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Family and Consumer Sciences Timely News
Counting the Cost: Can you afford (not)
to go back to work?
By Mary F. Longo, Extension Educator, Family and
Consumer Sciences, Marion County
There is no magical formula to help a parent decide if he or she should work outside the home or stay home with the children. The decision to be a working parent or a stay-at-home parent is very personal. It requires serious consideration about the costs, both obvious and not so obvious, of staying home versus employment.
Consider these potential costs when making your decision:
- Child care - What is the cost and what does it cover? This varies widely by program and community. Tuition may include food, formula and diapers or you may be asked to provide them.
- Laundry - Will you have additional laundry expenses (including dry cleaning) for yourself and your child if you work?
- Food - Will you eat out more if you work? Likewise, will you eat out more with the baby/child if you stay home?
- Clothing - Do you need new clothes for your paid job? Will the baby need more clothes for child care?
- Transportation - What additional costs will you have for getting to work? Public transportation costs? If you'll drive, additional spending on gas? Higher insurance? More wear and tear? Parking? What will your transportation costs be if you choose to stay home?
- Professional expenses- What costs such as dues, journals, or newspapers will you have if you work? What costs will you have if you stay at home? This might include gymnastics, mother's club, or extra shopping money.
Be sure to consider these non-financial "costs", too:
- Social - Do you live in a community where you can be involved with other adults or parents if you stay at home. Can you adjust to the decreased interaction with adults? Do you need the mental stimulation from your career?
- Career path and goals - What are your long term goals as well as those of your partner? Can you alter those to stay home for a few years or for many years?
- Community service - What desire do you have to do community service? Will you be able to volunteer if you are working; will you be able to volunteer if you stay at home?
- Job structure - Are there options available at your job that will allow you some flexibility? Can you work from home several days, work a compressed week, job share,....?
- Availability of child care provider - Can you find a provider in the setting you want, with the hours and rate you want?
- Self esteem - How will you react personally if you are at home or work and would prefer to be at the opposite?
- Time spent with child - Will you have quality time to be with your child? Evenings? Weekends? Days? Nights?
The final decision needs to be made by the parents together. The best decision is the one you both believe will best meet your family's needs, not what your friend or neighbor does. There are many success stories of families where the parent(s) stay at home and just as many success stories where the parent(s) work. Your attitude, flexibility and time management will be essential as you make your decision work for you.
Mary F. Longo is the Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences and County Extension Director, Ohio State University Extension, Marion County.
