Staying At Home Or Working- Which Is Best For You
Most mothers struggle with the question of whether to stay at
home with their children or work. If you're trying to make that
decision, you know that it can be very difficult, because there
are advantages and disadvantages to both sides. Here are some
things to consider when making your decision.
Can you afford to stay home? This one seems obvious, but the
question requires consideration. There are costs associated with
working, such as child care, gas, wear and tear on your car,
clothing, lunches and parking. Deduct these expenses from your
paycheck and see what's left. Next, look at other expenses you
can cut. Would it be worth it to you to cut back on vacations
and luxuries like cable television if it meant you could be
home? If you didn't have a commute to work, could you settle for
a less expensive car? Once you've examined all the alternatives,
you can make a better decision about how staying home will
affect you financially.
Will you be happy at home? Some women stay home because they
feel like it's the best thing for their children, even though
they are personally much happier working. If you are unhappy at
home, this will have a negative effect on your children, so you
shouldn't force yourself to stay home if it isn't where you want
to be.
Will you be miserable if you go back to work? Conversely,
mothers who truly want to be home with their children, but go to
work each day just because the paycheck is a necessity are not
getting the best from their life, either. If you fall into this
category, maybe it's time to examine a career alternative that
might be a good compromise. Could you cut your hours? Could you
telecommute at your present job, or find a job that would allow
you to work out of your home? Fortunately, today's employers
offer more alternatives in hours and work environment that make
balancing your work and home life a little easier.
Remember that the decision you make is not necessarily
permanent. Your financial situation could change, as could your
personal preferences about working. I have personally done it
both ways, and neither is a walk in the park. They are just hard
in different ways, and which one works better for you is mostly
a matter of your own personal style.