I like to take things a step at a time. I like to have things organized, in a row, one after another. I like lists, and sanitizing wipes, and piles. Having things sorted out makes me happy.
That is why I always thought that approaching this whole “back to work” issue should go in steps. 1. Find suitable child care. 2. Look for a job. 3. Get a job. 4. Go back to work. Good, sounds like a plan. So let’s start with item number 1. Break it down. Where to begin? First, put word out to community that I am looking for childcare. Done. Second, check out local day care centers, starting with the low-cost version available to college faculty. Take deep breath, open door, commence tour.
With great emotion I headed to this day care center. There are two on campus, one of which is a “lab school” for the students who are majoring in child development and related topics. It has a great reputation so I tried to make an appointment to tour it but it turns out it’s under investigation for child abuse. Nice. So this morning I went to the other one, the one for students’ children. I was told that I could put Kyle on the waiting list and if a spot opened up that a student did not need, then the waiting list would be considered. Fine. Give me the tour.
It was adorable and clean and filled with perky assistants and teachers and much cuteness everywhere. It’s a 2 minute walk from Stewart’s office. It’s really cheap for us. I loved it. So I called Stewart on my way home and bawled my eyes out.
I don’t want to go back to work. I don’t want to leave my child with strangers. I don’t want him to have to be potty trained by someone else. I don’t want it I don’t want it I don’t want it!
But our money will run out. That’s the truth. We actually decided to give up Tivo to stretch our dollars a little bit more. We only decided, we haven’t done anything about it yet. I mean, it is smack in the middle of American Idol season 5. And speaking of that, can anyone tell me (Cam) why they don’t just let Paula drink during the show? Why should she have to pour her gin down her throat before the show and slur her words during the taping? It would be so much more entertaining to watch her talk to the contestants while sloshing a martini glass around a la Carrie Bradshaw yelling at Big about how emotionally unavailable he is. She would splash Simon and Randy in the faces with her drink, getting them drunk too. Hell, give us all a martini, and Stevie Wonder’s songs getting butchered by too-blonde country singers would entertain even us.
Girlfriend, I’ve been working FT since Zoe was 4.5 months old. I like my profession, I have an unbelievably great childcare situation but let me tell you that there is not one damn day that goes by that I don’t consider quitting to care for her all day. Money, yes, is a pain and necessary. Plus I’d be lying if I said that it isn’t nice to be around adults all day (where the term “adults” is sometimes questionable, but whatever). But this hell – this decision to work or stay home – there’s no good answer, ever and it feels like a losing proposition no matter which choice you make. I struggle with this every single day of my life. I’m here for you if you ever want to vent about it.
Oops – I was supposed to make you feel better. I guess that didn’t work out so well, did it? .
I can only imagine not wanting to go back to work and leave your child in daycare.
UM I dont even have kids and I know I could not do it!
Just seeing your pretty face around here makes me feel better, S@L.
You too, kate. Thanks for visiting every day.
I am so lucky to leave my girl with my MIL while I work part-time. She gets great care. I love my job. But it sucks leaving her. It really, really sucks. Damn bills.
Going back to work after having my daughter was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Here’s a solution: Why don’t you go get knocked up again? It won’t help with the bills, but it’ll buy you another year or two at home…
Putting the kids in daycare was hard, and I can’t decide if it is good or bad when my eldest cries when I walk in to pick her up because she doesn’t want to leave. My advice is to tour as many as you can so you can really begin to discern the differences. Since I am smack in the middle of potty training let me say this- any help you can get, let them do it!
On another note… you are watching American Idol now?
Yes, damn you. I succumbed to your pressure, my peer.
First off, American Idol is awesome and I’m totally glad you are hooked too! 🙂
Secondly, I *dread* the day when I am faced with the decision you are now facing. There’s no easy answer…..
haha, sorry.
For many children, preschool is their first experience in a structured setting with teachers and groups of children. It’s an opportunity to learn to share, follow instructions, and begin the foundation for learning that will occur in elementary school.