Don't Know If I Should Quit Work

I am a single mom (by choice), who works full time with a 14-month old daughter. Routine, routine, routine is what saves us... that and realizing that you can't do it all perfectly every single day and there are going to be some days that are just plain hard. Most days are great and once you get into a groove, you'll be fine. The first couple of months is the worst, because you are hormonal and emotional and you are afraid you don't know what you're doing. I only had 6 weeks of maternity leave, so going back to work while nursing and pumping for a 6-week old was truly a challenge, I won't kid you. The best thing I can tell you is that it's all worth it... remember to look into those tiny, beautiful eyes and remember WHY you're exhausted and frazzled! Remember to listen to that little laugh and enjoy it. And remember, that no matter what happens, it's just a phase and it too, will pass. Children change so quickly in the first years and whatever is going on, whether it be sleep issues or food issues or nursing issues, they will all go away eventually. You will have others to take their place but it gets easier and easier and as your hormones subside, you learn to trust your instincts and feel good about what you're doing. Enjoy it!

1 mom found this helpful

My best advice is do what is best for you and your family. Some people will say you need to stay home and others will say you should work, but ultimately, you are the only one who knows what is best for you and your family. I personally wanted to stay home and we tried for a few months, but I ultimately needed to go back to work. I was able to find another position within my company that allows me to work a night shift, so we're able to avoid daycare costs since my husband works during the day. I won't lie... this is difficult on me during the day with spending time with my infant daughter and getting enough sleep (which doesn't happen), but the reward for one of us being at home with her to see her reach milestones makes it totally worth it. This has been what we have found is best for our family and we have decided that I will work this shift for as long as it is working for us. Then we'll see!

It is hard. I work full time myself and I have a 16 month old. I can't afford to be a stay at home mom. I wish I could but can't. It is just something that you are gonna have to think hard about and make a choice. I wish you the best of luck.

Just make all the time you have with your family count. So what if the dishes pile a little. You'll never get that time back with you children.

Hi

I have my 3 yr onld in Daycare- He has been at the same one since he was 11 mths old. I went back to work when he was 4 mths old and my Sis in law watched him for the fisrt 6 mts; but she didnt work out; I did find an excellent home day care however!

you have to take it one day at a time. With my sons pregnancy I had insurance only through my job so I had to work full time to 38 wks. Then had my son at 40wks. With this pregnancy its the same- insurance throught my job only again- so i will be workin til May 5th. Then thats it for me at this job. I will be finding a part time Job in the evenings from like 5/ 6pm => no later than 2 am. My husbands job luckily has an opening from 5-9, 5 days a wk and I will be able to take the baby with me; and we will switch out our 3 yr old. Unfourtunatly it is a temp job lasting about 3 mths- but by the time it is over the baby will be a little older and my hubby will end up watching both kids in the evening. I only need about $500 a month to help pay for grocries and med bills (still paying for my c- section from last pregnancy...and our sons surgery 2 yrs ago..)
But you have to take each day one day at a time and basically figure out what works best for you. I would like to stay home with our kids- but at least this new schedule we will have in a couple mths I wont have to pay out daycare; and our kids will always be with one of us.

JEN

Well, the first question is can you afford to stay home and not work? Sometimes that means concessions about your lifestyle. But can you afford the necessities with not working? That being said, I am a full-time working Mom of a 14-month old. It is hard to find the balance and some days are definitely harder than others. But it can be done with some organization and planning. Once you get a routine down, it gets much easier.

Well me as a mother of my little angels i wouldn't trade anything in the world to stay home with them.

I am a SAHM and also i Homeschool, once i found out i was pregnant with my first i worked until i was about 6.5 months along and then i quit to stay home until and after baby! so balancing baby, family, work and home i am not to sure about but hey women do it all the time and it is possible i just find it so much more exciting and more intune with your little one. Bonding, attachment and love is what he/she deserves and that is really all up to you and your husband so my best wishing to you and yours and Congratulations on your News!!!!

~M.

Hi R.,

It has been a while since your post - so you have a bouncing and adorable little one by now :) Yes it is a tough balancing act!

