn't trade anything for the time I have with my baby!

Answer

With a year off I would probably go back, but my concern would be more about taking too much time off and having it be hard to return to work down the road. We also spend like $150 a week on groceries so I think I’d be more comfortable with the extra income so that I could do to savings. 
It’s all about what you’re comfortable with though! I had to go back at 12 weeks, so I get home around 5:30 now and we start bedtime around 7:30-8pm. I thought it would be awful but it’s not too bad to me. You could try going back for a month or so and if you hate it you know you can afford to quit at that point and stay at home.

SAHM or back to work?

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