How long are you in for? LOL

[Caring]

I too started with the plan that I'd run the daycare 3-4 years until my children were in school full time I would move on to something else - now I've been running my daycare for close to 14 years and can't picture anything else. I've always said that when the demand dries up I'll close up and find something else - but the demand just gets greater and greater each year - I'd like to clone myself and run a second daycare if I could.

[Inspired by Reggio]

Yup another lifer over there ... I worked 17 years in centre care and the past 5 in home based program ... I love being self employed, the freedom and flexibility of a home childcare environment so as long as my old body holds out I plan to do this for as long as possible ... as I get 'older' I will likely drop down my work load to a part time smaller group.

[ECE53]

This will be my tenth year and my family and I have decided it will be my last. I will close down in a little over 90 days and take the summer of with my children. I look forward to all the changes ahead......Homedayca re has been really good to me, but it is really time for a change.

[playfelt]

What is good is knowing when it is the right time for you and your family to make the changes. There isn't anything that magically counts down the years you just have to know. Good luck with what you are choosing to do next. I'm sure your children are looking forward to a summer with just mom too. PS let us Ottawa people know if you plan to have a daycare garage sale please. The downside to spending too many years in the business is that you have to replace stuff often.

[ECE53]

I will post a link to my big sale coming in July. I have a runabout stroller, plan construction set with table, doll house and large little tykes play house that will be the first things to go....

[sunnydays]

I definitely want the link! I am always looking for new stuff as I've only been open for 1 year.

I will post a link to my big sale coming in July. I have a runabout stroller, plan construction set with table, doll house and large little tykes play house that will be the first things to go....

[playfelt]

I will post a link to my big sale coming in July. I have a runabout stroller, plan construction set with table, doll house and large little tykes play house that will be the first things to go....

If only I could talk hubby into the runabout - for 5 I assume. I have a quad foundations but rarely have one I can trust to walk beside me since we are in an area without sidewalks and it means go at their pace as compared to me getting the walking exercise. When you get some prices in mind do let us know for sure. What part of Ottawa are you in? I am in Orleans.

[Momof4]

I opened my business 4 years ago and plan to make this my last career. I love working at home and being the boss and after a lifetime of working for large corporations and just being a # it's really nice to be appreciated for my hard work by sweet families who are happy they found me.

[Sarah]

Been opened 6 months only, and liking it a lot. The initial plan is to do it until my own kids don't need caregiver. I have a 9yo, a 6 and a 4 yo. So a few years I guess!

[dragonlady3]

This has been a terrific conversation. Like many of you, I started out thinking I would keep my day care running until my youngest was in full-time school...but I liked the job so stayed on a bit longer. When my kids got sick or upset, I was there for them and I liked that. As my older children became more competent, I was able to employ them in the day care. Now I'm thinking of retiring when my youngest completes university!!! So I have been doing this crazy, wonderful job for 16 years...many years longer than originally anticipated!!