by Melissa D. Ing

Created on: February 20, 2011   Last Updated: January 28, 2012

Many moms want a part time job, while many moms need one for survival. Making the decision to being a working mom is never easy and a number of factors and drawbacks needed to be considered. Returning to work can bring advantages: extra income, independence, network opportunities along with medical and dental benefits. Drawbacks of returning to work can often out weigh the advantages, here are some things to consider.

Can you afford a part time job as a mom?

Travel

The recession has made jobs scarce in many areas and travel to and from a job, even a part time one may take several unpaid hours a day. The cost of running a vehicle, gas, tires extra insurance along with paying for parking are expenses that need to be factored into any moms part time job. Sometimes living in a rural area makes the cost of going to a part time job too prohibitive.

Pay

Mom jobs that can be acquired quickly in the fast food, security, cleaning and child care industries are often fast and easy to get but poorly paid. Professional moms may get paid more in office, banking and telesales environments but are expected to buy and wear professional attire and go out for lunch. Working on a part time basis in this enviroment along with travel costs can result in making next to nothing.

Lack of advancement

Many moms employed part time are often overlooked for professional advancement and work training opportunities. Mom jobs may occur at odd hours and may even involve shift work. Even in professional capacities where moms may be offered lateral career moves, moving up the corporate ladder is often out of reach. Moms become overlooked for advancement due to family commitments and often lose out on corporate training seminars and on the job training.

Lack of benefits

Many companies and corporations insist on a minimum of twenty hours a week of work to qualify for basic medical, dental and retirement savings plan options. Moms working only a couple of hours or shifts a week often find themselves without even basic coverage being offered. Even worse, working outside the home may disqualify you from a spouses benefit package making the drawbacks of a part time job simply not worth it.

Time away from family

The emotional costs of being away from small and school aged children are often the biggest drawback to moms considering part time jobs. Missing milestones and just being there to be mom when the children come home from school can lead to anxiety and depression. While some companies and corporations do offer on site day care, there is not nearly enough of them and the cost of regular day care or even hiring a mommy helper can be more than moms paycheck.

Conclusion

There are many pros for moms to work a part time job but in many cases the drawbacks out weigh any possible benefits. Moms need to carefully consider the implication of any job on themselves, their spouse and their families. Factoring in travel times and costs, rates of pay, advancement opportunities and time away from family can help make the decision to return to outside work or remain at home.

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