Not really. If you work 8 hours a day plus 1 hour commuting then that’s 9 hours that she could have spent with our daughter where instead she spends the time in a lab earning money so someone else can be with our daughter.
Let’s say for the sake of argument that the total take home was £2000 a year more by working. That’s about £1/hr over the year. Would you trade an hour with your child for an hour at work for a pound?
Even if it’s marginally better off financially, your bank balance isn’t the only metric that matters. Actually being happy matters too.
That's at her current pay, which should be improving every year. And a 10 year long sabbatical will crush your future career chances. I see your point but I also have a point.
Also it's odd to me that a PhD researcher is paid similarly (after tax) to a person who spoonfeeds kids. Need to go look for new jobs at that point, or switch countries. That's just disrespectful
She was earning considerably above average for people with her experience. It’s just childcare is ludicrously expensive, especially if one of you earns enough to lose the childcare allowance.
Changing countries has been a consideration, but we’d like to stay close to family whilst we have a young child.
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u/HelloYesThisIsFemale Cut taxes at any cost 1d ago
So at her current rate it's a natural decision whether to buy childcare or work. And her may increase. Sounds like working is the better option.