Help me decide what to do

goosehazel

TCS Member
Thread starter
Top Cat
Joined
Dec 21, 2004
Messages
3,663
Purraise
2
Location
Up to my eyeballs in Thomas the Tank Engine undies
So, I was thinking about going back to work, but I'm having a hard time making a decision. Long story short, The St. Louis Zoo has an opening for an admin. position and I have always wanted to work at the zoo. Maybe this could open up opportunities for me to work with animals in the future. But I wouldn't mind doing the admin. work either. Problem is, Brandon is only 8 months old (today actually
) and I have been home with him this whole time. I'm not sure I want to leave him yet
. But then again, I may never get a chance like this again. What should I do?
 

phenomsmom

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Nov 17, 2005
Messages
10,462
Purraise
11
Location
In training
I would say go for it. This is the chance of a lifetime. If you don't like it you can always go back to being a stay at home mom!
 

jenny82

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Apr 19, 2006
Messages
5,773
Purraise
114
Location
Maryland
I'm not sure if the position would allow this, but maybe you could compromise and work there part-time.
 

catloverin_ks

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Mar 13, 2006
Messages
10,177
Purraise
1
Location
Podunk, Kansas
Aww! That really would be a *toughie*. I know I have loved staying home with my daughter(shes 2 1/2) I think I would still have a hard time leaving her now as well. That chance may not come up again though....
Hopefully it will all work out for ya hun. Do you have a daycare or someone you can leave him with?? (thats my issue-I am picky,lol) Please let us know as soon as you decide. Until then I am going to keep you in my prayers.
 

white cat lover

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Nov 17, 2005
Messages
22,206
Purraise
35
If you can find someone competant to care for Brandon, then I say go for it! That job sounds amazing... Then again, I don't have kids & don't know what it would be like to leave them...
 

emily_325

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Jun 29, 2006
Messages
2,063
Purraise
1
Location
NW Georgia
I would say go for it. I there a daycare at the zoo possibly? Or a really good one nearby so that you could go visit on your lunch? It would be hard to turn down this opportunity, and like others have said, if you don't like it you can always go back to being a stay at home mo again. Any job that would hold that against you if you leave wasn't worth having anyway.
 

sharky

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Jan 30, 2005
Messages
27,231
Purraise
38
I would say go for it as long as it can be flex time/ part time so you can ease back into work
 

kittylover4ever

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
May 10, 2004
Messages
21,696
Purraise
16
Location
Ohio
Oh I'd love to work at the zoo...................good luck with whatever you decide!
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #10

goosehazel

TCS Member
Thread starter
Top Cat
Joined
Dec 21, 2004
Messages
3,663
Purraise
2
Location
Up to my eyeballs in Thomas the Tank Engine undies
I'm going to find out if the zoo offers daycare. Thanks everyone for your help in this. It is a hard decision to make. I hope everything works out and I'll keep everyone posted. Thanks also for all the prayers and vibes
 

cheeseface

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Jun 10, 2003
Messages
11,614
Purraise
19
I don't think there's anything wrong with continuing to be a stay at home mom. I think it is underrated. Why let someone else shape his life at such an early and impressionable age? He'll get plenty of that when he begins school.
 

dixie_darlin

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Jul 25, 2005
Messages
8,031
Purraise
4
Location
Pinellas Park, Florida
Honestly, I would go for it.
I was a stay at home mom for my 8yr old until he was 3 and then went back to work. He had a hard time adjusting to being around other kids and being away from me as I did him... Then I had Deacon (he's 4½ now). I went back to work when he was 8 months old also. He adjusted very well!
He enjoys being around other kids and looks forward to going to "school". I think it would be a great opportunity for the both of you!
 

crystal211

TCS Member
Alpha Cat
Joined
Nov 7, 2002
Messages
701
Purraise
1
Location
Garfield Heights, Ohio
I just got a job at a shelter down here -- and I get the opportunity to volunteer, too. I'm being paid to do design work (I'm redesigning their website, creating t-shirts, etc.) and coordinator work (I'm in charge of arranging their volunteer events) but I also get my hands-on with the animals.

I would jump at it. But I don't have a child.
I'm not sure how easy that would be.
 

oscarsmommy

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Apr 30, 2005
Messages
2,803
Purraise
8
Location
O-H-I-O!
Originally Posted by Hydroaxe

I don't think there's anything wrong with continuing to be a stay at home mom. I think it is underrated. Why let someone else shape his life at such an early and impressionable age? He'll get plenty of that when he begins school.
I agree! I work in a daycare center and most of my kids are there between 10 and 12 hours a day
 

gailc

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
May 18, 2004
Messages
11,567
Purraise
13
Location
Wisconsin
If you are ok financially I would not work, perhaps do some volunteer work if you like. When I worked in corporate amercia after some of the moms got done paying for daycare their take home pay wasn't a heck of money. It might be hard finding day careif you work part time too.
Good luck with your decision!!
 

lilleah

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Nov 18, 2005
Messages
1,877
Purraise
2
Location
Bright & Sunny Florida
I'd say go for it as well.
It is so tough leaving your baby anywhere without you. I went back to work when my baby was 6 months old. Although, I always had a job where my schedule was different from her fathers...So if I wasnt here, he was.
But when you get home, or pick up your baby from baby-sitter or daycare, it makes that time with him that much more special. You cherish the hours you do get with him..and make it a great time.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #18

goosehazel

TCS Member
Thread starter
Top Cat
Joined
Dec 21, 2004
Messages
3,663
Purraise
2
Location
Up to my eyeballs in Thomas the Tank Engine undies
Well, right now I'm just waiting to hear back what the hours are and if they have a daycare facility. We're still talking about it. There are so many pros and cons to sort through
I just want what's best for Brandon.
 

annasmom

TCS Member
Super Cat
Joined
May 31, 2006
Messages
878
Purraise
1
Location
Arkansas
It sounds like a great opportunity, but...

I am a stay-at-home mom and have been since my first child was born 3 years ago. I do not plan on going back to work/school until my youngest is in preschool (in two years.) I feel by having a child, I made a committment to them, and, as long as we are financially able, I will stay home with them.

Remember, all the statistics say that going to work vs. staying home isn't worth it unless you make $30,000 + a year (this includes daycare costs, work clothes, lunches, gas, etc--the expenses of working.) It may seem like a great segue into your field of interest, but once you crunch the numbers, it may not be worth sacrificing the time away from your baby.
 
Top