Sheena went on maternity leave when her first baby, Khushi, was born. She joined back when her daughter was four months old. However, the baby-sitting arrangement at home did not work. So, she quit the job. It was unexpected since neither Sheena nor her husband ever thought of it. She is happy being with her girl, but dissatisfied to the brink, since, the unproductivity empowers her. Moreover, she is getting the hang of the dwindling finances as the sole onus of the bread-winner now is on her husband.
Do you think Sheena did the right thing? A child is the shared responsibility of the household. When a dad can continue with the office, then why not the mom? Beyond feminism, and far from the stifling aspirations, there are many more reasons you should ponder before stepping down. The list goes here.
1) The economy
When one partner stops earning, it takes a heavy toll on the financials. The household expenses are not the alone to figure on the list. Whether you have availed a loan for your dream home, or your first car, you need to chart out if one income is enough. Do not forget to count the additional fund requirement in case of an exigency. Remember, income never increases proportionately to inflation and expenditure.
2) The psychology
Are you willing to take on the new routine? That would be sans the madness of office but home. You may be introduced to the new social circles. The gossip transitions from the rude boss to the baby’s poo. Be sure to escape the peer pressure, and, allow your colleagues to prosper without getting to your nerves!
3) Exhaustion of alternatives
Did you prod enough if there is something you are missing upon? Maybe the neighbourhood crèche could do the trick. You may have siblings who completed grad and looking for a job. Your place may offer the right opportunity to them and you may get that extra hand to manage the kid. Retired in-laws or parents are also invaluable assets. Keep a keen eye for the blessings in disguise!
4) The not-so-elusive opportunities
Have you confided in your boss? S/he may have a solution in the form of flexi hours or a combo of work-from-home and joining the office for meetings. Nobody wants to lose the talented employees. Do not assume, and, do not leave any stone unturned while negotiating a trade-off!
5) Priorities
How urgent is the need of sabbatical? Do you need a break for yourself? Are you bogged down by the dual role of a professional and a mom/caretaker? Have you discussed it with your spouse? Is he too helpless to traverse that extra mile? Is it that last option you cannot do without? Do you really want to expend your economic independence?
Ask yourself! Time spent contemplating is better than repenting. Same opportunities do not knock twice. So think, prod and discuss before you take that big leap that may change your life ever forever!