2 little ones and a career change....is it possible?

[gypsyhips26]

so that's where I'm at. seriously considering leaving my job to either go back to school or take a different career track (which translates into less $). but I have 2 young ones (one is 3.5 yo and the other is 10 months old). so i'm concerned about health insurance for the little ones, and about bringing in enough $ to cover expenses. DH is freelance/self-employed so I carry the benefits. I've been at this current job for awhile and after years of trying to advance and further my sad little career, I really feel that I need a major change. But its kind of scary to think about, because, while I'm frustrated and bored at work, it is a steady paycheck and I'm not sure I would be able to make enough freelancing on the side (if i were to go back to school etc)

has anyone else done this when the your kids were still little or did you wait until they were in school fulltime etc.....

[Jcookie1982]

I was a veterinary technician for 10 years and quit 5 months ago when I had my 3rd baby to be a SAHM and go back to school fulltime. I hated what I was doing and the pay was crap. I'm going to pursue the career I've always wanted. My husband is the main breadwinner though, and I don't know how I could have done it if my family relied on my job for insurance.

[la mamita]

I see you are in NYC: doesn't NY offer health insurance for kids? Beyond just medicaid...I think it's called Child Health Plus. That could be an option for health insurance for kids if your income drops.

I finished an undergraduate degree and did a master's while my son was 18 months-4.5 years. I think being in school and having little ones is easier than trying to work full-time, because my schedule was much more flexible, I didn't need full-time childcare (but I did study weekends and evenings when I had help from family), and student loans took some of the pressure off as far as working.

[gypsyhips26]

you're right about the Child Health Plus!....I totally forgot about that. I think it may cover them up to age 5 or so....I'll have to look into it. I think I just need to be strong & prepared and come January just take the plunge & leave. I think I can get enough temp/freelance work to keep the household running and this will be the test to see if I should continue in my current career or really go nuts and go back to school.... if I can get my DS into UPReK for next year, then the childcare costs won't be so staggering....