When you decide to take on a part time job, it definitely will have an impact on your family life. In the two most common scenarios either the stay at home parent will now be working outside the home or one or both of the parents who currently work will be working two jobs. When considering taking on a part time job, it is important to think about how it will affect your family’s schedule. You need to decide if the benefit that comes from the extra money outweighs the loss of family time or flexibility.
Here are the pros and cons for getting a part time or second job:
Pros:
•Increased income can lessen pressure on family from creditors
•Increased income can reduce the strain on the marriage that comes from money problems
•If a stay at home parent is the one who will be taking a part time job, that parent may enjoy some time out of the house and the opportunity to have “grown up” conversation
•Children can see the teamwork between parents that is required to make this arrangement work
Cons:
•Reduced time with family – either the working parent is now working more or the stay at home parent will be working while the working parent is home
•The need to arrange who will take care of the children while one or both parents are working
•The stress that may come from less family time
Before you make the commitment to take a part time job, it is important for you spend time considering how it will affect you and your family. Take time to talk to your spouse if you are married or to someone you trust if you are single. Determine the pros and cons as they apply to your particular situation. Adding a part time job can be a great thing for your family in many ways, but it is also important that you are prepared for any challenges that it may bring.