Is it worth it to quit my job?

[NMAmy]

Just wanted to add--a lot of these work expenses that have been mentioned here can be avoided. I never eat lunch out at work but take leftovers or a sandwich and snacks along with me. If you already have work clothes, then you don't have to spend a fortune but just replace items occasionally as necessary. A poster quoted $30 per week for work clothes which I don't understand--unless that's for dry cleaning or something and you can avoid that by not buying dry clean only clothing.

You don't have to eat out all the time while working either--cooking a lot on weekends and freezing works well and there are a lot of simple, healthy meals that can be made quickly. I have a car with good gas mileage and live close to work and so I only spend $25 every two weeks on gas.

I guess my point is that when figuring out how much you'll actually be bringing home financially, a lot of the expenses listed in this thread can actually be eliminated with good planning. Daycare can certainly be a budget buster. I know that in this economy, I wouldn't want to be hunting for a new job if things got to the point where it was urgent that I find work as soon as possible.

Best of luck to you whatever you decide and congrats on the new baby.

 

[Fintastic]

Work clothes and lunches aren't really an issue. I work in the office of a manufacturing plant, so I wear jeans and casual tops every day. I only get 30 minutes for lunch and there's nothing nearby, so I always bring my lunch. And I don't commute very far right now, so I only fill up about once a month (although we're trying to buy a house and that will add to my commute time).

 

[star sweeper]

We adopted two children Spring 07 and I was on maternity leave through the end of the school year. I chose to stay home the last 2 years. We moved this summer closer to my family and DH kept his job from our old state, but I agreed to return to work for financial security (in case his job ended suddenly). We started the kids in daycare 2 weeks ago and I was ready to begin school on Monday. In the last 2 weeks, my DS (3) was in the hospital for a horrible skin infection and DD (2.5) is currently ill with something our ped can't determine. We talked it over and I quit on Friday. I hated to quit so suddenly before school, and offered to teach 2 weeks while they search for a replacement, but it was the best decision for us. My DH is traveling 100% nationally and internationally and I've been spread way too thin with children sick, daycare adjustment, and preparing to teach.

I would suggest you do your maternity leave, then take a leave of absence if you can. That should save your job for a year, and give you plenty of time to come to a decision and try daycare ahead of time with your children. Good luck!