Working Outside of the Home in Numbers – $172,922 to be Exact

Originally posted via LinkedIn

3 kids, 3 daycares, $172,922 later, I am officially done with daycare as my youngest will be headed to summer school and then to various camps before she starts kindergarten. So many working professionals have been down this road. This article is to provide encouragement for so many of you men and women out there just like me juggling work, kids, and more.

I want start off by first acknowledging stay at home moms and dads have the hardest job of all. I personally could not do it for a variety of reasons. Hats off to the ladies and men who are stay at home moms and dads. This article focuses on discussing moms and dads that work outside of the home. It is very important to recognize that men struggle just like women on “the balancing act”.

Mom guilt is real. Dad guilt is real. The grind of the balancing act is real. Many times over the past 11 years I had had kids in daycare, I questioned my career or environment for my children while I was at work. I am grateful to my husband who encouraged me to press on during the hardest of times – work challenges, child illnesses, etc. I am grateful to my current and former supervisors as well as colleagues for support and words of wisdom. Hearing advice from the many men and women that have careers, kids, aging parents is inspiring. I would like to commend how we continue to press forward no matter how high the hurdle. All your steady and continued perseverance is admirable.

When I got pregnant with my 3rd and last child in November 2019, I had no idea how much Covid would change my life. I was managing a team of 12 people plus, had constant disruption in childcare due to covid exposures, and I did not have family living in my area to assist at that time. It is almost painful to remember all the work calls I had to take with a baby in hand due to so many daycare closures. It truly makes you appreciate that you have daycare in the first place.

Post the COVID onslaught , the cost of daycare skyrocketed. Per a new report by advocacy group Child Care Aware, the cost of child care in the U.S. jumped 29% from 2020 to 2024, outpacing inflation. The average annual cost of daycare tuition nationwide for two children — one toddler and one infant — rose to $28,168 last year. That’s about 35% of median household annual income in the U.S., based on Census data released in 2024. These higher costs add even more strain to working professionals lives.

Looking back however, I would have 3 kids all over again and I would make the career decisions I did make. I am grateful to have had these amazing career opportunities and great family memories. I am appreciative of all the bonds I have formed with the various caregivers at the daycares my family utilized.

I now transition from daycare to full on school activities and the trials that that phase of life brings. I love the phrase “little people, little problems”. I welcome these phases as they are just more chapters in our books. This time too shall pass. Of course, it is the memories of co-worker and kid laugher that is most treasured through the chaos of “doing it all.”

If you are down and out from the work and family stress, just remember this too shall pass. We can’t go back in time but we can navigate the time we do have to make the best memories to hold dear during the times are at work or at home. In your darkest times, take a minute to breathe and remember you are doing your best – at home and at work. There will be another tomorrow to give your kids hugs and make a positive impact both in and outside of your home.

$172,922 – actual costs paid, not adjusted for inflation, living in St. Louis, MO.

To read more blog posts from Amy Jo Miller, please see her blog here.