Anyone work part-time-- mostly from home, but still needed some childcare?

Do you find that what you give up is worth it-- since essentially, you are working to feel like a "normal" person, and to pay for childcare while you do it-- just to earn some extra pocket money?

I am exploring some opportunities that will allow me to be home mostly-- but I would need someone for a few hours a couple days a week. The returns would be-- getting out for a few hours without the baby (work related or not), earning the extra money to not feel guilty about getting a sitter on Sat nights, paying for my cleaning lady-- and having a few extra bucks for the slush fund.

I think the trade off is probably worth it-- but was wondering what BTDT moms had to say. I don't miss going to work-- but I miss working, kwim?

Re: Anyone work part-time-- mostly from home, but still needed some childcare?

I tried it for a week when DS was 3.5 months old and it was so difficult for me to do that I had to wait to work until he went to bed. He never really napped long enough for me to do work durning the day. I wasn't making enough (I think it was $20/hr) for me to make it worth it.

I think if you are going to WAH while your baby/toddler is still at home with you and not in a nursery school you do need a babysitter to get that work done.

If it is worth it for you which it sounds like it is then I would go ahead with it. The only hard part might be that if Sasha sees you she is going to want you. That separation anxiety phase is going to start soon.

Re: Anyone work part-time-- mostly from home, but still needed some childcare?

Yeah, I guess the only way I will know if it will be worth it-- is to explore and experience it.

If I do happen to get the opportunity to move forward with this one particular position, I will try it out and see what happens.

I love being home with her-- but, I think she needs to be exposed to other people since she is with me constantly, and I would love to earn some extra dough to grant me luxuries that I didn't know were luxuries before I had her.

Thanks for the input!

Re: Anyone work part-time-- mostly from home, but still needed some childcare?

I've been working part-time in the office and part-time from home since my first son was born 2 years ago. It has been SO worth it to me, not only for the $$ but for me personally.

Now I have 2 boys and work 2 days from home and 3 in the office and only my youngest is home with me on the days I work from home. My older son still goes to daycare but that's more for his benefit than mine. He loves it and misses his friends when he's not there. If you can, give it a try. It's an adjustment in the beginning but so worth it IMHO.

Re: Anyone work part-time-- mostly from home, but still needed some childcare?

I work from home. I do my work when they are napping or at night when they go to bed. Right now I don't make enough to pay for childcare. If I get more work, and more money, I would pay for a nanny to come to the house a few times a week.