Go Back to Work If You Want

Having a child can take a toll on parents, especially if it is your first. Your life will be completely flipped upside down, and while you may know what to expect, there will certainly be some unexpected events that occur. Make plans for what you want to do after having a baby, but realize that it is possible that your mind could change at some point. Be flexible as your family begins to grow.

One thing that almost all parents have to figure out is which parent is going to work, and when they are going to work. While you may be fortunate to have some type of parental leave for giving birth, at some point that will end. After that, you’ll be forced into a position to decide what you’re going to do. Will you return to work or be a full time parent at home? There are some important things to consider as you decide.

First, you need to figure out if returning to work makes sense financially for you. Unfortunately, day care is often very expensive in the United States. There’s a good chance that you will make less money or just barely be breaking even by returning to work. If money is going to be equal upon returning to work then you may choose to stay at home. However, you should consider what that means for your career.

By leaving the workforce for a long period of time, you may find that you get left behind in your career field. If you choose to return to work again in a few years you may find that those lost years have a huge opportunity cost associated with them. At the very least, you should include this possibility in your determination of what you want to do - basically, consider what future earnings you may be giving up.

Beyond finances, you need to determine if you want to be a stay at home parent. Not everyone wants to be a full time stay at home parent. If you think staying at home is easier than going to work, then you’ve likely never been a full time stay at home parent. As much as you’ll love your kids, staying home with them all day and raising them isn’t for everyone - there’s no shame in that.

Don’t let your family shame you into staying home with your child. Some parents and families have strong opinions about a parent needing to stay at home with a child. There are lots of great daycares out there that provide a solid foundation for your child. There are pros and cons to having a child in daycare, but there are plenty of pros and cons to raising a child at home as well - it’s really a choice you have to make.

Finally, consider your child. While it may not seem like it in the moment, you’ll find over time that the years pass by quickly. You’ll never be able to make up those early years later on. Be sure you won’t regret your decision to go back to work. It’s generally easier to plan to stay home and return to work earlier than vice-versa. You simply never know how much you’re going to want to stay home with your child.

If you choose to return to work, then go for it. Spend time with your child in your free time, but there’s no shame in choosing to work. Be the best you that you can be.