D.B.
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My husband makes a good salary but it is stretched often with our house in Long Island, two cars (one financed; one leased) and one child. Up until a month ago I was a stay-at-home mom for the past 2 1/2 years. I am working as a Para for a middle school. What I like about it is the adult contact, school hours/days off and I don't bring home work. The 1:1 student I was assigned is a nice kid.
After daycare expenses (only 3 days: $975 a month!) I probably bring home $460 a month so I'm making no money. But I knew I wouldn't make money in Long Island as a Para. I am doing this for job experience and to see what I'd like to do. I also really wanted to "get out of the house" and do something different. I have a background in education and a master's degree in reading but I didn't like being a classroom teacher.
Now that I bring home some money, I wish I made more so my husband and I could decorate the house we've lived in for a year but have little money to fix up or decorate. I committed to this job for the school year and I intend to fulfill my commitment. And next year reevaluate my decision.
Just wondering any thoughts on net pay after day care. If I put my daughter in daycare full-time next year, it will cost around $1,200 a month. Then there is the possibility of having a second child but the thought of two kids in daycare for say $2,400 a month seems ludicrous when my mortgage is over $2,700.
Bottom line is I see that I really like working at least part-time (3 days) and do not want to work from home. I need adult interaction and structure. Trying to figure out the best way to earn money and raise a family. Thank you!
P.S. My husband takes care of our daughter on Mondays but he is unable to do it any other days and he works overnight/sleeps during the day.
Thank you moms' for the suggestions. As for tutoring, I could probably swing that this school year on a Thursday or Friday while my mom takes care of Alyssa. My husband does not have a flexible schedule so Mondays are it. Tutoring starts at what 3:30 or 4:00? He couldn't commit to that because he often sleeps days and sometimes until he leaves for work between 10:00 and 11:00. It is a good idea.
I actually got the nerve up to inquire about my daughter's daycare and if I were an employee, what the childcare discount might be. I was told only 10-20% off tuition! Now I'm not sure what daycare workers get paid there but I thought they would get at least half off tuition. I do not have an early childhood license so that would be something to consider too. Tutoring adults in English sounds interesting too but again I think I would have to hire a sitter to do that. Thanks again!
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For $115 per week, frankly, I'd rather volunteer 10 hours per week for my adult interaction. What about tutoring adults in English?
I know you say you desire adult interaction but are you aware what you could charge per hour as a children's reading tutor? You could easily quadruple your weekly income working about 8-10 hours per week.
In my opinion your mortgage and your daycare is very low for NY. It seems like you have to make some more sacrifices. I like Dawns suggestion working for school and getting free tuition for your child ( children) in addition their days off will be your days off. I'm assuming your public schools are good. Maybe by the time the kids are ready for grammar school, you can pursue something more suitable for you. Unless there are schools like Montessori 18m through at least 8th grade. I understand how you feel, especially when your husband has such a demanding job and
schedule. You littleone is still very small so its hard to be at stay at home mom, because you never get a break. It must be extremelly hard, just hang in there things will get better. In a mean time enjoy your little one because they just grow too fast. Its nice to have a choice make one that works best best for you and your family. Lots of luck with expending your family and a new job.
Since you have a background in education, you could easily tutor. With tutoring, you could work around your husband's schedule so you're not paying daycare. Maybe this is an idea for next year. I'm glad you're enjoying your Para job!
