Am I crazy?

[5 Little Monkeys]

I worked out of the home, made good money, had benefits, sick time, vacation, pension, yada yada yada. But I wasn't HAPPY!!! I didn't enjoy my job and from very early on, always knew that my dream was to have my own daycare. I had worked in centres before but quit to go into healthcare due to the money. This allowed me to realize my dream even harder...I knew that childcare was what I wanted to do. I don't have children but this is the next best thing!! Staying home to be with your children is a common reason to open but frankly, I don't think it's a good enough reason to open and stay open. This is a job that requires us to be stable and hopefully long term for most clients. Open a hdc only if it's TRULY what you want to do with your life. It's not fair to the other children if it isn't.

I've been open 4 years and don't regret it at all!! I'm happier and that is what counts! I do actually make enough money to not worry so I'm sure that helps but I have had periods where I needed to fill spots ASAP so I do know that stress. I would still choose that stress over my "better" job though.

Do what makes you happy...life is too short to do anything but!!

[Lee-Bee]

I just question the WHY since at no time in her post did she mention she really want to work with children, that she has a passion to be with children, that she feels she will happier with children than in her current career or anything to that sort.

SLM you mention knowing it was your dream that you wanted to work with children. in which case way to go with making the leap. I am curious as to why the OP is deciding to do it. Her post didn't really say.

[MommaL]

I just question the WHY since at no time in her post did she mention she really want to work with children, that she has a passion to be with children, that she feels she will happier with children than in her current career or anything to that sort.

SLM you mention knowing it was your dream that you wanted to work with children. in which case way to go with making the leap. I am curious as to why the OP is deciding to do it. Her post didn't really say.

Oh goodness. I feel like I'm being interrogated with your posts Lee-Bee.

Of course I enjoy children. I wouldn't even consider it if I didn't. My current job was good for many years. But I'm at a point where I don't feel like have any more to offer to it and I no longer have any motivation to come into work each day. I've looked at other jobs in my field, but I find myself continuing to come back to the idea of a daycare. Actually, it's all I seem to think about these days. I feel like I have so much to give. I love children and enjoy being with them, but I also have other characteristics and interests that I think are important for the role. I'm calm and patient, very organized, creative, am a good communicator, am professional, have a good business sense, love to cook nutritious foods, and keep a clean house. When I talk to others about what they are looking for in a home daycare and I think about what was important to me when searching for one for my children, I feel like encompass everything. Plus, the thought of being able to spend more time with my own two children is very appealing, though it's not the main reason for considering daycare.

I do still worry about the financial aspect of things, since I will want to put money aside each month for disability insurance, RRSPS or tax-free savings for retirement, income tax, and CPP. However, I don't think it will be too difficult to fill spots as there is a need for more home daycares in my area. I am also married and can use my husband's benefits and he can support us for a few months if needed.

I guess I'm just looking for some encouragement that following my heart is a good thing or experiences from others who did something similar.

[ebhappydc]

OP - perhaps spend some time going through the categories and posts on this forum to get a feel for how the daycare world is. Pros and cons to everything.