Working Mom vs. Staying at Home Mom

How much does it cost to work vs. staying at home?  Or how much does it cost to stay at home vs. work?

These questions have popped in my head for awhile. I enjoy my job for many reasons. I also like staying at home with my daughter.  I work a 9/80 schedule so I get every other friday off.  This is great because I get a taste of what it’s like to stay at home.  However, those Fridays are very busy and I’m usually very tired because of the long week.

I really do wonder could we afford for one of us to stay at home?  I did some research and I found a couple interesting calculators that help figure out the answers.

Kiplinger – Can One of you Afford to Quit?

Parents.com – Stay at Home Calculator

So, far it looks like we would have to cut out a lot to make it work.  One other option that I need to calculate is if I worked part-time.  I would have to investigate the cost of daycare for 3 or 2 days a week.

It’s hard to be a working mom.  I love my daughter so much and want to be with her everyday during the day. I love to provide for her and see her grow with her friends at daycare (school) too.    Not an easy answer.