I often wonder if it would be cheaper if I didn't work or only worked part-time.
Why, you ask? The associated costs of full time employment is getting more and more expensive. Outside the big ticket items, such as income tax (I read somewhere that most people work from Jan to May only to pay Uncle Sam), smaller items are suddenly not so small anymore.
For example, I thought I'd get a head start and run all my errands on Friday so I can fully enjoy the upcoming three day weekend. It was an expensive day. Here's a breakdown:
- Metro North train pass for June = $290
(station parking is an additional $120 -- I could get the monthly park pass, but there's a long waiting list and I'm still waiting)
- Drycleaning (9 items) = $50 (and that's with the 20% pre-paid discount...and no, the items were the usual stuff - shirts and slacks...and no, it was not for expedited service either)
- Groceries = $50 (I pack my lunch so I don't have to pay the NYC deli prices). Yes, the items were mostly on sale...and yes, I actually had the sense to cut and use manufacturer's coupons
- Did I mention gas? But since I just filled up two days ago for $50 (see earlier entry), I should be ok for the next two weeks
I know that working brings many other benefits, but I wonder if I can get same by working less or working from home....
A case for not working?
May 24th, 2008 at 01:31 pm
May 24th, 2008 at 02:06 pm 1211634366
May 24th, 2008 at 02:52 pm 1211637140
And, can you afford to not work?
May 24th, 2008 at 05:42 pm 1211647332
May 24th, 2008 at 06:07 pm 1211648836
I sstayed home for 2 years and took care of my parents (my dad passed away this year and I am eternally grateful that I took that time off) and I helped my kids start a business, which is very successful now.
Then, I went back to work. Refreshed, revigorated and in a position I absolutely love.
Staying home those two years was a wonderful decsion for me...but everyone is different. It definately was a psychological shift..but I really preferred pulling my grandson in a wagon to sitting in a board room while I did it...now I am very content being back at work.
While setting up the kids business, it took alot of discipline to stay focused. I worked inbetween loads of laundry and had to ignore vaccumming and other household things while I worked.
All that said, many many people are starting to make the work from home shift...so good luck with your decision. I think if you want it badly enough and are willing to do whatever it takes...it can be a very rewarding experience!!
May 25th, 2008 at 12:07 am 1211670448
May 25th, 2008 at 02:03 pm 1211720634
May 26th, 2008 at 04:58 am 1211774293