Do your partners/husbands support you?

[Suzie_Homemaker]

I have the most wonderful husband and we have been married for 35 years. When I first started in child care, we had four young sons of our own and just had two day care children. As my own aged out, more day care spaces opened up.

I will say, we have never depended on my income and it's always been extra money but in fairness, I think that's fair of many of our generation and a completely difference situation for young families these days. I know with my oldest two sons who are now married to their lovely lady's and have young family's of their own, both incomes are needed to finance their homes.

I am well established in my area, even though it's not a big city or high demand area. I am the higher end of the rates too and it's rare I have a space - if I do, it's because I do not accept rotating shifts or part time clients and so sometimes have to wait for a parent who works Monday to Friday to reach out. I don't compromise in panic for being a child down but we have the luxury of being able to turn away those who aren't a good match.

This is not reliable income. Even if you are the most wonderful carer with a fantastic program, people leave - normally in September when they age out which can result in multiple spaces empty at the same time, but life happens to clients (lost employment, job change, move) that they don't always control which will result in you having a space.

Depending on your locations too, this isn't a high income option. We are the only self employed business who is limited in the number of customers we can see each day. My rate is $40 a day. Avg around here is $35. When you work out the cost of food, insurance, toys, crafts, heating, wear and tear on building and so on, you will on average be earning min wage. Less if you have spaces available. Even less if you have young children of your own who count in your ratios.

If you are looking for financial stability, this is not a good option.