Food for thought

I am, for the most part, a stay at home mom. I spend 24 hours a day Monday-Friday with my son. I love my "job" even though I don't get paid. It gets tough at times, but is more than worth it. My husband and I often get criticized for having a one income household. It gets frustrating because it's our decision, not theirs. It's like if I were to get on someone for choosing what kind of car to buy... it's really none of my business. I do work, not full time, but I do work every Saturday and Sunday. I also work during the week at Weight Watchers (one evening usually) and I take care of my friends little boy, Aidan. I'm not exactly giving Donald Trump a run for his money on how much money I make, but I am contributing. So, here it is... I did a little research and along with the money I make at my jobs outside the home I calculated how much a stay at home mom should be making if she were paid for each "job" she did in the home.


Earning Statement
Our Family

For the year ending: October 2008

Job title
Hourly Rate
Hours worked

Housekeeper
$9.94
936

Day Care Center Teacher
$13.59
884

Cook
$13.80
520

Computer Operator
$15.88
416

Laundry Machine Operator
$10.20
520

Janitor
$10.46
364

Facilities Manager
$35.67
364

Chief Executive Officer
$70.00
312

Van Driver
$16.40
416

Psychologist
$37.60
416

Interior Designer
$19.01
0

Administrative Assistant
$17.19
0

Event Planner
$25.93
0

Bookkeeper
$16.97
0

General Maintenance Worker
$14.63
0

Groundskeeper
$12.55
0

Nutritionist
$23.17
0

Staff Nurse - RN
$28.49
0

Plumber
$16.45
0

Logistics Analyst
$22.81
0

Total Value

Regular Hourly Rate
$19.72
2,080
$41,013

Over Time Rate
$29.58
3,068
$90,741
Total:
$131,754

That's a lot of money! Although, I don't bring that in... just imagine how much would be coming out of pocket if we paid for all of the services I do for free.... DANG! I also calculated how much it'd cost for daycare if I were to go back to work full time. The national average for daycare for a toddler is $525 a month or $6300 a year. If I were to go back to work and pay for daycare, subtract gas and lunch money and I'd be bringing home around $700 a month which is what I already bring home if not more. So, I'd rather stay at home and work a few part time jobs and have the time to have my house clean, laundry done, food prepared, errands ran, and son taken care of and have time when Derek comes home to spend with him. I feel that's a winning deal ! ;]