Help me decide if I should quit my job!

[aprilfoolwed]

I am so confused

I took a job as a teacher's aid this year in our school district. I like my position a lot, and really love the teacher I work with. The pay, although not wonderful, was at least respectable. We really could use the extra income that my employment provides, but we could survive without it (we have for 8 years).

This job literally fell into my lap - it was not the "right" time for me to take the job, but I was able to work out the logistics for this school year. I have a friend watching my children before/after school (I am on a slightly different schedule, so I need someone to care for them an hour before school every day, and then one hour after school one day a week) and someone who takes/picks-up my preschooler and drops him off at Grandma's house after school. It's worked out nicely for all parties involved.

But next year isn't working out as well.

• The teacher I work with requested a different schedule, so I am losing a few periods of classes (although it's very likely that I can be put in other classes) AND the actual schedule has changed with hours that are more difficult with my childcare needs
• I have childcare lined up for my older two children BEFORE school, but my childcare for after school just told me she won't be able to do it next year. Our district has a goofy early-dismissal every Wednesday, and no childcare places will take the kids for just that day. I have no prospects to care for the kids during those Early Dismissal days (every week).
• I have no transportation for my son to go to preschool. I've looked into full-day programs, but they are very expensive.
• I make $355/week before taxes - my childcare costs for next year would be min $185/week (and I still don't have the early dismissal day accounted for)

Other factors are:

• The year after next year isn't any more promising in terms of childcare needs and schedule - I'll have a kindergarten student (half day) to worry about
• I have the option to keep my "other" part-time Saturday morning position, where I earn $75 (before taxes) a week. I was planning on leaving this position in favor of my nearly f/t school job, but still have the position in case I need it.
• I may have the option to take an aide position in my own children's school - where my hours would match theirs - eliminating the need for childcare for the older 2 chidlren. I will not know if I can change jobs until the end of the summer though.
• I really do enjoy my job and the students that I serve. After 8 years of being a SAHM, it's been fun to be out in the real world this semester! I would miss the job.
• I have been considering going back to school to get my own teaching certification - if I was not working full-time, I could take classes towards my certification.
• If I give up my school position, I likely won't be able to get it back any time soon.

Is it worth keeping the job to bring home $100/week, when I could stay home with my children and bring home $60/week at my 2nd weekend job (been there 5 years already!)? Is it worth it to keep the school job and deal with the headache NOW to keep a job which will be PERFECT in 2 years (when my youngest is in 1st grade?)?

My head is swimming! Thankfully I don't have to make a decision right now, but if I need to move my youngest to daycare, I need to line that up now, so I do have a bit of a time crunch going on. Plus, I just can't sleep at night knowing that I don't have next fall scheduled yet.

Ideas?????? Maybe some outside opinions would help....

 

[MSSANDRA]

Two years is a long time to juggle your children for so little money and have to put your little one in day care for so little money. I would wait and try to get a job in your kids school. Maybe you can be parent helper in your child's school while your little one is in preschool. It's always good to get to know the staff if you might look for a job in the future and it might be enough stimutaion to keep you happy. Maybe ask about a position at your son's preschool. Many of my staff members came to me as parents wanting to help out!

 

[Jodijo]

I say, go with your gut. I think you need to do what feels right for you. I know that staying with your job may pay off in a few years, but is it worth it in the long run? Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

If all you would make after childcare costs is $100 per week then it's not really worth it. You could probably find another part time job with more flexible hours and only work when your kids are in school.

It would be ideal if you're able to work in your kids' school district. I've been working as an aide in my son's district for 8 years. The hours work out perfectly since we also have early Wednesday dismissal and I get done in time to pick him up and meet my older son's bus.

I think I would quit the job you have now and see if the one in your kids' district comes through. If it doesn't, then you can look for something within their school hours. It's not worth being miserable for 2 years and having to piece together expensive childcare for $100 a week. Hope it works out for you!

 

[QVCshopper]

Decisions like this are hard to make. But, for that little money a week after childcare, I just don't think it's worth the extra life hassle. I'd focus on getting the job in your school district or looking for something just during school hours (maybe a bank or library?). Maybe subbing? I'm really big on doing what makes life easier. I'd keep your weekend job, though. Best of luck.

 

[KELLY]

I was doing the same at my old job. After taxes and paying day care and gas I was brining home 200.00 a week. And the sitter situation was very stressful because I was working some long hours. The sitter was in the town I worked it. Dh was only able to pick the girls up once a week. So one day a week they were at daycare from 730 am to 630 pm. Not getting home til after 7pm. My youngest was in bed and stil is at 7pm. So I quit to be a SAHM. I do watch 2 kids in my home for extra money. I make more doing that then working.

 

[aprilfoolwed]

Thanks for the replies. I actually do work in my kids' district, but the elementary schools have a different schedule than the high school (where I work). Those early dismissals are such a hassle!

I had been a SAHM for the 8.5 years prior to landing this job. I really do love it, and would really miss doing it. But I appreciate hearing all the opinions that it doesn't seem worth it for the little money that I am bringing home.

