Should I go back to work?
This is a question I hear over and over again. It’s a question I dealt with and still dealing with as a stay-at-home-mom. It’s a hard question but it’s one most moms eventually ask themselves. The answer about going back to work is different for everyone.
I have seen first hand how hard women are on themselves. Mothers are trying to be the unrealistic -”SuperMom”. We are always striving for perfection.We ask ourselves impossible questions like: How can I be the best parent If I choose to work outside the home? Could I work Part-time and have the best of both worlds? Which choice will make me happy? How long can my spouse do this on his own?
So, where do you begin? You start by taking a close look at yourself. What is your motivation for going back to work? Is going back to work right now really right for you?
Being a mom is a full time job. You work 7 days a week, 24 hours a day – are you ready for more?
There are a few things to ask yourself to make the decision process a little smoother:
1. Is it financially feasible? You must consider commuting costs, wardrobe costs, lunch, daycare, etc. Will going back to work put more money in your pocket?
2. Will having a second job ( the first being a mom) make you the best mom you can be? Being a mom is a full time job. Just because you don’t get a weekly paycheck doesn’t mean it’s not real work. I find it to be the most important position I ever held. As a mom, we don’t get paid sick or vacation days, no benefits, raises or promotions. We are On-call all the time. This is a lot of responsibility. Are you ready for more?
3. Why do you want to go back to work? You need to know the reason why. Is it more adult or social time? More money or benefits? A sense of independence? And some moms want a sense of professional accomplishment to balance their personal accomplishments. It could be the “Empy Nest Syndrome.” Whatever the reason is: It’s fine. Just know it and feel confident in your motivation behind your decision.
4. Will you be able to financially cover daycare? Do you have daycare, nanny or a babysitter you can trust? Trust is a big issue. If you have your child at a place or with a person you trust, going back to work will be easier.
5. Is your decision guided by fear? Don’t let fear control your life. It’s scary making the transition from Stay at home mom to working outside the home. It’s natural to feel some fear and anxiety about returning to work but don’t let it control your decision.
Take your time making the decision. Also, know as a mom you have options. You can work from home, work part-time, temporary jobs, telecommute, etc. Think about what YOU really want, what will make you the best mom and person you could be.
Have confidence in your decision – if you made it, it must be a good one!
5 Responses to To go back to work or not? That is the question..
This is a question I ask myself all the time! For me, the answer is I will be going back to work… at least this time!
When I lost my job in 2008, my gut reaction was to find a new job. I had financial obligations to meet, and I’ve always been taught that I needed to have a job.
Within a few days, I had an interview for an HR Consultant role with a travel agency. The day of the interview, I had a sick feeling in my stomach. Something was telling me that this wasn’t right. I cancelled the interview and stopped job hunting that day.
I didn’t want to work anymore. I wasn’t happy with my career. I was very disheartened by my profession. I missed my daughter. I felt like I needed to be home, and that it was time for me to find something that makes me happy.
Hubby and I sat down with our budget to figure out how we could make this work. We made some very big decisions about how much money went where. We are now better off financially than we were three years ago.
It’s a huge decision to make. Personally I think it comes down to what is going to make you happy. If you’re happy working, then work. If you won’t be happy in your job, then you won’t do your job well which will dishearten you even more.
And that’s my 2 cents on the subject!
It really is the million dollar decision! After both of my kids I was fortunate enough to be in a family business where I was able to take extra time off. After 12 months I just didn’t feel ready to leave them. I put them in pre school 3 days a week at 18 months and that felt like a good balance.
There are times I am very envious of those who are home and can go on the field trips, volunteer at school for pizza day and focus completely on their family. I think it is a feeling that we all have and we always wonder if we are making the right choices..
I try my best to achieve Work Life Balance as best as I can..
I wish I could have stayed home with my little guy. I was able to be home with him for the first 13 months, but being a single mom, I needed the income.
He loves going to daycare to play with his friends and gives me a chance at adult time and make a living.
Our weekends are always filled with exciting times to offset his full days at daycare.
I have to go back to work although he has a very good job we need both incomes to survive. This will be baby number 3 and although I have been thru this before it doesnt make it any easier. I admire those moms who can stay home, I wish i could.