Deciding to go back to work

[NaturalMindedMomma]

I am really stuck on this. I could be making about 400-500 per week full time. We are currently without a second vehicle, but are buying one soon. So my issue is, DF wants me to stay at home. I am pregnant now and would not be going back until fall/winter of next year. I really like staying at home with my little girl and want to EBF for a prolonged period of time as well. He has 2 children as well which I stay at home with too. I cannot say I am thrilled with this. They are tough to deal with sometimes (I'm just being honest). They have been through a lot and are just kids and not their fault. But still. I am enjoying the closeness I have with my daughter who is 2.

We are low income at this point. We can afford rent the basics but do get free lunch and WIC and would get food stamps if I applied. I have not applied for the food stamps. I plan to until I have the baby to ease up the money situation. We were lucky enough to have a great tax return to help, but we were unable to save any at this point. I am concerned because we are not saving. We want to eventually buy a house, but I know it will not be possible with just DF's income. At the same time. How much would it cost me for after school care of my 6 year old Step son and DSD and full day care for my 2 year old and an infant as well? I am thinking the cost would cancel out my extra income.

Any ideas or insight/input?

Thanks!

[A&A]

Are you SURE you'd get a job in this economy?

[I~love~pie]

Are you SURE you'd get a job in this economy? >>>

Ditto , and for that $$. Maybe get a part time job while your dh is home?

[NaturalMindedMomma]

DF works various hours as a store manager and I would need the 9-5 type to be sure to be able to get the kids accountably every day.

I did apply for a few administrative assistant positions and got emails back to set up interviews. I doubt anyone would hire me at the moment being pregnant and knowing I am going to take maternity leave in the fall. I'm hoping by the time I want to re-enter the work force the economy may have improved.

Also I AM a CNA and a Home health aide. I can always get a job doing that if need be. but the pay is horrible and hours unaccountable..

[dsaucone]

Could you make your own schedule as a HHA? Maybe look through the paper for adds on caring for someone during the hours you know you can get child care. Maybe look for something private? A friend of mine makes $3 more an hour than I do caring for a lady in her home with no certification.

I know some CNAs in this area can make over $600 a week (and we're not a high COL area). And with that you'd at least be able to get shift work. A 7-3 is daycare time. You could do part-time or per-diem (I'm guessing you don't need the benefits) as well. Maybe overnights on days you know he'd be home? You probably wouldn't have too much trouble finding work either.

[mightymoo]

Call around to various daycares, you don't necessarily have to use the ones you call to, but ask them what their prices are. Around here 2 kids under 2 in full time car would easily wipe out 400-500 a week. It may be different where you are though.

[tangozulu]

Have you checked to see if you'd qualify for subsidized daycare?

[RoadWorkAhead]

In my town (moderate COL), an infant and toddler would be about 900/month and afterschool runs about 150-180/month so 1200/month....Might be worth it, might not since you'd possibly lose WIC, etc.