Cannot afford childcare for my baby

amother

NeonOrange

Tue, Jun 11 2024, 9:29 am

amother OP wrote:

Thanks. Some of these answers are really inappropriate. Like you're assuming I'm not on bc?? You're assuming that I wasn't on bc when I became pregnant?! You're assuming that I didn't ask for a raise appropriately? My boss agrees that I deserve it based on performance. It still needs to be approved by the department that controls budget.
I guess what I really need is ideas for increasing my income if this doesn't work. Or cheaper ideas for childcare specific to Lakewood. Or something else out of the box that I haven't thought of...
Or just sympathy about how impossible it is to be a working mother in 2024!

Some morahs are cheaper than others- unless you are working full-time and don't have as many options but if you're working part-time there are some. Look around.

For example, last year I had till 2:45 and I paid 270, and this year I'm paying 525 until 3:00.

Also, I just wanted to say that I also have had to cut back on some cleaning help in my life... and you just make it work. It's hard but you stick it into your schedule, and you don't make it optional.

Other ideas- I found when I switched to a different grocery store I saved $150 a week.
A lot of this depends on what kind of groceries make up the majority of your Wagon. I drove around Lakewood and chopped in different stores and then one of them turned out to be a lot cheaper than the rest. Sometimes it's not necessarily the store with the best sales that has the best basics.

amother

Nasturtium

Tue, Jun 11 2024, 9:31 am

I get you op. If it was a newborn I would seriously consider not working. But I have to send my almost 3 year old out next year and everything in boro park is only for vouchers people because vouchers pays tons. I make above the income limit for that but after I pay all my tuition, it's almost comparable. Playgroups here want 800 a month!

amother

Dill

Tue, Jun 11 2024, 10:02 am

Are you giving maaser? Maybe talk to a Rav about paying your own bills with your maaser money. If you’re needy, there is a concept of doing that. That’s how I am able to afford babysitting in Lakewood right now.

Do you shop at Jewish grocery stores? Shopping at aldi and Walmart and just going to Jewish stores for meat (and dairy if you don’t eat OUD) can save you a lot of money.

amother

Impatiens

Tue, Jun 11 2024, 5:14 pm

OP, you mentioned you are in lakewood. if you can update your resume and send it to PCS, maybe they'll have an idea or know of a job opportunity that can work for you. You can enter the job market slowly, you don't have to make searching for a job your full time job.

In every field, switching companies yields a higher salary increase than staying for your annual salary increase. Your best approach long term is to switch companies once every 1-3 years.

amother

↑ Stonewash

Tue, Jun 11 2024, 6:59 pm

amother Impatiens wrote:

She said she doesn't want to look for a new job.

amother

Ballota

Fri, Jun 14 2024, 2:05 am

OP I feel for you. I was in the same situation after my 2nd was born. I ended up quitting my job and opening a playgroup.
Of course it's only an option if you enjoy watching babies and kids and so grateful I do.
I do miss working with other adults though.

I really hope you manage to figure it out!