New Here...

NikkiPSU

Hey ladies,

DH and I have been married for almost 2 years now, we have been discussing having a baby for almost a year.   I love the idea, but there is a lot that makes me nervous. 

1)  I have been unemployed since November 2011, I graduated law school in Dec 2010 and was given a contract position that was not renewed.  Since then I haven't been able to find a job, I am just worried that once I have children I won't be able to rejoin the workforce again since I am leaving with minimal experience. 

2)  We have no family close by.  I see all my friends that have children get all this help from family, but our closest family is 2 hrs away!

3)  Debt... Hopefully after this years tax return all of our debt will be wiped away, but we'll still be a 1 income family.  

 I think these are all valid worries and concerns and people keep telling me that you'll never be 100% ready, but I was hoping to get a few non bias opinions on the issue.

 

Thanks!!! 

NikkiPSU

I guess I feel like I've put a lot of stuff off for this "career."  I put off getting moving in with DH, getting married, and I put myself first A LOT!  I'm at the point where I don't know if it's worth waiting anymore or just living my life and seeing what happens. 

JerseyGirlBB

Are you and DH able to survive on his salary alone?  How old are you?  I would advise on taking the next few months and really put yourself out there to find a job.  I'm not sure what methods you use now, but whatever it is, kick it up a notch.  If you still haven't found anything after that timeframe (give yourself a deadline), then revisit the baby talk.  Worth through your finances to see what your options are (hey, you'd have free child care!).

 

I'm in grad school now and so know what it's like to put alot out there for your career and hoping to get something back from your investment.  When I first started, I was convinved that I should wait until I finish the program (I was 27 and had about 2.5 yrs of school to complete), but now I'm halfway through the program and realizing that I don't want to wait any longer.  I struggled with this decision alot, but going this route makes me the happiest and so I know I've chosen the right path.

 

Good luck

NikkiPSU

Thanks!  Once we have all the debt gone, we'll be smooth sailing on his salary alone.  I was able to pay off all of my student loans when my mom passed, so it's just a small loan we still have from the wedding, but should be paid in full once our tax return comes in.  He's also done with his grad program in May so (should) be getting a raise when he gets his degree.  I'm 28 and he's 30, we've been together for 9 years so we are completely ready.  I think I'm just realizing I'm done waiting, I've had to do that entirely too much!

 I shouldn't say I'm unemployed, I do work on an as needed basis for two law offices so as long as they  remained flexible with hours I wouldn't have to give that up.  If we lived somewhere else finding a job would be a lot easier, but DH has a great job that I can't ask him to leave. 

 Thanks for your insight!

 PS... I was born and raised in Jersey before I moved!

JerseyGirlBB

NikkiPSU:

Thanks!  Once we have all the debt gone, we'll be smooth sailing on his salary alone.  I was able to pay off all of my student loans when my mom passed, so it's just a small loan we still have from the wedding, but should be paid in full once our tax return comes in.  He's also done with his grad program in May so (should) be getting a raise when he gets his degree.  I'm 28 and he's 30, we've been together for 9 years so we are completely ready.  I think I'm just realizing I'm done waiting, I've had to do that entirely too much!

 I shouldn't say I'm unemployed, I do work on an as needed basis for two law offices so as long as they  remained flexible with hours I wouldn't have to give that up.  If we lived somewhere else finding a job would be a lot easier, but DH has a great job that I can't ask him to leave. 

 Thanks for your insight!

 PS... I was born and raised in Jersey before I moved!

 

 

Whohoo another Jersey girl!  I have to say, the job market around here may be better than other states, but it is SO difficult to live on one salary alone.  I'm sure you know how expensive it is to live here.  DH and I will always be working full time and paying child care expenses..yuck! 

 

It sounds like you and DH are making wise decisions when it comes to your finances.  Debt can be a major obstacle to overcome!  If you are disciplined now when it comes to money, you will be with a child as well.  Sounds like you are in a good place