My husband and I are going to think long and hard about this one after we look closer at the numbers, but I think both of our guts are saying that this may not be the best thing for us at this time.

I am currently reading Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover, so maybe I'll learn a few tricks to living a debt-free life so that the need for additional income is not as present!

 

[QVCshopper]

You're welcome to join us over on the no-buy thread... I bet you can find that extra money in your budget without a problem. And, you never know what good things may come up over time.

 

[aprilfoolwed]

I'll check out the No-Buy board! I could use the encouragement!

Also, funny you mentioned looking for work in a library - that's exactly what I did pre-kids! And I have looked into subbing. Around here, you need your certification to even sub, but there is a special program that will allow you to get emergency cert. I already have the paperwork and have been considering it....

 

[MinnieGi]

WOW, early dismissal EVERY Wednesday! That's insane! What a pain to deal with for childcare. In your situation I'd be tempted to hang in there until you hear about the transfer possibility to the elementary school b/c that would be ideal. If you don't get the transfer then I think it would be a pain to arrange and pay for all that childcare for little money, but if you do get the transfer it seems it would work out great.

Hope it works out for you!

 

[aprilfoolwed]

Yes, the early dismissal every week is a nightmare for anyone who needs childcare!

I won't do anything official with my job until August - no sense burning any bridges before I have to, right?

 

[HeatherC]

Can you substitute teach at the same district? That way you can work on your kids schedules when you want and still keep your feet in the door so to speak.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[MomofSixinSC]

My mom worked in a school district when I was growing up so she would have a similar schedule to mine. I missed her so much! I felt like I wasn't a priority in her life anymore. She did lots of things with me over vacations, but it wasn't the same as coming home each day and having her there.

 

[kawing123]

If you multiply that by how many weeks in a school year it is probably four thousand dollars. Now you must decide if you could definitely use that four thousand dollars or not. One hundred dollars a week may sound like pennies but alot can be done with one hundred dollars it is up to you.

 

[DVCLiz]

April, why not hire one of those huigh school kids for your childcare? I'll bet plenty of them have transportation and a need for an easy part-time job. Hiring a babysitter every Wednesday might be an option.

I just wonder if it's not worth a little hassle in the short run for the payoff of keeping your place in line, so to speak, for the long run. Your family has adjusted to your job and other than some minor child care issues it doesn't seem to have much of a negative impact - and lots of positives. I'd try a little harder on the childcare before I made the decision to quit.

 

[CarlisleMom]

I am not sure what state your in but I know that here in PA your position can pay into the pension system. After 5 years your vested. It may not sound like much know but in the future it can really add up.

I worked for 11 years for a school district before having by DD8. I started collected my pension when I quit (moving out of immediate area) and decided to stay home. I'll collect for the rest of my life (I am only in my early 40's). It is not much but it pays my water and phone bill. Phone bill includes phone with unlimited long distance, high speed internet and satellite.

 

[Mom2Ben02]

Hopefully things are better in your area, but where I live Teacher's Aides are getting laid off left and right. I would not keep this job. Essentially, you are making $40 a week (difference b/t the TA job and the weekend p/t job). You could do that for 2 years, and then have the position eliminated anyway!

There are many, many things you can do to make up $40-100 a week. Good luck!!

 

[MrsPete]

I am not sure what state your in but I know that here in PA your position can pay into the pension system. After 5 years your vested. It may not sound like much know but in the future it can really add up.

I was going to bring up that very topic. When I started teaching, the money really wasn't enough to justify my time/daycare. My grandmother, who believes strongly in education, kept our then-only child for free . . . with the agreement that we'd put away into a college fund what we would've spent on daycare.

Fast forward a few years . . . by working, I've moved up the salary ladder (well, we're in a salary freeze right now, but in the almost-two-decades that I've taught, I've moved up most years) to the point that my salary is worthwhile. It'll never be what people in the business world earn, but it is what it is.

I WOULD NOT, however, do this job JUST for the paycheck. I could do something easier and bring in more money. The retirement benefits are equally important to me. I'll be 57 when I reach 30 years, and I'll have a rest-of-my-life pension. Believe me, I've put in a great deal of work for that benefit, and I will continue to put in a great deal more work!

So, my point is that you should consider BOTH the month-to-month paycheck/cost and also your long-term finances as you make this decision.

 

[MrsPete]

One more thought: If you want to stay with the school system, have you considered driving a bus? Here, we can't get people to do that job. It doesn't pay all that well, but it also doesn't take up your whole day.

 

[Bete]

is there a teacher's aid position in the grammar school rather than the high school that would fit your hours better? I'm sure they would love to have someone with experience if there is opening there. It's worth asking a few questions.

If this doesn't work out I think I would quit. You could always do some searches for other jobs that may suit your schedule better. It's worth a look.

There's always a way to budget better if you really want to quit. You go out less, you buy non-brand foods, use clearance racks everywhere you shop, use internet to shop and find discount codes and free shipping, etc. Don't waste foods and be more conscious of lights and TVs, etc. that are on and not used at home, etc. Turn the thermostat down or up depending on the season, wash clothes with less hot water, turn your hot water heater down, etc.