A child care center that closes at six or a sitter who must catch a bus will limit your flexibility and prohibit staying until the job is finished. If a person comes to your home or if you have live- in help, transportation is not a factor. While it is wonderful to find child care near your home or on the way to the job, look for quality care as well as convenience. If you plan to continue breast- feeding during the day, it is important to have the baby near your work so you can nurse during lunch time and get there quickly after work. It isn t easy to balance work, home, and family.
Some guilt is inevitable an occupational hazard says one child care professional.
You will need the support of your family, friends, and other working parents. A competent caregiver will help avoid a great deal of potential frustration and anxiety. Though child care can take a chunk out of your paycheck, caregivers are among the most poorly paid workers in this country. Any person who works more than 90 hours a month is entitled to the minimum hourly wage. Child care centers may be subsidized or have a sliding fee schedule that can reduce your costs.