Should One of Us Quit?
Compare three scenarios — both working, Person A quitting, or Person B quitting — to see which leaves your household with the most money after childcare, commuting, and work expenses.
Both working is best
£3,987/mo
Work expenses
Include lunches bought at work, professional clothing, parking, and any other costs you wouldn't have if you stayed at home.
Both working is best
£3,987/mo
household disposable income
Both work
Best option£3,987/mo
Person A quits
£2,127/mo
Person B quits
£2,943/mo
Monthly disposable income
What does each job really add?
After tax, childcare, commute, and expenses
After tax, childcare, commute, and expenses
Break-even childcare cost
£25,520/yr per child
If childcare costs more than this, the lower earner quitting could be better financially. Your current childcare (£13,000/yr/yr) is below this threshold.
Important considerations
- This is a financial snapshot only — career progression, pension contributions, and future earning potential are not modelled
- Tax-Free Childcare (up to £2,000/child/yr) and 30 free hours require both parents to be working — quitting means losing these
- Taking a career break can significantly impact lifetime earnings, pension contributions, and NI qualifying years
- Non-financial factors (wellbeing, child development, career satisfaction) matter too