When Should I Quite My Job?

Hi M., congrats on the new baby! I usualy don't reply to most of these because I can't relate or help. But when I got your email, my heart went out to you. I can't tell you when you should quit but I can only tell you what I did and what happened. I was working and had a wonderful job (long time ago in the states) but started having complications and was put on bedrest for three long months! February 12th 2002 our son was born.

Well, I knew I had a job to go back to and didn't think about it. Then it came time to go back after maternity leave. In my heart I really didn't want to go back and have to put my child in daycare, but like you said we needed the money.

Well, fast forward about a year and a few months. When my son was 18 months. I didn't go back to work and it was the best decision I ever made. I have been home all of his life.

Was it difficult yes, but the pay off was worth it. My husband and I started a home business almost 6 years ago. So I never ever have to work again. We were able to financially surpass what I would have made at my job.

All I am saying is, there is ALWAYS a solution to any problem.
The deployment will be stress enough and your children need you there because of Dad not being there. Although, all my kids are in school now, I still love the fact that I am here for them whenever they need me. The kids are worth more than anything. I will be praying for you and your decision when to quit.

Have you looked into something to supplement your income when you quit. There are so many options out there you just have to look and do your research.
E.

I agree with Nikki, though if you decide you need to stay working there are some laws regarding maternity leave. At least where I was at in the states they were required to give 6 weeks maternity leave (not req pay). I would wait as long as possible though to quit before the baby because it mihgt provide you with distraction during your adjustment to the deployment.

Hi M.,
Personally, I would last absolutely as long as you can then definately quit once the baby is born. You will never ever get that time back plus everytime the baby gets sick you will have to leave work and then thats just added stress. I did it with two children 14 mos apart and husband was only a SrA at the time and we just learned to scale back our living. Eventually I went back to work but hated it and ended up still with no money b/c of childcare and reckless spending. Again, my advice is to stay home with your sweet lovely baby. When they get about two then they are anxious to start going to play groups,etc and then maybe get a part time job. Worked for me but I don't know your whole situation. I know run my own Arbonne business so I can work around my kids schedule which has been a lifesaver. If you are interested in home based work with lots of earning potential, let me know. Good luck!

~Nikki T.

M.,
I think one piece of great advice for any woman is DO NOT make any major decisions while pregnant! (I do understand that some women have no choice except to make a drastic life change at this time of their lives.) Your hormones are in flux and there is a good chance you may have a different point of view after pregnancy. From what I read you already have many life changes happening in your life. I suggest you work through the issues already on your plate and let the work issue wait. Quiting a job is a lot easier than trying to get it back or get another job later if you change your mind. You are in a great position to create the environment you wish to live in job/no job. So, I think waiting until after baby is born to know for sure if you will be glad to have all the benefits of being a working Mom or quiting to be a full time Mom with the benefits of that position is best for you. Make the choice when your hormone levels are not shifting on you and affecting the decision you make.

I would stay on the same scdule that you are on now for you daughter for a month or so with daddy being gone. it might help her. If she seems to have a hard time after a few weeks after dad is gone then quite. You should be good with money. If she seems to be good with the way things are keep the Job intill hubby gets back or intill you are 6 or 7 months along. I find it is easier to keep busy when Hubby is gone and the Job will keep you busy. Sorry for the miss spellings I'm not a good speller.