step backwards in career for more time with LO? (long)
Currently DH and I both work 9 hours a day with a 45 minute commute each way. Our 4 month old LO is in a daycare center from 7:15-5:45. This means she is there for over 50 hours a week. We love the daycare center and have had no issues so far, but I can't help feeling like this is an excessive amount of time for her to be there, especially when she's so young.
I've been offered a job that is across the street from her daycare center, two minutes from my house. It would eliminate my commute, give me more time with her and the ability to see her at lunch. She would also only be in DC 4 days a week. However... it's a step back for me professionally and it would be about $10K-$15K less per year. Financially we can swing it, but money would be tight and we wouldn't be able to save. The job is not my ideal job (although neither is my current job) and is not really in my field, but it would be fine for the time being.
I'm loving the idea of no commute and less DC time for LO, but I'm feeling like it's selfish and irresponsible to take a paycut and the step back could hurt my career in the long run.
My question is: has anyone ever taken a step backwards in their career for the sake of LO? Were you able to easily move back into a position that was in line with where you were? If you were in my situation, would you take the new job?
Thanks so much ladies!
I'm in sales
Re: step backwards in career for more time with LO? (long)
Not really a step backwards, but I'm currently struggling with a similar decision. I'm a historian, there aren't a lot of history jobs, where I am now is a great position at a respected university, I don't work long hours or take work home, my schedule is flexible and no one really cares when I come and go so long as things get done. Plus the U is a great place to work, very casual, nice people, good benefits etc. BUT we're experiencing funding issues. I took a 10% pay cut last year and it's really hurting us, we're making do, but it's not easy and it's not fun. I could probably make more $ in a generic admin position in the business world, but I'm sure I'd have to work harder/longer and give up my flexibility. Not to mention give up my career (as a historian) for a job that's "just a paycheck." Just contemplating that makes me cry but on the other hand I want to have a second baby and we just can't afford it with my current income.
I don't really have any advice for you, I just wanted to say you're not alone. Good luck with your decision.
I would only do it if it was in my field because I love what I do. I work in communications/PR and once you leave it is hard to return. As far as money take into account all of the gas money you will be saving. I know with my commute I spend on average 75 a week in gas.
45 minute commute each way! That takes a toll on you physically and mentally. I'd say take it since I actually SAH for 3 years when DS was born. I agree with pps, they are only young once and the time flies by.
As far as not having money for savings, could you cut some "frill" expenses like cable or eating out often so that you could maintain a savings account?
I would do it.
Just think how long you have a career. In the long run, one step backwards for a few years to spend more time with your child, if its the right thing for you and your family, is not going to make or break your career.
GL with the decision. I know it can be a tough one.
~~ married 8.11.07
~~ DD1 1.16.11 ~~ DD2 1.3.14 ~~
~~ BFP3 12.22.15 MMC 2.29.16 @ 13 weeks ~~
~~ 2 D&Cs (3.1.16 and 3.10.16) for MMC
~~ BFP4 10.27.16 MMC 1.23.17 @ 16 weeks ~~ D&E 1.26.17 ~~
Thank you guys so much...I am pretty sure I'm going to take it. It will mean cutting out all frills like cable and eating out, etc, just to get by, but, like you all said, more time with her is the most important thing! And I have to remind myself that I do have years to advance my career, I don't have to be where I ultimately want to be right now. That is something I forget
I did this a few years ago but my commute was only 20 minutes. I took a demotion at my work. I totally 100% regret it. Literally,for the past 4 years I have asked myself WTF was I thinking??!? BUT- the opportunity to work PT would be awesome. What does your DH do? Coudl he find a job that pays more? Cutting out all thethings you're mentioning doesn't sound fun , plus not having savings is a little worrisome. Could you find an in-home place? I know you love your daycare but i promise good in-home places are out there too (& they're usually a LOT less $$).
Good luck.
If you took this job, would you be able to get back into your ideal field in a couple years when LO is older? Are there any alternatives with your current job, like working from home 1 day/week?
I would personally take the new job, but I also have been rethinking my career path since getting pg. Last year I passed up a couple new positions that would have been promotions with more money and in a higher job grade, but it would have been more travel and more responsibility, and my priorities just changed with baby. I'm happy to go back to a job that I know well and my focus is on being a good working mom and not climbing the ladder right now.
I did it. Same thing, kids were in daycare about 50 hours a week. My job was demanding, so was DH's. Plus, I knew that when our older DS started school (he started this past fall) we'd see him even less. I hated that! So I went from top of the ladder, down to the bottom. Less pay and less hours. It was a financial stretch for awhile, but things have worked out and I'm making a nice chunk now (comparable or better than what I was originally bringing in minus the extra expenses)
Cam 6.6.10 - Autism, Global Developmental Delay, Mixed Receptive/Expressive Communication Disorder
I went back part-time after DD was born and I could not be happier. I have about an hour - hour and 15 minute commute each way with DCP drop off and there was no way I could continue doing FT. I have gone down to 24 hours a week (flexible) and I go into the office 2x a week and work from home the rest of the time. I have been so fortunate, and I really can't think of many drawbacks except the cut in pay. I love having both adult interaction, time with my kid, and time to do some things around the house.
At first I tried to do PT daycare, but it just wasn't working, the way I have made PT work was to be flexible and available so we switched to an inhome (that we love) and FT is the same as PT at a center. Some weeks I wind up working close to FT (but I'm non-exempt now and get paid for the extra time), but the majority of the time I work 24 hours. I was concerned about this impacting my career, but since being PT, I have received a promotion with a 15.5% increase.
There are many women that leave the workforce and become SAHM. While it likely impacts their career path, it is well known and easily explainable when trying to reenter the workforce. I think you can easily explain stepping back in the future and you are still maintaing your skills and connections.
If I were in your shoes, it would come down to what I feel is really best for me and for my family. If you love your job, maybe that's best for your family because it means you are happy. If what you most want is a better balance and more time with your LO, then it may be best to take the new position. The way I look at career is that it will always, always be there for us to return to. One day, when your child/children is/are older, you'll be albe to get back into the swing of things. But your children will never be little again. This isn't meant to be a guilt trip because I too have contemplated this many times and am still on the fast-track at work and gone from home 12 hour days. It's just something I've been thinking about a lot as I'm trying to make my own decision: which option would I regret less?