I agree - but have seen many families have to make this choice, as having too big a gap in your CV (to look after their kids) will impact there employability down the line.
It is also hard to stay current and to retain confidence in your ability when you are out of the working world.
Don't get me wrong - stay at home parents have amazing skills and learn loads, but few employers see that as a benefit when you are looking to return to work. In the UK there is a movement called 'Pregnant then Screwed' which is trying to address this.
> I agree - but have seen many families have to make this choice, as having too big a gap in your CV (to look after their kids) will impact there employability down the line.
This is true, but does raise a couple of obvious points.
First, if there are implied future earnings returns from working with young child, those ought to be factored into the calculations for returns to work in the OP (with appropriate caveats about possible cashflow problems).
Secondly, should it be affecting future employability?
The few career paths where absolute commitment to work and track record of continuous improvement and networking seem absolutely necessary signals (like trying to make partner at an accountancy or law firm) tend to pay pretty well anyway. Other career paths should - in theory at least - be less contingent on continuity, or even offer realistic opportunities to continue to work or use work related skills part time and remotely.
Very true - but even in 'low pressure' creative fields that I've worked in in the past, people would rather take a researcher who has just come off a job, than one who has spent 4 years looking after children. The assumption is that the 'current' person will be 'better'.
I think there is also a covert feeling that those with children (in particular women) will be less wedded to their role. People have been shocked when I've stayed home to look after our sick children, and my wife went into work.
It is also hard to stay current and to retain confidence in your ability when you are out of the working world.
Don't get me wrong - stay at home parents have amazing skills and learn loads, but few employers see that as a benefit when you are looking to return to work. In the UK there is a movement called 'Pregnant then Screwed' which is trying to address this.