How much to make it worth it to work outside the home?

[Paxjourney]

I got my degree last Dec. In my job I could earn between $18-24 a hour. I don't want to work fulltime, my husband works 60-80 hours a week and takes a number of business trips that have him away from our home for 6-12 weeks at a time. I have one child who is in school full time and has on site before and after school care. The total cost would be about $75 a month (more in the summer as she would go to the summer camp) I have a 4yr old who currently attends a private preschool, we spen $250 a month for it. If I go to work she would need to change school because of pick up/drop off times at the daycare she would go to (where she went when I was in school) it would be about $20 a day for childcare. It is a licenced center, we live in a semi rural area and this is a common price. I also have a student loan that is $193 a month. I'm trying to figure out the cost of everything vs how much I might make and then go from there.

[RoadWorkAhead]

So, it'd cost ~$500 for all the care. You'd also need work clothes, gas, and a little more in the way of convenience items. So, say that adds $200. You would be making $2340 a month working 30 hours at $18/hr. This may change your families tax bracket, but figure on 25% coming out at least. So $550 a month. So, you'd still net around 1100$ give or take. Sounds worth it to me!

[Paxjourney]

Need to add that I already have work clothing and gas wise will be about the same as we drive alot, because we live in a rural area. Tax bracket wise I'm not sure. Dh makes around $120k a year. $1100 or so amonth would just about cover our mortgage.

[SeekingJoy]

If you are interested in working, it might not hurt to also consider the intangilbles. SS, disability, retirement, work experieince, and up-to-date resume. I tend to plan for the worst and hope for the best. If the worst case scenario of your DH's death or divorce takes place, are you comfortable with your back up plan?

[maisiedotes]

sounds worth it to me too! I was working just to pay daycare a few months ago- after gas, tolls, daycare, taxes, etc, I was literally taking home about $7/day. But, it was worth it to let DD be in daycare twice a week because she was learning a ton, being around other kids, etc. We did end up taking her out because I can work the same number of hours a week before DH's shift starts (we work at the same place) so now we are pocketing that money instead of paying daycare.

But, you make alot more than me! I say go for it.

[Eman'smom]

If you can find a part time job that works with you for that price I'd say it's worth it.

[choli]

Originally Posted by SeekingJoy

If you are interested in working, it might not hurt to also consider the intangilbles. SS, disability, retirement, work experieince, and up-to-date resume. I tend to plan for the worst and hope for the best. If the worst case scenario of your DH's death or divorce takes place, are you comfortable with your back up plan?

ITA. You spent time, money and effort on getting that degree, so don't let it just go to waste. Get work experience, keep your skills up to date and keep your resume updated.

There is great peace of mind in knowing that you can support your family if necessary.

[Paxjourney]

Thank you for the afirmations. My instinct has been to work part-time for the expereince if nothing else. I will be going back to school in 2 yrs to get my RN (I'm an LPN).