What would you do?

I am a regular poster posting under a fake name. Sorry but I don't want people searching and seeing this posting. I just need opinions here.

I have an 18 month old child that I currently work from home with and love. My job is not great, the money is low and my boss is not very nice. There are always constant new rules and procedures with it, but I get to be with my child so it's been outweighing the bad.

Recently I had a new job offer which would have me no longer work from home and I would have to put my child into daycare. I am having a hard time with this because this will be my only child and I feel that staying with him is important to me. But I also feel that having a new job opportunity is also important for me and my family.

I have lots of worries but I was wondering which would you pick if you had to do so? Just a random poll.

What would you do?

Does the new job offer a better salary? But would commute and costs of daycare bring this down or equal to current salary?
Does the new job offer benefits you dont have that you need?
Does new job offer advancement that current job does not? You might want to think 4 years down the line when child is in PK or K.
So many factors to consider.

Edited to add: just based on your initial post I vote Stay. But if you add the details above that could change my vote :)

Message edited 6/17/2014 3:07:48 PM.

Re: What would you do?

What would you do?

I think it depends on what your plans are for your future. When your child is in school do you plan to try and grow your career? If so I would go with the position that would best help your future.

Also I think you will come to the pout where you will not be able to work from home and entertain your child. I have the ability to work from home as needed and I will say that trying to work with a 2.5 year old around is next to impossible. Forget having to take a call. That would never happen.

Re: What would you do?

I am FTWM outside the house with overtime, there was no a choice for me, I certainly wish there was flexibility for me to spend more time with my DS, but this is the career I chose. It kills me especially this time of year when I see the teacher parents who get to spend the whole summer with their kids (and save on day care!).

I will say, that knowing that this is likely my only LO (due to infertility issues) I do understand that you want to really enjoy every moment that much more cause there is a good chance you don't get to go through all these exciting moments again with another little person.

I think you were incredibly fortunate to have the last 18 months with LO (think most FTWM have there 12 weeks and are back to work out of the house) and if this opportunity will help your family in the long run, that it might be a chance worth taking.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

Message edited 11/30/2015 10:23:18 AM.

Re: What would you do?

I would take the new job.

As your DC gets older it will become more difficult to work from home and you will need to have some type of help/babysitter/preschool anyway.

I have worked since my DS was 5 months old and he is 7 now, it is hard, but I genuinely enjoy our time together because we make it very special

What would you do?

I'd take the new job. As was pointed out, as your DC gets older, they will nap less, require more activities to do, and that will likely inhibit your ability to get your work done. It's great to be home, but if you're looking to advance, make more$, I'd take it.

What would you do?

Job market sucks.. I'd take the job. If your boss is already a pain it doesn't seem like there's a lot of loyalty there to keep you. Opportunity doesn't often knock twice.

What would you do?

I would probably take the job bc you don't know when you're going to get another opportunity. Especially since you're not extremely happy with your current position anyway

Re: What would you do?

I voted but really have no business voting since I am a SAHM. I will say that as your DS gets older it will get harder to work from home, especially since he is alone. He is going to want your attention more and more.

My neighbors has an only child who is 7 years old and works from home. She was working 3 days a week and then needed to add a day. Her DD would sit and watch her work after she came home from school. She was always telling her mom stories from the day ask a million questions and never leave her alone. My neighbor ended up putting her in after care at school when she went to 4 days because she was so behind on work. She is a medical biller so she needs to be focused.

I just think it is something to consider. Daycares are great for socialization and I do not think you are doing a disservice by sending him.

Good Luck!

Re: What would you do?

As long as you can afford it, stay where you are to savor the time with your child. Keep looking for something similar, but better pay, etc.

Re: What would you do?

Thank you for all that replied. I appreciate all of your views and input. I am still very much struggling with the decision. So many factors but one huge one is it's only me and DH. No other family can help out for us. If our child is sick, we are the ones for pick up from daycare and time off from work. My dh job isn't one where you can drop things fast or not come in without it being a huge hassle. Sigh.... I wish there was an easy answer but appreciate all of your views. Thanks again.

What would you do?

Given your answers I would opt to stay in your current position. It doesn't sound like there is much certainty for growth even though there is some potential. As a mom of 2 under 5 you need to have flexibility once school starts. You have it now. When you have an 18mo old in my experience it's better to have the flexibility than anything. Especially if you don't have family around to help. That's been my experience anyway. GL!!