I think I may quit my job and babysit!

**Daisygirl** · 07-28-2006, 06:37 PM

My current work place is a horrible unpleasant place to be. A job I used to love has now become something I dread. New owners purchased the car dealership I work for and they are miserable, greedy people that I cannot seem to get along with, nor, honestly do I really want to get along with.

I got suspended yesterday, with pay, basically for being a smart alec. A note of caution: Just because you are right does not mean you should actually say what is on your mind. I spent my day off job hunting, since I am certain the end of my employment is quite near. And then I thought about how much I spend per month on childcare. I sat down to work out the numbers and it seems very feasible that I could run a home based childcare without an inordinate amount of kids and make the same if not more than I am making now. It would only take 3-4 kids.

As a single mom, I can offer different hours than some of the married moms. I can offer shiftworkers and people that work nights some reasonable rates to watch their children. I can sleep three extra kids in my house safely and comfortably in beds and I can actually spend time with my two daughters. I sat with my accountant this afternoon and he was very informative as to what can be written off and how to keep my records.

Is it nuts to quit my job and do this? I have enough to get by for a month without employment if I had to. Have any of you taken this step with or without backup income from a spouse???

**dwallyfam** · 07-28-2006, 06:43 PM

The only thing I would worry about is healthcare. After that if you can make it happen and would be happier, then go for it

Kellie

**NoDebtMom** · 07-28-2006, 06:45 PM

I think it is a great idea, but like the op said- what about health insurance?

**Daisygirl** · 07-28-2006, 06:49 PM

I live in Canada, and we all receive provincial healthcare. Up here we only pay for medicine and dental out of our own pockets. Doctors visits and hospitalization, etc, are something everyone receives. This is why our sales tax is so high, lol. I don't have any additional insurance now, so it won't be a change.

**Droppedonmyhead** · 07-28-2006, 07:08 PM

Well, since healthcare isn't an issue, I'd say go for it. I had a friend years ago quit her job to babysit. She did it until her children were grown, then she went back to work. She wanted to stay home with her children. She was very popular in our town through her babysitting, so she always had a great business (often having to turn away business).

Are you in sales at the dealership? Well, even if you weren't, you could sell products such as Princess House, Partylite (or one of the other well-known products) to earn additional money and set your own hours with shows or book orders.

**kabin63** · 07-28-2006, 07:25 PM

hey Karen,
when I was in highschool I had a friend whose single mom ran a small daycare in their house. It worked out fine for them and even though I haven't seen this friend in a while I believe her mom is still doing this. It's been 25 years. I say go for it!

**Laurie in Bradenton** · 07-28-2006, 07:36 PM

I would at least discuss it with my spouse. Remember marriage is a two way street and you should talk. But I would walk if I could stay home and still make my pay.
Time with your kids is never misspent.

Laurie in Bradenton

**Daisygirl** · 07-28-2006, 08:34 PM

Laurie, you misunderstand, there is no spouse, we are divorced. I'm sorry, as I re-read what I wrote, that is not very clear!

**tervsforme** · 07-28-2006, 08:39 PM

I think you should go for it. You obviously have thought this through and have even talked to your accountant about it. You are making an informed decision. Good luck!

**miss_thrifty** · 07-28-2006, 08:50 PM

Yah go for it. If u think u can supplemnet enough to make a go out of it in your own house, I know after so many kids u need so much room per child. Or square feet. IF its just a feww u r fine. When their toliet trained its easier too, and more fun i think, beacuse those little minds want to be molded, and are very easy to please. And it doesnt have to be exspensive to have fun and educational at the same time.
Go for It.

**MOMMYDEAREST** · 07-28-2006, 09:58 PM

i run a daycare right now & its working out great. plus i'm home with my own children too. just make sure whoever you babysit for, that they are good payers, you don't want to end up getting screwed over by some one. just make sure all your bases are covered!!! good luck!!!

**Daisygirl** · 07-29-2006, 04:37 PM

Well, it is offical, I dragged myself into work today and they canned me!!! I have been doing some job hunting, but this babysitting is looking better and better. I think I am going to go for it, I am going to think about it for a week, and then make my decision.

**Drgnfly423** · 07-29-2006, 05:09 PM

I'm so sorry that this happened to you.

I do have to say that I believe that everything happens for a reason. Sounds like this was not a good fit for you and you were looking at other options, which is great timing. Good luck on the babysitting thing. It would be wonderful if that did work out for you. Keep us updated!