Is Working Worth It After Childcare Costs? How to Weigh Your Career and Finances

Is childcare worth the cost when most of your paycheck goes straight to daycare fees? In this powerful episode, financial advisor and mum of two, Deline Jacovides, opens up about how much she and her husband have spent on childcare over seven years, and why, despite the eye-watering figure, she’d do it all again. We unpack the true cost of childcare in Australia, the long-term impact on women’s careers and superannuation, and the often-overlooked benefits, like career progression, independence, and child development. Deline also shares how she and her husband juggled part-time work, subsidies, and even brought in an au pair to make it all work. This is the honest childcare conversation every working parent needs to hear. Whether you're navigating daycare decisions now or planning for the future, you'll walk away with insights, budgeting tips, and the reassurance that your sacrifices today are an investment in your family's tomorrow. What You’ll Learn: How Deline spent six figures on childcare and what she got in return The financial and emotional trade-offs of early childhood education How to budget for childcare, including fee increases and cashflow planning The career, superannuation, and identity costs of opting out of work Why childcare is a family cost, not just a mother’s burden How legislation has (and hasn’t) helped affordability for families   Show links: Connect with Deline on Instagram @maziwealth Listen to the previous episode of the Working Mumma with Deline "Managing the financial impact of motherhood with financial planner Deline Jacovides"   Connect with Working Mumma on Instagram @workingmummacommunity