Does it pay?

[Tink]

Between hubby and I, we make about double now what we did just 3 years ago. Our kids have since graduated, and so our expenses have also decreased. As many of you know, I'm less than thrilled with my new job. I work to keep medical insurance, but given the choice, I wouldn't stay where I'm at.

Our recent raises have put us in an income category that puts us in a whole different tax bracket. The difference in our tax obligation is going to be considerable.
This past year hubby was off work for 5 months with a back injury, so we won't get socked too bad. This year it could cost us a LOT more.

Looking at the tax rate difference, our take home wouldn't be a whole lot less if I switched to part time. This would knock us down a bracket and give me the chance to work fewer hours; hopefully in a job I'd like better and be less stressed by.

I plan to discuss this with hubby and actually did apply for a part time job today that sounds like it would fit my plan well.

Does this sound insane to you? Should I just bite the bullet and stick it out where I am? Hubby works 70 hrs a week, and here I am not wanting to do 40? Does this sound selfish or lazy to you? I have to wonder if I'm just looking for a way to justify what I really want regardless that the facts do fit my situation.

[Gina]

Originally Posted by Tink

Between hubby and I, we make about double now what we did just 3 years ago. Our kids have since graduated, and so our expenses have also decreased. As many of you know, I'm less than thrilled with my new job. I work to keep medical insurance, but given the choice, I wouldn't stay where I'm at.

Our recent raises have put us in an income category that puts us in a whole different tax bracket. The difference in our tax obligation is going to be considerable.
This past year hubby was off work for 5 months with a back injury, so we won't get socked too bad. This year it could cost us a LOT more.

Looking at the tax rate difference, our take home wouldn't be a whole lot less if I switched to part time. This would knock us down a bracket and give me the chance to work fewer hours; hopefully in a job I'd like better and be less stressed by.

I plan to discuss this with hubby and actually did apply for a part time job today that sounds like it would fit my plan well.

Does this sound insane to you? Should I just bite the bullet and stick it out where I am? Hubby works 70 hrs a week, and here I am not wanting to do 40? Does this sound selfish or lazy to you? I have to wonder if I'm just looking for a way to justify what I really want regardless that the facts do fit my situation.

Tink...

Think about it, you have answered your own question. Your finished with college tutition payments. Lets face it most of us work to help our kids with school as much as we can. If you are being taxed in a higher bracket, your working for Uncle Sam at this point. If you can make your payments and live according to your means on a part time salary go for it. The heavy burden is over and you want to enjoy life a little now until retirement. So be happy at a job that you love to go to everyday. No you don't sound lazy or selfish. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[Janet]

Originally Posted by Gina

Tink...

Think about it, you have answered your own question. Your finished with college tutition payments. Lets face it most of us work to help our kids with school as much as we can. If you are being taxed in a higher bracket, your working for Uncle Sam at this point. If you can make your payments and live according to your means on a part time salary go for it. The heavy burden is over and you want to enjoy life a little now until retirement. So be happy at a job that you love to go to everyday. No you don't sound lazy or selfish. Good luck with whatever you decide.

I completely agree. The only thing I question is, since your husband is working so many hours, is there a chance he may be thinking the same thing about HIS position? Maybe he would like to work less hours also. This will have to be something you and he sit down and discuss thoroughly. Will you still be able to carry the insurance? Will he? Insurance is something you definitely don't want to be without, but will cost quite a bit if purchased on your own. I would check out the insurance costs and coverage first, before you make your final decision.

[Tink]

Thanks ladies!
70 hrs is what the fed gov allows semi drivers per week, so is standard for anyone in that profession. As long as Greg wants to drive, that's what he's signing up for.

The position I applied for today is with a state program under a federal one. I'd be working in a county social services office with their nutrition education program for WIC, food stamps, elderly and disabled food programs helping them to get the best nutrition on their limited budgets. Being a state program, there are 20 different programs of medical insurance offered. The hourly pay is very similar to what I now get, but it's 24 rather than 40 hours per week.

Hubby called a bit ago, so I tossed the idea out for him to consider... his immediate reaction was that whatever I switch to, our main concern needs to be insurance. So he's not dismissing it right away.

I probably won't even get called on the job, but it's worth a try. I just don't want to feel like I'm not pulling my weight. I've homeschooled the kids, worked at various jobs and supported the whole family for a couple of years while hubby was a stay at home dad. I know I've done my share, but it's hard not to not feel I have to keep pushing even though I'd love to not. LOL

[rivermom]

Your husband sounds very level headed and understanding. He surely wants what is best for all of you. And I do agree with him that insurance is a must.

My husband and I pay for our insurance ourselves being self employed. It's an extreamly heavy burden financially but we realize we can't do w/out it.


I am sure you will find the solution that is best for all of you.

[Janet]

Looks like everyone has given good advice AND be on your side!!! LOL Just make sure you're covered by good insurance. It can totally wipe someone out financially, and you definitely don't want that to happen. Hope you guys can get it all worked out.

[gja1000]

My only comment would be about retirement. Do you and your hubby have enough savings for retirement or do you have a pension. Along with insurance, retirement can be a big issue in terms of working full or parttime.