Is Working Worth It?

Sara Schaefer Muñoz came up with another interesting post in the Wall St. Journal "Juggle" blog.  She tackles the whole question of whether the costs associated with returning to work after having children really are worth it in "Is Working Too Expensive?"

In the post, she discusses a friend who decided not to return to the workforce, because she couldn’t afford it…

"there are large costs associated with working. “It certainly doesn’t end with day care. Commuting, parking, clothing, and on and on — and on. If you’re not making well above the average amount of money for the area you live in, it makes far more sense to stay at home.” (In my friend’s case, it’s worth noting she worked in graphic design, not law or banking.)"

The long-term career benefits may outweigh the short-term expense.” When I was pregnant I faced this very dilemma. On the surface it seemed ludicrous for me to work when, at that time, nearly 100% of my salary would go to child care. But we quickly realized that leaving the workforce would mean lost future earnings, giving up my hard-earned spot on the career ladder — as well losing the family’s corporate health insurance package that would be hard to get through my husband’s small business.

And another thing: I liked my job. Though I’d never classify myself as a super type-A personality — in fact, balancing work and family is often a strain — I think it’s important to have a world and purpose outside of family that is uniquely my own. Fortunately, my earnings have since improved, and though a large chunk of my paycheck still goes to child care, I feel like the long-term investment is generally worth it."

"The choice for mothers — and fathers — to work or stay home is obviously a complex one. Juggle readers, is it worth to it blow your salary on child care for the promise of future earnings? Or has the cost of working driven you out of the workforce?"

When I had my daughter, I still ran a sweater design and manufacturing business.  I was making good money, so the cost of childcare wasn’t much of a consideration.  There was something much more significant to consider:  Was the stress that I was undergoing worth it?  Ultimately, I decided it wasn’t, but instead of deciding to stay home, I decided to re-design my work life so I could continue to work and have time and energy for my family; but I’ll leave that story for another time…

-Susan Martin, work life sanity coach.