So it looks like I may be returning to the working world..need help with childcare-UPDATE!!!!

After almost five months home with Christopher, it is looking like I am going to be going back to work. We really need my salary in the long run and I think I've found a job where I can be happy (fingers crossed).

Now, here is my childcare situation: I will be working 9-5 about 30-40 minutes from home. DH works 6pm-2am in Brooklyn (takes about 1.5hrs going in ). He has to be on the road by 4:30 the latest, so working 8am-4pm wouldn't really help. DH's days also rotate, like next week, we would have this situation T-F, the week after W-F. So, these are are our options, I am open to suggestions and opinons:

1. DH would pack DS up and drive him to my job, then I would take him home. He would probably log about an hour and half in the car total.

2. We try to ask one of our neighbors to watch DS for that 1.5 hours. BUT we only moved here in May and only vaguely know people and most of them are OLD.

3. Try to find a day care center for that time (can you even do that?)

4. Ask my cousin to do it, BUT she lives 20 minutes in the opposite direction from where DH has to go (so an added 40 minutes to both of our trips) and she has a medical condition that may be an issue soon.

What would you do? TIA!!

UPDATE: I got the job I wanted

I think for the first week we are going to do option #1 (my first day of work is next Wednesday and it's my sister's bday and she lives in the city, so I'll take DS in) for a couple of days while I try to find a college student. How much would you pay? MAX it is going to be is 2 hours, so $20 a day? I have DH's schedule, so I can tell he/she what days we would need them.....

I am FREAKING OUT...but we really, really need the money.

I also wanted to say thank you, this site has some AMAZING women, I have gotten such nice FM's and such helpful advice and I really, really appreicate it I am really happy to be part of such a great "community

Message edited 9/20/2007 5:22:29 PM.

Re: So it looks like I may be returning to the working world..need help with childcare

As long as your job doesn't mind having the baby there, I'd do that.

Is there anyway you can negotiate 8-4?

Good luck!

Re: So it looks like I may be returning to the working world..need help with childcare

Posted by CathyB

As long as your job doesn't mind having the baby there, I'd do that.

Is there anyway you can negotiate 8-4?

Good luck!

Re: So it looks like I may be returning to the working world..need help with childcare

I would go w/option 1

Re: So it looks like I may be returning to the working world..need help with childcare

I would see if you could find a high school student, or college student to come to your house for that 1.5 hours an afternoon. I'm not sure what type of job you are having, but are you going to be able to leave ontime every day? and if you can't, what will happen with the baby and your DH? Also, this way, the baby isn't in the car too much, and you can have a little more flexibility.

Re: So it looks like I may be returning to the working world..need help with childcare

Re: So it looks like I may be returning to the working world..need help with childcare

I think option 1 would be the best option, at least at first. Then you can see how it goes and take it from there. Maybe you'll get friendly with one of the neighbors, etc. I always like to have my plan "set in stone", but I'm trying to be more "go with the flow". Try it out, see how it works for you, and be open to make changes if necessary.

I went back to work when DS was 16 weeks (about a month ago). DS is actually doing great in daycare, so if you end up going that route, it can work out.

Re: So it looks like I may be returning to the working world..need help with childcare

I can leave on time everyday. It is a straight 9-5 job. If I have to do overtime it has to be approved well before hand and I can pick if I even want to do that.

I'd do a high school student if I knew their parents, KWIM? There are quite a few colleges around here, good idea though!

Message edited 9/20/2007 9:14:44 AM.

Re: So it looks like I may be returning to the working world..need help with childcare

Re: So it looks like I may be returning to the working world..need help with childcare

Traffic is horrible coming home at that time. When I worked in Melville it took like 45 minutes. But if you do Option 1, you can drive in the HOV late

You could always post an ad on Craigs List and see what kind of response you get.

Re: So it looks like I may be returning to the working world..need help with childcare

Posted by Summerrluvv

Traffic is horrible coming home at that time. When I worked in Melville it took like 45 minutes. But if you do Option 1, you can drive in the HOV late

You could always post an ad on Craigs List and see what kind of response you get.

Re: So it looks like I may be returning to the working world..need help with childcare

Posted by KateDevine

Posted by Summerrluvv

Traffic is horrible coming home at that time. When I worked in Melville it took like 45 minutes. But if you do Option 1, you can drive in the HOV late

You could always post an ad on Craigs List and see what kind of response you get.

We both could, Chris til he dropped Christopher off, then me coming home.

It's sad that I thought that, right?

Re: So it looks like I may be returning to the working world..need help with childcare

The traffic from where you will be home to you is gonna be a nightmare. My Dr is in the area of the job and traffic starts to build there as early as 3 pm. I think it will take you at least an hour to get home on a good day..

I wish I lived closer I would do it in a heartbeat.

Let me see if I casn find someone in your area too. Not sure but will put the word out.

Re: So it looks like I may be returning to the working world..need help with childcare

Here's my suggestion. Completely leave DH out of the mix. My DH has shift work too and I just found it was easier for everyone that one of us handle the drop off / pick up.

I drop the girls off at 6:30/6:45 (day care opens at 6:30) and I pick them up at 4:00.

Sounds like you would need aftercare. Can you drop him off at a place before you go to work and maybe pay for after care OR maybe include your husband in the pick up portion?

I know this sounds weird but it always works out so try not to stress to much about it.

My girls go to Tutor Time and we're very happy there.

Re: So it looks like I may be returning to the working world..need help with childcare-UPDATE!!!!

BUMP for update, more questions and a big THANK YOU

Re: So it looks like I may be returning to the working world..need help with childcare-UPDATE!!!!

Posted by KateDevine

BUMP for update, more questions and a big THANK YOU

Re: So it looks like I may be returning to the working world..need help with childcare-UPDATE!!!!

I just read this for the first time, wit the update.

Congrats

I think having a college student or someone is a great idea. All that time in the car can make a little guy cranky.

Good luck in your search.

Oh, I never answered the question: I would say $12-$15 per hour. I think that is what most people say the going rate for baby sitters are.

Message edited 9/20/2007 4:35:01 PM.

Re: So it looks like I may be returning to the working world..need help with childcare-UPDATE!!!!

I think $10 an hour is good. That's what most of them were looking for when I was going to go that route.

Re: So it looks like I may be returning to the working world..need help with childcare-UPDATE!!!!

Congrats on the job.

Re: So it looks like I may be returning to the working world..need help with childcare-UPDATE!!!!

congrats on your job! keep us updated

Re: So it looks like I may be returning to the working world..need help with childcare-UPDATE!!!!

I would find a college student- that sounds ideal.

Sorry you have to go back but congrats on the job!!! It sounds like you are really excited about it.

Re: So it looks like I may be returning to the working world..need help with childcare-UPDATE!!!!

Congrats on your job

Re: So it looks like I may be returning to the working world..need help with childcare-UPDATE!!!!

your husband is only going to sleep for very few hours. Is he a cop or fireman (thinking he might be with his schedule)..if so you may need some help in the morning so he can get some sleep too.

Congrats on your new job!!!

Re: So it looks like I may be returning to the working world..need help with childcare-UPDATE!!!!

CONGRATS I just read this now...

I don't have a ton of advice, but many hugs