Checklist: Working Mom vs. SAHM

Posted Friday, March 23, 2007 7:18 PM

Struggling to decide whether to return to work? Ask yourself these questions, and check out our Q&A on the topic.  

[  ] Can you work out a realistic budget, factoring in either the loss of your salary or the cost of childcare?

[  ] How will the loss of your salary and benefits affect your tax bracket and insurance coverage?

[  ] If you stay home, will you chafe at a 1950s-esque division of labor? (Think hard about this one.)

[  ] How does your partner feel about the matter?

[  ] Do you have parents or other family members or friends nearby who can help you care for baby?

[  ] Outside of work, do you have ample opportunities for adult interaction and social connections?

[  ] Will you be able to stay intellectually stimulated without work?

[  ] If you stay home now, will you want to return to work later? How will your career progress be affected?

[  ] Will you be able to function at work on a significantly reduced amount of sleep?

[  ] Do most your friends with children stay at home or work? How would you feel about choosing a different route?

[  ] Right now, is your work more about the money or the ambition?

[  ] What -- if any -- are your realistic options for childcare?

[  ] How much do you expect your partner to contribute to baby’s care?

QA Index