Is it worth it to get a second job if you already have a 9-5 and have a young child as well?

Question

I already have a monday-friday job that has excellent benefits, but a low salary. I could use an extra $500 + a month after taxes in order to help pay down some debt. Problem is I would have to pay for extra daycare @ $7-8/hour (on average) and most evening jobs (such as hotels, hospitals, etc) only pay about that much or a little more (like 10-12/hr). Should I take it anyways?

All of you are right, I do not want to take time away from my son. I am currently researching work-from-home options. The reason I asked is because where I live (washington DC area) you need to make 36x the rent to get an apartment and the average apartment is about $1200/month here which means you have to take home $43,200/month to qualify. I only make 35,000. I just want to make up the difference. The $1200 I quoted was for a 1 bedroom too!!!!! Rents are ridicilous around here and housing programs have 2 and 3 year long waiting lists. I am at my moms and need to get out ASAP!!! :(

All of you are right, I do not want to take time away from my son. I am currently researching work-from-home options. The reason I asked is because where I live (washington DC area) you need to make 36x the rent to get an apartment and the average apartment is about $1200/month here which means you have to take home $43,200/month to qualify. I only make 35,000. I just want to make up the difference. The $1200 I quoted was for a 1 bedroom too!!!!! Rents are ridicilous around here and housing programs have 2 and 3 year long waiting lists. I am at my moms and need to get out ASAP!!! :(

For those that asked, my son's father pays child support sproradically. A cheaper home could be found but the cost of the commute (gas, etc) is way too much to justify saving $300/month in rent.

Answer 1

Nah. Spend that extra time playing with your family. Much more valueable.

Answer 2

I applaud you for taking the initiative to take control of your financial life. Short answer is yes and no on the second job. The advantage is a few hundred bucks maybe after taxes. You point out some of the pitfalls of a second job but left out a few. One of the biggest being that you won't see or raise your children. Jobs really stand for Just over broke and it's not the best way to get ahead financially. You should start your own business and here is why.
Number one...you can work around your current job (that is what I do now)
Tax advantages.. the tax advantages alone are reason enough to start your own business. When you work at a job, the Gov. gets a percentage of every dollar you make and little or none of it is deductible on your taxes. With my business, mileage on my car, travel, meals, supplies, conferences, education, part of my health care coverage, insurance, telephone etc., etc. are all tax deductible because they are used for my business.That saves me literally thousands of dollars a year.
There are quite a few home-based businesses out there with low franchising costs. Find one with a reputable company and people who are eager to help you learn the ropes. Also make sure the compensation plan is a good one.
For example, my wife and I have been making about $600-$800 a month part time. I really only put in about 10 hours a week. Our income continues to grow and I expect it to triple within six months.
With all sincerity, I hope you get where I am coming from and will look into some other options aside from second job. If you want more information from me about our company, you can email me at [e-mail]

Answer 3

No, I would not. Your child needs you. Do you have a spouse?
Do you enjoy your job?
Would you be willing to move to do the same job at higher wages?
Check out the job markets in other states up North. Check out the cost of living, Missouri is an inexpensive state. Do as the old order Amish. How willing are you to keep spending your money on luxuries. Many of us can get by on a lot less if we would just be happy living some of the old ways with new technology. We should strive to be self sufficient. Slow down and spend more time with our families. Turn off the television and the telephone.

Answer 4

I wouldn't think it would be a good ideal for two reason: 1 the most important things is you child and the child needs her mother. 2 you can work those extra hours but like you said the extra child care would take alot of your pay which mean you would have to work more than just a weekend to make an extra 500. after taxes so you kinda losing out in the long run. Good luck and just remember children are only young for a short time..........

Answer 5

It depends on your priorty spending time with your child or money
and with extra daycare is that going to take up alot of your money but as a parent I would say not to take the extra job being with your child is most important thing do you really wnt to be away from your child for 18 hrs there is only 24 hrs in the day when would you be with your child?

Answer 6

Spend as much time as possible with your little one. He'll be grown and gone before you know it, and you will have sacrificed the most important thing in your life.

Work on your problems at home with your mother. You have plenty of time to get out on your own.

Also, consider getting back with your Ex-husband, if possible. That could be the best option of all for your little son.

Answer 7

I have the same problem, only I dont work at all, but I dont want my kids to suffer from my being gone, so I intend to wait until the youngest is in 1st grade he is 3. I have thought of getting a job at the school working in the kitchen. then I will be home when they are.,

Answer 8

I myself have asked this question over and over. While it sounds like a good idea to work 2 jobs to try to get ahead on the debt issue, you are just wearing yourself out and loosing time with your family. I have been thinking about maybe doing a weekend thing of home-parties like pampered chef or something like that. Good luck

Answer 9

No believe me it is not worth it me I spent many years working away from home to earn big money but missed my boys growing up so please don't do it spend the time with your kids or you will look back in years to come and see what you missed
I know wish I had stayed at home and been with my kids more got to know them watch them grow up
Money cannot buy you these things time with your family is the most precious thing you can have

Answer 10

I did that for a while. but it is not worth it. You end up pay for day care and gas.. and the extra food while your out working. Plus, your exhausted and you end up taking away from your child more then your giving.