Frustrated: Working not really paying!

[Sweet_Southern_Mama]

First of all, I just want to say that I'm not someone who takes help from the government unless I actually need it. Yes, the help is a wonderful thing to have, but I don't feel that it's right to accept unless you actually need it.

We're having a baby in July and I'm quitting work because I wouldn't make anything after childcare costs. We'll be fine on DH's income now after cutting costs. It's going to cost probably $1,000-2,000 or so for delivery & hospital after our insurance.

What it comes down to is this:

If I quit work in a month I would qualify for TennCare and this would all be paid for by them as a secondary insurance.

If I work until the baby is born I'll probably make $2,500 at work between a month from now and delivery. This will pretty much all go toward medical bills!

I haven't even considered quitting before he's born, but it's frustrating-- especially since I already know I won't be working after the baby comes. I've already told my supervisor I will not be coming back. It just irritates me that it's not really doing me any good to work for the 2 months before the baby is born.

I really just wanted to vent about this, but all comments are welcome of course.

[Macaela25]

Congrats on the baby.

If it were me, I'd quit. Governemnt benefits there because you, I, and everyone else paid there taxes...

The last few months of pregnancy are hard enough without working.

[motherofmolly]

i normally do not say quit, but it obviously will not net you anything more. take into account that those last couple of month's can be difficult. i did work til the day of, but man the second one i had back issues and trouble walking.

think about staying at home, working on couponing and starting to get your things in order...and maybe finding something to do to make a little extra cash like survey's, selling stuff...do some garage saleing to find some items you might need. etc

and it does stink that working a job will not benefit you any. i could go and get a minimum wage job...but i would then shell out most of my check just for childcare...

[couponmommyof3]

I agree with PP. I would quit too. I have three kiddos. The first we were on government assistance and we didn't pay a dime the entire pregnancy. The second I had a job with benefits and we paid quite a bit OOP with co-pays and such. The third, (I quit my job two years ago, so lost the insurance) is a bit confusing. Hubby has a commission job, when I first got pregnant I applied for benefits but was declined because he made too much, so everything at that point was OOP, BUT halfway through the pregnancy, hubby's check dipped LOW so I re-applied and was accepted. Thank GOD because there was no way we were going to be able to pay for that!

I would quit, take the next 2 months to try to enjoy this time, maybe start looking into little ways to make money. Either way congrats! Being a Stay at home mom is the most rewarding job I have EVER had!

[CW&M Mom]

You never know when that baby comes sooner then you think either. BTDT.

amazing enough the government only paid for my third baby...the one that came on time LOL!

[jen276here]

Congratulations on your new addition to the family!

I’m sure I will have an unpopular opinion, but you are working and can make the money to pay for your own care/delivery. I think it is wrong to quit and place the burden of paying your medical care on others. These programs are to help those who cannot access/afford care. You said it yourself- you think it is wrong to accept help from the government unless you truly need it - you do not truly need it…..

[enginerd]

Congratulations on your new addition to the family!

I’m sure I will have an unpopular opinion, but you are working and can make the money to pay for your own care/delivery. I think it is wrong to quit and place the burden of paying your medical care on others. These programs are to help those who cannot access/afford care. You said it yourself- you think it is wrong to accept help from the government unless you truly need it - you do not truly need it…..

I agree with Jen here - it is wrong to quit and force others to pay for your medical care when you can pay for it yourself. It is hard to work when you are pregnant but I worked full-time until my son was born. I know this is an unpopular opinion but when you can voluntarily quit and get benefits to equal what work would pay, there is something wrong with the system.

[moxi]

I understand your frustration and desire to quit, but sounds like you already know what you need to do. I agree with the last 2 opinions, if you are able to work, it is your responsibility to do so, but you already knew that.
Congrats on the baby, and enjoy the time after he is here!!

[434Teresa]

If I was able to work I would..you will be sick of being at home soon enough! I did not think I would ever say that being I had work since I was 14 until my twins were born 4 years ago and became a SAHM. I always thought that SAHM had it made and well they DONT LOL...I missed so much working when my 15 and 16 year olds were tiny so I am happy to be able to see my twins grow up but man it gets old day in day out just the same as getting up and going to work dose.

[momof2inohio]

If it were me I would continue to work. Its not easy working while pregnant especially the last few months but I did it and many others have as well. I was just lucky that I was not on my feet all day long as some people are. I have several friends who are nurses and they worked right up until their baby was born. I don't know how they did it!!!

I know its frustrating putting all the time and effort into your job and feeling like you are not making enough.

Good luck with everything!