Is free insurance worth staying at a job you hate?

[busymama77]

I'm getting burnt out in my current job situation and am looking for something more challenging and better pay. A high school kid or college kid could do my job. It's not hard at all and I feel like it's becoming a waste of my time and skills.

But DH wants me to stick it out because of the stupid insurance. I KNOW how lucky we are to have this free insurance - meaning nothing comes out of my paycheck for it - I get that. I really do!! But I'm starting to resent coming in to this place everyday, but the free insurance is burning on the back of my brain and it's driving me crazy. If we were to go on DH's plan, it would be an extra $400 a month from his income and well, I guess we can't afford that right now.

I'm looking, I'm sending out my resume, hoping and praying that something better comes along!!

[texmati]

Well... if you truly can't afford the 400 by cutting else where, than I'd keep at it. Crossing my fingers that you find something soon!

[Alyantavid]

It is to me. But that doesn't mean you can't look around. I'm sure other companies offer free insurance as well that might be more to your liking.

I have to say, I'm totally jealous! We pay $300 a month for ours and it doesn't even cover anything!

[choli]

If you can't afford to pay for health insurance, then yes, it is.

There are many of us in the same situation.

[busymama77]

Originally Posted by texmati

Well... if you truly can't afford the 400 by cutting else where, than I'd keep at it. Crossing my fingers that you find something soon!

DH says that we can't afford it. I don't do or see the finances - he does. So I trust him when he says these things. But we've never actually sat down and discussed what we could cut out to make this happen. Hell, we could save over $1,800 a month if I became a SAHM! But again, it's back to the free insurance. My head is spinning!

[mooshersmama]

Hmm... well, first off, I do think that its worth it. But, I would sit down with your husband and go through all the finances together, so you both are on the same page.

[texmati]

Originally Posted by busymama77

DH says that we can't afford it. I don't do or see the finances - he does. So I trust him when he says these things. But we've never actually sat down and discussed what we could cut out to make this happen. Hell, we could save over $1,800 a month if I became a SAHM! But again, it's back to the free insurance. My head is spinning!

So... it might not be just the insurance that you need. I'd defintely sit down with him and ask to look at the numbers. Are you saying you spend 1800 a month on childcare that you wouldn't if you were not working? I'm assuming the rest of your salary probably covers that.

If you really want to SAH-- I'd ask DH to look at the numbers together; and see if SAH is something that you both want to work towards.

[busymama77]

Originally Posted by texmati

So... it might not be just the insurance that you need. I'd defintely sit down with him and ask to look at the numbers. Are you saying you spend 1800 a month on childcare that you wouldn't if you were not working? I'm assuming the rest of your salary probably covers that.

If you really want to SAH-- I'd ask DH to look at the numbers together; and see if SAH is something that you both want to work towards.

Yes - $1,800 a month is childcare for two kids, gas that I put in my car weekly because I have an hour and 15 commute both ways each day, 5 days a week. Not to mention the money that I spend weekly on lunch - I go out maybe twice a week and spend anywhere from $5 to $10.
The SAH for me has been discussed many times and DH wants to be making a bit more money before it's even considered. It's all I think about these days.

My bring home salary - after taxes - is $2200 a month. $1800 of that is what I mentioned above plus groceries and Target trips. In other words, I'm working for my kids to go to daycare when they could otherwise be at home with me.... Sorry. I'm getting off track. I've had a bad past couple of days.

[texmati]

Originally Posted by busymama77

Yes - $1,800 a month is childcare for two kids, gas that I put in my car weekly because I have an hour and 15 commute both ways each day, 5 days a week. Not to mention the money that I spend weekly on lunch - I go out maybe twice a week and spend anywhere from $5 to $10.
The SAH for me has been discussed many times and DH wants to be making a bit more money before it's even considered. It's all I think about these days.

My bring home salary - after taxes - is $2200 a month. $1800 of that is what I mentioned above plus groceries and Target trips. In other words, I'm working for my kids to go to daycare when they could otherwise be at home with me.... Sorry. I'm getting off track. I've had a bad past couple of days.

s. I get it. I'm in a similar spot of just wanting to quit. Work, house, marriage, children, pregnancy-- something's gotta give!

[nextcommercial]

I think it's worth sitting down and looking at your finances.

Who has the better insurance? You or your husband? If your free insurance is much better than his $400 insurance, then I'd keep the job but, keep looking for another job.

Keep in mind, that new jobs aren't exactly opening up every day.. those that are, are usually hiring back employees they laid off in the last year. So, if you REALLY need this income and insurance, I'd keep it.

[AnnaNova]

how "free" is your insurance in reality?
what i mean, is that if it has a high deductible / out of pocket, then its not really that "free".
with my old job i had an ok insurance, with 500 deduct that was waived for certain things like preventive stuff or regular dr visits. i also had money taken out of my pay pre tax for medical expenses, most of my lab work was free too because i worked for a hospital and it was called 'network discount'.
then my husband got a new job with "free" insurance. i switched jobs and dont have ins coverage anymore, and it turned out that his "free" ins has 3000 deduct and high out of pocket and only pays 50%, not 80% like mine.
so yes, we dont pay anything out of his paychecks, but if one of us gets really sick, we will be in serious trouble.
so my point is, when deciding whose ins is cheaper, you have to go over other things in the plan, not just the initial money coming out of paycheck. when you look at all aspects, my ins was actually cheaper than his free ins.

[MidnightCommando]

busymama I'm in the same position and have been for 4 years now I loathe my job and the pay kind of stinks but the insurance and benefits are out of this world and I don't pay for any of it. (they even cover acupucture and non-traditional medicine) DP's insurance is deducted out of his check and it does not compare to my coverage.

You need to really sit down and prioritize what is most important to you. In the meantime keep sending resumes out and search other options.

In our case I decided I am staying until my next job comes along but our case might be a bit different. DD needs to see a cardiologist and my insurance covers almost 100% while DPs insurance would cover a tiny bit. Same goes for dental work, DD has had to have dental surgery and will eventually need more.

Would going back to school be an option for you? It opens up your job possibilities a lot more. That's what I am currently doing and waiting it out at this crap job int he meantime.

good luck to you

[Halfasianmomma]

Same situation here, except that I am a single mama, so I have to have insurance for my DD. The job sucks, but the pay is good, the insurance is paid 100% by my employer, and I get lots of paid vacation. I didn't realize how useful the insurance would be until DD needed surgery on her hand, and then dental surgery under general anesthesia...lately, I had to have a lot of dental work done and have had to take medication. 70 to 80% of it was covered by the insurance.

It's mind numbing job and frustrating, but I've decided to take the pros of this job (boring but lots of free time) to study while at work and get a graduate diploma in my original field. Also, this job has regular hours (9 to 5) which is very useful for spending evenings with DD (instead of spending them correcting, planning, etc).