Child care cost Miami - career future
I could really use some outside perspective because I feel like I'm trying to make 5 major life decisions at the same time.
I'm a mom of three, including a 10-week-old baby. I recently accepted a new job that would increase my salary from $52k to $65k and is a hybrid management position that aligns well with my long-term career goals.
At the same time, I'm working on a PhD. I had also been offered a graduate assistantship that would allow me to stay home, be fully remote, and continue my PhD, but it would come with a significant pay cut.
The biggest issue is childcare. We simply cannot afford full-time daycare for an infant. Even part-time care would cost around $1,600/month. My husband works from home, but he's in meetings most of the day and realistically can't provide childcare while working.
On top of that, I'm breastfeeding. My baby recently had some weight gain concerns and I've spent the last couple of months nursing, pumping, supplementing, and constantly worrying about whether she's getting enough. The thought of returning to work makes me anxious, but the thought of giving up a career opportunity also makes me anxious.
Part of me feels relieved by the idea of staying home with my baby for a couple of years. Another part of me worries that I'll be hurting my career. I keep thinking, "If I step away from management now, will I be able to get back into leadership later?"
Financially, the numbers seem to point toward staying home (taking the GA route), because after childcare costs the salary difference doesn't stretch nearly as far as it seems on paper. Emotionally, I feel pulled in every direction.
If you were in my shoes, what would you prioritize?
- Career growth and leadership experience?
- Staying home while my baby is little?
- Finishing the PhD as efficiently as possible?
- Financial practicality?
I feel like there isn't a perfect answer and I'm struggling to see the situation objectively.