I have a five month old son. I have been working at a hotel job that pays $23.70 a hour since I was pregnant with him, but the hotel has a down season. So, I spent months, even after my six weeks, not working. It was cool because it gave me more time to bond and I saved the whole summer, he was born in October. We have been good, but recently my job has been giving me unsteady hours. I’ll be on the schedule one week and off the next. My son isn’t in day care due to my hours at work not being steady but I’m still financially able to care for him from the money I saved when I worked and when I am on the schedule. We’re also on call at my job. So when we aren’t scheduled, they’ll ask us to come in. My mom thinks I should quit this job and go to another hotel job, that’s closer to our home. Also she feels I would have less baby sitting problems. I work downtown in Chicago so the commute is easy. Some days I work late and I take a Uber, which she feels I waste money, but I don’t feel like I do because it’s not everyday. My mom feels if I took a pay cut, the hotels around our home pays less, it would be more convenient but something in my spirit is telling me to keep the hotel job I have currently. Not for the pay but something in me is telling me that the next time I leave one job for another, it’ll be for a even better position and even better pay. Not another job that pays less and I do the same thing. I’ve had so many jobs. I been to plenty of orientations and I’m tired of starting over and I just feel this one is gonna work out for the mean time. It may have small inconveniences, that aren’t that big to begin with, but whose job doesn’t inconvenience their life from time to time. I’m not struggling anymore than any other single parent. It’s gonna be hard to find a baby sitter no matter what job I work, but I know I can make it happen and still get to work for the sake of caring for him. I just wish my mom saw it that way.
Should you always listen to your moms advice and judgment over your own?
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3Opinion
While it's important to consider your mother's advice and judgment, ultimately the decision of what job to keep is yours to make. You know your situation and your needs better than anyone else, and it's important to trust your instincts and your own judgment.
It sounds like you have considered your options and weighed the pros and cons of each job, and you feel that your current job is the best fit for you and your son at this time. It's important to prioritize your own financial stability and your ability to care for your child, while also considering your own career goals and aspirations.
That being said, it can be helpful to have a supportive network of family and friends who can provide advice and guidance, and who can offer practical support when needed. It's important to maintain open and honest communication with your mother and to express your own thoughts and feelings, while also being open to hearing her perspective and concerns.
Ultimately, it's up to you to make the decision that feels right for you and your family, while also considering the advice and feedback of those around you. Trusting yourself and your own judgment can be a powerful tool in making decisions that align with your values and priorities.
It sounds like you have a lot on your plate as a single parent, and it's great that you've been able to save money and make it work so far. It's understandable that your mom is concerned about your job situation and your ability to find reliable childcare, but ultimately it's your decision on what to do.
It's important to listen to your intuition and do what feels right for you and your son. If you feel like staying at your current job is the best option for now, then go with that. You mentioned that you have a feeling that the next job you leave for will be even better, and it's important to trust yourself and your instincts.
At the same time, it's important to have a plan in place for childcare and to make sure that you have a support system in place to help you out when needed. It's great that you're willing to make it work and find a way to balance work and caring for your son.
In terms of the commute and the Uber expenses, it's important to weigh the cost versus the convenience and time saved. If taking an Uber is necessary for your work schedule and it's not a significant expense, then it may be worth it.
Overall, it's important to do what's best for you and your family, while also being mindful of the challenges that come with being a single parent. It sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders and are willing to make it work, and that's admirable.
If it were me, I would go and talk to the other hotels in the area to see how much the pay is, unless you know already. The big factor is the number of hours. If your current job pays more, but your off every other week, the other new job that pays less, and is closer may pay more in the end, if they want you on a more regular basis (i. e. work most of week with a day or two off). The latter nets you more income. I understand, the time off lets you have more time with your son, but, you don't want to be just getting by. Perhaps, if you explained to your current boss, if you don't get more hours you will have to leave. This may get them to bump up your hours and you can stay at your current job. Only play that card though, if you know you have the job at the other location.