We made a major decision this past weekend. I am not going back to school next week for the rest of the school year (14 days) like we planned. I couldn't fathom leaving my babies yet (how do people go back to work after 6 weeks???) I can't imagine making the transition from taking care of my babies all day long to getting ready for work in the morning and leaving them for hours to go take care of other people's children. I don't know how I would balance end-of-the-school-year demands with the demands of my children every second I'm at home. Ultimately, there will be lots of end-of-the-school-years to come, but Sam and Anna will only be 10-13 weeks old once. I do feel extremely lucky to be able to be home with them for 13 weeks, and off of work for 15 total weeks. This also means I get to be a stay-at-home mom until they are almost 6 months old!!!
My substitute had mentioned a few times that if I changed my mind she would be able to stay longer, so I just send an email to our district office asking if it was okay. They sent an email back saying my extended leave was approved, and that was that- piece of cake on that end.
Money wise, I'm not going to brush over it: it's going to be HARD. This means I will have taken a total of 7 unpaid weeks. At first, the estimate from my district's HR person wasn't too bad. But they forgot to factor in the deduction I was already taking for the first 4 unpaid weeks. Because of insurance, union dues, and taxes, we'll be out more money than I would have even made by being at school those 14 days. When we were rethinking the plan, I tried to figure out how much money we'd save by me not going back those weeks- if I went back to work I would need 1.) a haircut and highlights ($100) but I can forgo this if I'm at home with my hair up anyway 2.) new clothes that would fit because I can't wear comfy pants and t-shirts to school ($200?) 3.) gas ($150 for 3 weeks) and since my husband would have used his leave to watch Sam and Anna, he can now use those days this fall so that will be hundreds of dollars of childcare we won't have to pay either. Regardless, our savings will take a major hit. At least my emotional well-being won't be taking a big hit by going back to work too.
A year from now, the money lost won't be a big deal, but the time spent with my children will be. We may just be eating Ramen and mac and cheese for a while, but it will be worth it, a million times over! I'll be reminded of that every time I see a smile or hear a coo during the hours I would have been gone.
11 comments:
I am so thrilled for you, Katie! I know Anna & Sam will love having their mommy around for a few extra months. Like you said, they'll only be this young once. I know this is a major weight off of your shoulders. Good for you!
I am so happy you made the decision to stay home! It's so worth it :)
How great that you're staying longer! Sorry the money is so tight though.
Money is always a source of stress, but I think that you are making the right decision! And you are so right that when they are older you'll look back and the money won't be an issue, you'll just be so glad you had this time to spend with them. I'm sooo happy for you!
That's beautiful!!!
I was wondering about that with you. It's nice of your district to extend your leave. I totally hear you on the money issues, leave without pay sucks!
And yea, I am SOOOOO happy to not be at school for the end of the year crapola. It's very stressful, and I can't imagine doing it and having two little ones. However, missing the first month of school next year will be interesting, picking up where a sub leaves off.
I asked HR to split my unpaid leave (19 days from the 09/10yr) up over the last 4 months, and they wouldn't do it, but they did split it over the next two months, which I think will help.
So glad you get to stay home with your babies. :) 6 months, how ideal!
That is great news!
Those onesies were a gift - not sure where they were purchased.
I'm so happy you'll get to stay home with your babies!
I'm so glad you get to stay home. I'm just now back to work at 12 weeks and that is hard enough, I can't imagine having to go back earlier. What I wouldn't do to be home for another 12!!!
I'm THRILLED that this is going to work out for you. I know how relieved you must be with that decision. Enjoy the time with those little beauties!
I love the new plan, and I think in the long run, it will be well worth it (as you already know this)! They will only be your babies for so long and then poof! they will grow up and you will miss them so small and cuddly, so enjoy it while you can!! Besides, you would never have made it past the driveway before turning around and running back to them! :)
When I saw the same news posted on facebook, I was thrilled over the moon for you and Jake! Money may be tight, but you are creative and in time it will all work out. Enjoy every moment, the good with the not so good. And you can always liven up PB&J with changing up the jellies! Will it be strawberry, raspberry, or grape?
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