I will copy and past a reply that I posted for Tina -hope it helps if you are still considering other options.
___
Hi Tina,

I have worked from home with a couple of great companies, and right now am most pleased with Send Out Cards. I got into it originally to grow and support my downline in a juice business, but this program appeals to everyone - and it has really simplified my personal life when it comes to shopping for cards and even gifts.

I have a website for you to check out - with a free gift card so you can get a feel for it.

You select a greeting card from over 13,000 - then personalize it (even in your own handwriting)- and Send Out Cards (located in Utah) will print the card on gorgeous glossy paper, and mail it out for you - for about a dollar per card! You can even add photos... wow - I would have gone crazy with this one when my kids were little!!!!

Busy Moms LOVE it - so do Realtors, Doctors... anyone with a business (see the Business sectiion in the card catalog).

I used it this year to help my Mom - now 92, who sent out over 100 Christmas Cards - with a photo - all personalized - it took about 10 minutes and the click of the SEND button!

Oh - you can even include gift cards - like a $5 Starbuck Gift Certificate, or a box of brownies! There are also books, kid items - even pet items.

Best part is you can try it out for Free - as I already have the gift account set up. Then if you want to start slowly - to see if it fits your style... you can get your own account for only $25. That way you do not have a large investment while you learn!

Many companies require large start up - or expensive monthly auto ship or websites... I consider Send Out Cards to be a no-risk to learn, and an excellent opportunity to earn.

It is also the ONLY company who does this! So you won't have any competitors - other than Hallmark and American Greeting who charge an arm and a leg for a card!

I LOVE Send Out Cards - with the philosophy of "Changing the World - one card at a time" - and Giving to Give.

Check it out - be sure to watch the DVD - and let me know if you have questions.

M.
www.MollySendsCards.info

Have you considered workng from home? That way you'll get to spend your days with your new baby and still have an income coming in to support your lifestyle. You can work from home and be your own boss...

I am an Educational Consultant with Discovery Toys and I absolutely LOVE my job!!! I mean... I get to play with toys for a living and spend lots of time with my precious little babies!!!! Doesn't get much better than that :) DT makes educational toys, games and books that are of the highest quality out in the market. The company itself really cares about its customers and consultants and has the best customer service of any company I've ever dealt with. I am personally VERY proud to be representing such a great company and wonderful products. On top of the regular commission, DT offers their consultants sooooo many insentives to keep you motivated. And to top it all off, I am a part of THE most successful DT team in the country! We have a wonderful support network of consultants throughout the country, so you wont be left out in the cold trying to figure out how to run your business... support is just a phone call away!

Check out my website to get a bit more info to see if this is something that you may be interested in www.discoverytoyslink.com/N. Feel free to call me if I can answer any questions for you ###-###-####.

Once you find a daycare that you love and are comfortable with, everything else will work itself out. The first few weeks are really stressful (for you). I was fortunate that my husband and I were able to adjust our schedules so that I only worked part time for the first year and one of us was always home. When our son turned a year and our credit card debt was getting too high, I had to go back to work. We found a home daycare and I think that is the way to go! He was only sick on and off for the first 5 months and he has been fine ever since! I think sickness is more frequent and harder to avoid at daycare facilities, but that is just my opinion. Our son loves going and as another mom said, routine is key. In the mornings you look around our kitchen and it is like he is preparing to go to work too! This is our routine, he knows it and he loves it!
I was terrified that working would make me have less of a bond with my son, but that isn't the case. When I am around my stay at home friends and their children, you can't tell the difference. Both my husband and I play with our son like CRAZY when we are home and our situation couldn't be better. I think the absolute best would be to work part time. I wouldn't mind having another day with my son, but I wouldn't want to give up going to work and having a professional life either. If you have the ability, part time work might be the way to go, at least to start. It will be stressful, but everything will work out. Congratulations!

Hi R.,

Have you ever thought about working from home. You may be able to stay home with your baby and still make money. Here's my web address if you interested. www.ytb.com/mariatringali. Email me if you have any questions.

M.