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In relation to other jobs you have had, how hard or stressful would you say being a daycare provider is? For me, it is pretty stressful working so many hours and constantly dealing with difficult kids but it works for me and i make more than if i worked outside the home. I often have 10-12 kids (the max) and its hard for me to keep them constantly entertained and from tattling on each other. Its not so bad in the summer, this job is way fun in the summer with all the outings! What about for you?
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I have a really good group right now so I would say easier. I've had high pressure jobs in the past with alot of traveling involved. Being home with my kids and dh is a huge draw for me even after days and days of rain when the kids are climbing the walls. That makes it seem easier even when it's hard. -
I never have had more than 4 kids (usually infants and toddlers) so I no where nearly have the stress level that you do. I find this job difficult somedays (or even some hours if you were to ask me at a different time of the day). It was more difficult when I was afraid to stand up for myself. It is more difficult on the days that the infant is here compared to the days its just the toddlers. So, it varies. But at the end of the day: it is a job that lets me be home with my son all day and not miss his milestones.Comment
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Right now not very hard. I have 10 kids enrolled, but never have more than 5 here at a time. I worked retail for 15 years before I started my daycare and I would never want to go back to that. People were rude then I can't imagine what they are like now.Comment
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I worked retail and people weren't very rude to me at all, maybe only 2% of customers so I guess I was lucky. I also worked at daycare centres so my job now is not that much different. But I'll still comment!
I do find there are pros and cons to both. At home everything is my responsibility, cooking, cleaning, finding resources, accidents, chatting with parents about policies etc. At a centre a lot of that was handled by other people so it was easier to focus more on the kids. There is also a 'team' to help and co-workers which is a big plus. At home I don't get nearly as sick (haven't had more than a mild cold since I started) and a centre I was sick constantly and missing work because of it. At home I get to make my own rules and do my own thing in regards to programming. I also don't have to commute!! At a centre I had 8 kids in my group which is HARD. So many different personalities and behaviors but it was a lot less hands on. I was only 1 on 1 with kids at circle and lunch. At home gives me much more hands on with kids and I can really get to know them.
I would say it's easier to be home.Comment
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its not too bad now, I find that my job never ends. When I use to work, I can leave my job and go home, but now I feel like I never leave my job.Comment
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I was an AVP for a very large worldwide bank before I chose to stay home to care for my own children (actually- didnt have much of a choice, my daughter was the one that wouldn't cut it in daycare). Anyway, I can tell you that it is MUCH MUCH MUCH EASIER to take your children to the sitters everyday, go to work, and then pickthem up at the end of the day. MUCH easier.
In the corporate world, if you work hard, you get recognition, praise, awards, raises, promotions, etc. You get a lunch break (which I would use to work out), and lots of mini-breaks throughout the day. You get a quiet car ride (if you choose), to be alone in your car on the way to work, and have time to yourself to just think. You get to dress up and wear cute clothes that won't be messed up chewed up goldfish and milk. So much easier! And even though I worked 45-50 hours a week, it wasn't so bad, because I could directly see my income increasing. I had the power to make $100 an hour if I wanted to...
I now make $3.33 per hour per child. I wake up earlier. My days are longer. I do not get a lunch break, I do not get to wear cute clothes or socialize. I do not get promotions, or raises (unless I give them to myself). I do not get to exercise in the middle of the day. I do not get alone time. I do not even know what quiet time is...
BUT.... I do get to see my child take her first steps and say her first word. I do get to read to her all day, every day (thats her favorite right now). I have become a pretty good cook! I have become "domesticated." AAAK! I am teaching my 3 year old to read and write. I have taught my 1 year old to sign. And I get to teach a lot of other children the same thing! There are lots of rewards to this job, and the best is that I can stay home with my kids, which are the most precious treasures of all.
So... is childcare easier? HECK NO! But is it a lot more meaningful? Yep! We get to shape the future, one child at a time.Comment
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the hardest thing for me is the monotony and isolation. i love to learn new things, challenge myself with personal goals and have that daily interaction and change and that is all polar opposite of daycare.Comment
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That is exactly it- you get to be with your son
When he starts kindergarten, you can always get back out in the job market if you want to (that's my plan anyway), and know that you sacraficed to provide him with the best foundation possible. You are doing what you have to do now for your family, but it won't be forever
(unless thats what you want-I'm done at kindergarten)
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I once took time off from child care and managed a store in the mall that sold blown glass. One of our specialities was cake toppers for wedding cakes and glass LDS temples. I thought it would be so much fun to help brides pick out the perfect piece or help them design something and have our glass artist make it.
NO!!!!
Bride-zilla every single day.
I went back to day care after 6 months.Comment
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It's not so much hard as it is not challenging. I miss having a staff and being creative. I had so much responsibility and constant trouble shooting. My brain has turned to pudding staying home with the babies all day. I miss adult conversation so much!!! I also just care for 2 and don't plan on having more than 3 or 4 ever. I would go bananas with the 9 my state allows!Comment
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I would say less stressful in someways - and in others more!
I was supervisor at a centre with 170 children, it was a lot of paper work, organization, working with the government on mandated rules, a whack load of phone calls, computer work, banking, books, reports ect I never really had the hands on time with the kids and I desperatly missed that, I only saw the sick or naughty ones who were sent to my office. I missed running circle, creative, gross motor, and all the daily fun kids can bring.
Running a HDC I get the best of both worlds
) I am my own boss and get to hang out with my kiddies all day.
Sometimes I get stressed with all the cleaning, prep work and isolation but hands down would take it any day.Comment
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parts of my job are a lot easier than other jobs I have had... I no longer have to consult "the boss" this makes dealing with things easier.Comment
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I've been my own boss--or worked alongside my husband--since 1980, except for 2 years that I taught school. I've never worked as hard as I'm working now. There is a temporary lull right now with a maternity leave and temporary assignment changes, so it's a piece of cake. But, it should go back to 65 hour weeks in another month. In my previous business (17 years) most of my work was done from home. I had 2 days a week set in stone with no flexibility, but the rest of the work was done when I wanted to do it. DC has been an adjustment. Every. single. day I dance to someone else's tune. But, I have decent parents (I griped until I found the forum and your stories!) and I adore my babies.
For years, I've heard women say that they were going mad staying at home with kids. I always secretly sneered at how neurotic they were (I'm so sorry. I owe so many apologies to so many women!) But guess what? I get it. I do. Some days I think that if I hear "uh oh" or "peek a boo" one more time, I'll cry. But then, one of them will do something they've never done before, or use a new word, and I think how cool it is that I either taught them that or am the first one to see them figure it out! I'm lucky because my husband is semi-retired, so he is home more than most and I can lean out the play room door and exchange greetings now and then.
I've said before, I'm overworked, grossly underpaid, and sometimes feel like a toxic waste dump covered in snot and drool, but in my 40+ years of work, I've never had a job that included so much laughter. It's a pretty decent trade off!!!Comment
You would be surprised at how rude they can be. I would NEVER work retail AGAIN.
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