Childcare → reality

Is going back to work actually worth it?

When one parent returns to work, the salary arrives in full and the costs arrive quietly. Nursery fees, a second commute, the convenience food you buy because you're wrecked. Put the real figures in and see what the second income is genuinely worth, and the salary you'd need just to break even.

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The job

Gross annual salary ($)The returning earner's salary, before anything comes off.

$

Total deductions rate (%)Income tax, social insurance and pension combined. Use your household's marginal rate, since a second income is usually taxed on top of the first.

Contracted hours per week

Days worked per week

Paid leave per year (weeks)Annual leave plus public holidays.

Childcare

Children in paid care

Cost per child, per month ($)Nursery, crèche, childminder or after-school club.

$

Months paid per yearUse 12 for year-round care, or fewer if you only pay term time.

Childcare support per month ($)Any subsidy, tax-free scheme, employer benefit or family help that reduces the bill. Total across all children.

$

Days per week covered freeGrandparents, a partner's day off, anything you don't pay for.

What working costs you

Commuting cost per week ($)Fuel, fares, tolls, parking.

$

Commute, one way (minutes)Including the nursery drop-off detour.

Extra food spending per month ($)Bought lunches, takeaways and ready meals on the nights nobody has the energy to cook.

$

Other work-only costs per month ($)Work clothes, a second car, cleaner, anything that only exists because you're out of the house.

$

Quick questions

What deduction rate should I use?

Use your marginal rate, if your partner earns above the lower tax band, your income stacks on top and is taxed more heavily. In Ireland this is typically 48-52% for a second earner. Check your recent payslip for the effective rate.

What counts as childcare support?

Any subsidy, tax-free scheme or employer benefit that reduces your actual bill. In Ireland, include your NCS subsidy. Enter the total monthly saving across all children.

How do I account for grandparent help?

Enter the number of days per week that are covered free. Two days at grandparents' means two free days and the calculator reduces your childcare cost proportionally.

Read the full guide to working out whether going back is worth it→