Need some advice...

I'm due in June and DH and I are trying to figure out if it makes sense for me to go back to work since daycare in Manhattan costs just a little less than my salary. So it seems that it just isn't worth it. A nanny would cost just about the same as my salary (after taxes are taken out) so that is definitely not an option. I'm toying with the idea of starting a scrapbooking business from home in which I design and create scrapbooks for people that just don't have the time or want to create one of their own. I've been scrapbooking for years and everyone that sees my work always says I should start a business. It would be nice to make some sort of a salary, but do you think I'll have the time to do this with a new baby? I just have no idea what to expect with regard to how much time I'll have for something like this. Is anyone else considering doing something from home after the baby is born?

Re: Need some advice...

I am in the same boat. I am interviewing Daycare centers right now & I have to say most of them cost about 1/2 my salary. It makes me wonder if it is even worth it. I would love to go back to wedding planning, but those hours would kill me with a newborn (& the idea of not having my weekends available is also not the greatest.) I have been trying to think of ways I can make some kind of salary without going to a physical job

I think if you can figure it out during your maternity leave (how busy you will be, etc) then that is not the worst time to decide. A lot of women in my company left on maternity with the intent to come back & then did not. I think it is not that rare.

Re: Need some advice...

I think this is a great idea, but you would probably want to be an e-bay seller or something-I don't think you will make enough just with people you now or word of mouth. I have done a few scrapbooks anfd they have taken me 30-40 hrs each! So you have to make sure you are charging-and materials can get expensive. I would figure out how much you spend on one and go then figure out a price that will take into account your labor

Re: Need some advice...

I agree with Melissa.

You could make your business yes, but most business of that type takes at least 2-3 years to turn a profit. And while it would...You might need it to NOW...so I would start with something like E-bay to get your name out there to at least bring home some cash from your efforts,.

Re: Need some advice...

We decided against going back to work after DS. I would have had $500 a month left from my salary after the daycare maybe even a little more because I needed to work late alot of the time.
I have nothing against daycares at all and think they are a great experience for children, but I will say that I dont really understand how people say they can't afford to stay home. It's one thing if a family member is watching them for nothing or something minimal but I think you need to be making $45K-$50K + for it to be worth it. I hope this makes sense.

As far as the business I really think it depends on the type of child you have. If they are clingy and need alot of attention then you might only have time after they go to sleep and by then you will wiped. But if you have an easy going child then it wont be so bad. I would try it, you have nothing to loose.

Message edited 3/2/2007 3:20:11 PM.

Re: Need some advice...

I already work from home and plan to get right back to work. I own my own business so I don't really have any other choice.

BTW, I can be your first customer!! I am terrible with that stuff..!