work

[jamzots]

I have stayed home with my DS 5-1/2 months since he was born, now I don't know what to do. I am supposed to return to my p/t job as a medical biller in 2 weeks or so, but DH says he wants me to stay home. I hold the medical benefits, but we have been paying them out of pocket since the baby was born and we are able to swing it. We also have 2 other DS's 8 and 13. My job is boring but I like the people, I have great vacation time, sick time, ect. but I don't want to leave the baby. He will be in daycare and his Godmother works there. I am agonizing over this decision, it will be tough to get 3 kids out the door in the morning esp. in the winter, but I don't want to give up the security of my job. Dh has his own construction business which is doing very well. Any thoughts?

 

[AllyandJack]

Look into direct-pay health insurance and get some quotes. Also, check with Small Business Associations or Chambers of Commerce and see if you can get group insurance through them by signing DH's business up.

If you can afford it, then stay home. You could also look into working from home. Both of my parents are medical billers. My father only works 3 days a month in the office, but does everything else at home - phone calls, letters, etc. He only goes in for the end of month stuff when he needs to use the program at the office. Maybe you could find a job that would let you work from home. If you're home, you won't have to worry about having sick or vacation time since you'll only answer to yourself.

You could go back to work and, if you absolutely hate it, you could leave. However, if you don't go back, you most likely won't be able to make the opposite decision unless you went to another business. Maybe it'll be a smooth transition.

Good luck!

 

[LMC]

The lack of health insurance is what would concern me. Have you been paying the bulk of your policy or just the same premium you normally would have you been at work? If you have been paying COBRA or some other higher premium and can swing it then, you may can find a private health insurance that you can afford and then do your medical billing work from home. Your current employer may even give you this option if you ask. It would probably require a cut in some benefits (paid sick, vacations) but maybe you can hang onto your medical insurance. It never hurts to ask if you are probably going to leave anyway.

 

[horseshowmom]

I stayed home with DD when she was born. We got by on one car and did without some things - which, interestingly enough, I can't even remember what they were. I'm grateful to this day that we were able to swing it. It meant a lot to our family.

 

[jamzots]

Have you been paying the bulk of your policy or just the same premium you normally would have you been at work? If you have been paying COBRA or some other higher premium and can swing it then, you may can find a private health insurance that you can afford and then do your medical billing work from home. Your current employer may even give you this option if you ask. It would probably require a cut in some benefits (paid sick, vacations) but maybe you can hang onto your medical insurance. It never hurts to ask if you are probably going to leave anyway.

We have been paying the whole insurance payment, not my reduced rate that I get at work. I also do enjoy having my own money and since DH is not into Disney vacations as much as I am, I like to have my own savings for vacations so he can't tell me we don't have the money to go away!!! He really doesn't deny me money but I just like feeling self sufficient in that way. Oh I don't know what to do, I hate the thought of dragging the baby out every morning and packing up all the bottles, formula, diapers, ect. I don't want to give up my job and wind up regretting it down the road, since I have awesome hours 9:30-2:30. I have to make the decision soon but it's a toughie!!