When should i leave my job?

I would work at least until you are licensed. Do you have a daycare who could take a child for 2ish weeks while you finish up tasks after resigning from your job? I worked full time when we first became foster parents, because we did school aged kids only. Once we started accepting infant placements, I knew I'd quit my job to be at home (something I'd always wanted to do, anyway). When I quit my job, I went out on paid family leave (6 weeks) when our daughter arrived, and then sent in my letter of resignation 2 weeks before I was due to return. I'm not sure if that's an option for you (my old company had awesome benefits), but it is very common around here. Good luck with your decision. It's hard to tell whether or not you will get a placement right away or wait 2-3 months for a placement. If you are trying to build savings, I'd try to work up until the time you got a placement, and try to have child care lined up so you have time to give 2 weeks' notice to your job.

Hi jmd5294,Thanks for your reply. I will definitely keep working until licensed. There is a daycare we could use as well as a respite family. We are looking to take in a newborn-2yo. My heart aches at the thought of having to place a young one in childcare for 2 weeks while I give my resignation. Everything in me just wants to be there for them as soon as they need me; and I don't want to create unnecessary attachment issues. I guess for now I will just wait until I have finished the licensing requirements and then talk to our case worker. Hopefully they will have a better idea of how many children are coming into the system around that time.

Hi jmd5294, Thanks for your reply. I will definitely keep working until licensed. There is a daycare we could use as well as a respite family. We are looking to take in a newborn-2yo. My heart aches at the thought of having to place a young one in childcare for 2 weeks while I give my resignation. Everything in me just wants to be there for them as soon as they need me; and I don't want to create unnecessary attachment issues. I guess for now I will just wait until I have finished the licensing requirements and then talk to our case worker. Hopefully they will have a better idea of how many children are coming into the system around that time.

I have a similar issue, except I'm a teacher. I need to teach one more year (due to a complicated retirement concern) so I am going to take my time with the process and hopefully have everything completed next May. Once I sign a contract I am commented to teach for a year- no backing out.

I have struggled with this same issue. The plan was always for me to stay home when it was time. We got licensed last November for 2 kids and since I am covered under FMLA we planned on me staying at work another year to get us another years worth of money. If you can get FMLA I would start there before you quit, I didn't even know foster placements qualified until I did this. We had decided that when we got up to 3 kids I would stay home, so not expecting that to happen in less than 2 months. I would definitely wait until the last possible second, you have no idea when the call will come and how long they will stay. Plus the money for the kids takes a long time to arrive. I never thought we would need it as much as we do. Having no bios, wow kids are expensive lol. I am still working but had to move our plan up to the end of June, then I can be home full time. I haven't worked a full work week since November, it is impossible in our situation. We have a 1 year old who is always sick, an autistic 4 year old and a very active 10 year old. Good luck!

I would wait until the last possible moment. I would use FMLA as well as vacation time before you decide to quit. There's isn't a guarantee that you're first placements will be long term. And if that happens, what will you do moneywise? My hubby and I live in a very active area and happened to luck up on long term placements that we hope to adopt eventually. Because of my job's flexibility as well as my tenure, I was able to take off 2wks w/ my older two and 3wks w/ NB sibling. I used vacation time as well as FMLA, which worked wonderfully for our family. I also have a small wonderful homecare provider that has helped tremendously in helping w/ our 2 transition into our home. I know you're super excited and can't wait to become a FP but proceed w/ caution. Make sure to work out your budget before you decide to quit your job. I love my babies and can't imagine a day w/out them but we honestly have been very fortunate. I know too many FP that have quit because of the system.

I would wait until the last possible moment. I would use FMLA as well as vacation time before you decide to quit. There's isn't a guarantee that you're first placements will be long term. And if that happens, what will you do moneywise? My hubby and I live in a very active area and happened to luck up on long term placements that we hope to adopt eventually. Because of my job's flexibility as well as my tenure, I was able to take off 2wks w/ my older two and 3wks w/ NB sibling. I used vacation time as well as FMLA, which worked wonderfully for our family. I also have a small wonderful homecare provider that has helped tremendously in helping w/ our 2 transition into our home. I know you're super excited and can't wait to become a FP but proceed w/ caution. Make sure to work out your budget before you decide to quit your job. I love my babies and can't imagine a day w/out them but we honestly have been very fortunate. I know too many FP that have quit because of the system.