Along with the beginning of the school year comes registration for dance lessons. I've been researching alternate dance studios to the one Jess attended last year. The studio she attended was okay, but I didn't see it taking her anywhere and she was bored with it. The only good thing about it was the proximity - only 25 miles away.
The other options are 45-55 miles away. But the good news is that they have classes available for my little one too! Yeah! Okay this is all adding up to more money than I have available to pay out for tuition AND gas.
So I've been shopping around for extra means to money. I considered substituting a few days a month until I started doing the math of paying for a babysitter and taking out taxes. My neighbor who graciously offered to take my two kids suggested that I take a kid in myself as it would be way more lucrative and there seems to be a need. So now I'm on the verge of accepting another child into my home.
Here's my pro/con list:
Substituting:
Pros:
- No long term commitment.
- Time with adults during breaks.
- Exposure to district in the event I want to apply for any positions in the future.
- Half of my pay would go to pay for day care and/or taxes
- I'd have to work more days meaning more time away from my kids.
- Getting up early enough to look good and get my kids to day care and school.
Pros:
- I can still be at home with all my children 24/7.
- I don't have to get dressed up in the morning.
- The pay from one child will more than cover my girls' dance costs.
- I still have freedom to go and do what I need or want to during the day.
Cons:
- Long term commitment.
- I'll have at least three kids to take with me wherever I want to go.
- It might be hard to go walking with 3 kids in tow.
Have any more to add to my list? I've got to decide pretty quick.
4 comments:
I know exactly what you mean about trying to earn extra money AND trying to stay at home. When my kids were smaller I did daycare and I watched a baby while we were in AZ. Now that I think of it, I also watched a little boy about Alex's age when he was about 4 or 5. That kid was great. So 'daycare' was hard and not much fun. Kept me home with the kids and they benefited from the consistency I had to do. Watching one child is not a big deal and if you get a child that meshes well with your family - it is sooooooooooo much easier. So, if it were me, I'd watch one and I would work it out to where you would have a 30 day trial. At the end of 30 days if it doesn't work for you or the parents - done. Moving on.
Also, you need to stay home with your babies. Even if what you are trying to do is good for them (earning the extra mula to pay for dance lessons), the Lord wouldn't want you to do it. But, everyone is different and you gotta do what you feel is best for your family.
Just my two cents :)
Lisa
I agree Lisa. Thanks for your 2 cents. Now I'm just hoping for someone to call. I made a flyer for the schools, but I haven't heard anything yet.
I may have to resort to subbing if I don't hear soon. Rest assured I wouldn't do it more than 1 time a week. I couldn't. But I did decide day care won out on the pro con list.
Hey Chalice!
I am actually in the same position you are right now and I only have one kid to worry about. In fact, part of the reason I need to earn a little extra is for Olivia's dance class! I have been debating about going back to work full time, part time, or doing daycare. This week I finally decided that I was failing the test. I know the Lord wants me at home. I've always known that. So there's MY answer, but everyone is different. You do what feels right to you. Just whatever you decide, feel good about it and don't punish yourself with guilt! Good luck!
Jana
p.s. did you hear about the CLAM reunion in Utah with Pres. Farnsworth? Are you by chance planning a trip to Utah in October?
Thanks Jana - you too. Olivia is turning out sooo cute! I WISH I were planning a trip to Utah in October. Unfortunately, it doesn't really fit in our budget nor our school schedule. Ugh. Tell everyone hello for me and then you'll have to catch me up on all the news.
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