What would you do?

Kristysyr

I have been very lucky to stay home with my little guy this year.  I have to decide if I am going back to work by March 3rd.  I want to stay home another year (my job will be there for me if I take one more year) for many reasons but there are many reasons I should go back to work too. 

Why go back?

we pay out of pocket $1300 for health insurance.

We are using savings to keep us financially a float.

I will be very out of touch with the job if I don't

I will have to go back sept 2014 anyway

I can retire 1 year sooner

Why stay home?

I get to raise my son for 1 more year all day just him and me

I don't have to leave him with someone for 9 hours a day

I can see him more than 3 hours at night and on weekends

 

what do you think? can you add to either list to help me out?

MrsWhiteonWhiteSt

Kristysyr:

Why stay home?

I get to raise my son for 1 more year all day just him and me

Case closed

It's true- they only stay little for so long. Things like savings and retirement can be replaced/replenished all the quality time can't. Your son is coming up on a big year developmentally; first steps, first words... do you want to witness them or hear about someone else witnessing them?

Telyco

The only other thing I would factor in is if you plan on having more children. If you only have a certain amount of savings and time off - I wouldn't spend two years with #1 but 6 weeks with #2...I'd balance it out. I can't imagine how hard it would be to hand over your 6 week old to a DCP after being used to being a SAHM for so long.

I think it depends on your personality too. I sort of wished I went back PT or even a little less than PT. Would that be a possibility for you?? I am not as good a SAHM as others. I hate to clean and really start resenting things and feel STUCK after a while.

I just started a class last night and told my DH that I feel like it was the first time I used my brain in 3 years, haha!! Some women LOVE the SAHM life - I don't. I LOVE spending this much time with my kids and I WANT to be the one to care for them when they are young ... but I need a little more than negotiating toddler sharing time and sweeping floors. And I mean more than a girls night or time away with DH...I mean another purpose in addition to mommyhood.

jnk062602

I would also add sickness to the sah side.

At dd's age now I think she would love and thrive in a daycare setting, but it doesn't make sense for us financially. But that is why we have her doing preschool in September for a few hours a week. When she was younger, she would have adapted and done fine, but not loved it like I think she would now.

mrsoc

Can you work at your job PT?  Personally, that has been such a blessing for me.  I like the balance.  If I had the choice of working FT or none for a few years, I would choose staying home, but would try to find something PT.  

Kristysyr

Thanks all!  I am only going to have this little one so another year off won't short change a #2 child.  PT is not a option.  I think today I am leaning toward staying home another year...