How did childcare in the US become so absurdly expensive?

Families are taking out lines of credit, working second jobs, commuting for hours and forgoing careers. It doesn’t need to be this way, experts say

Here’s how much I pay for childcare – and what I’d do instead if it were free

Almost 20 years ago, Danielle Atkinson was invited to interview for a job on a national political campaign. It was a dream role, and although it would mean leaving Michigan, Atkinson felt the opportunity was worth it.

Then, she learned she was pregnant. It was a surprise – she and her husband had planned to focus on their careers before starting their family – but one that was welcome and exciting. But once she learned how expensive it would be to enroll her baby in full-time care, Atkinson made a difficult decision. “I was like: ‘Oh, my God, I’ve got to be near a support system,’” she said, recalling her decision to decline the interview and remain in Michigan, where her extended family could help with care. “I had to take a step back from my career to have the baby.”

Topics

Uber offers 20 hours of free childcare in bid to lure female drivers

A union says it should instead pay drivers more so they can take time off with their families.
BBC News - 4d
The No. 1 mistake I see job seekers making in 2025, says career expert: It can ‘destroy your chances’

Here's what to do instead to help you stand out and land the role, says Jeremy Schifeling, founder of The Job Insiders and author of "Career Coach GPT."
CNBC - 1d
Weekly quiz: What did a US influencer do that caused outrage in Australia?

How much attention did you pay to what else has been going on in the world over the past seven days?
BBC News - 5d
With more Americans looking for new jobs, here's how to get ahead

A LinkedIn survey found that 54% of U.S. workers want to change jobs in 2025. Career expert Catherine Fisher shares strategies to stand out in a competitive market.
CBS News - Mar. 10
Could the US buy Greenland? If so, how?

Donald Trump says he wants the US to take over Greenland. Could it happen? If so, how?
BBC News - Mar. 6
Chelsea told how much they need to pay for “powerful” Tottenham target

Chelsea and Tottenham will have to fork out in excess of £20 million to sign Sunderland star Jobe Bellingham.Jobe Bellingham could end up parting ways with Sunderland in the summer and there are ...
Yahoo Sports - Mar. 15
Who qualifies for credit card debt forgiveness?

Are you looking for a fast way out of credit card debt? Credit card debt forgiveness might help. Here's how.
CBS News - 6d
Ornstein: How much Chelsea have to pay to break player obligation to buy and if they will do it

The Athletic’s transfer expert David Ornstein has revealed how much Chelsea will need to pay to break an obligation to buy one player.A lot has been said and reported on this one lately, with it ...
Yahoo Sports - 1d
'I'm out here hurting people': How MMA's brutal lifestyle became too much for Jalin Turner

Jalin Turner, 29, stunned the MMA world when he retired following his loss to Ignacio Bahomondes at UFC 313. So how did a promising young fighter suddenly grow to abhor violence?
Yahoo Sports - 6d