One of the biggest decisions you will make during your pregnancy is whether you will return to work or stay home with your new baby. There are a variety of factors that will influence your decision. The majority of new mothers return to work for financial reasons. Some do so because they carry the health insurance for the family. Still others return for emotional reasons. All are valid reasons and it’s up to you to make the best decision for your family.
The first step in making the decision is to consider the financial aspects. This will help you determine if quitting your job is feasible. Sit down and figure out your monthly bills, including your mortgage, car payment, property taxes, insurances and utility bills. Take into account other expenses such as food, clothing and entertainment. Look at where you can cut expenses and where you can’t.
Calculate the costs of going back to work. These include child care, gas, vehicle expenses, clothing, meals out and any other expenses incurred with working. Depending on how much you earn, these expenses can use up quite a bit of your salary.
Consider your family’s health insurance costs. If you carry the insurance and you leave your job, how will the family be covered? Does your husband’s job offer insurance? If not, how will you pay for coverage for your family? For some women, this is a deciding factor.
Consider the long term implications of leaving your job. This can include things like savings, your child’s college fund and private school for the kids. What are you willing to give up? Retirement savings is another issue. If you leave your job permanently, you should have an IRA for your future needs.
Also consider the long term implications to your career. Do you ever want to go back? If you do, how will leaving your job affect your future employment plans? The effect on your future employment will depend on your career and future plans. Being on the “Mommy track” may cause you to lose out on promotions. This discrimination is illegal, but does happen all the time.
For some women, there are emotional issues that are significant factors. Some women feel completely fulfilled at home with the children, while others need to work. If you can see yourself resenting your husband and children, it may be better to go back to work. Keep in mind that these issues may change many times over the years. Staying home now doesn’t mean you will never be able to work again.
Only you can make this decision. The opinions of others should have no place in the decision. Everyone has an opinion and no matter what you do, you may feel judged. It’s best to ignore all of that and focus on you, your baby and your partner. In the end, you and your husband need to make the choices that are best for your family.