Many of my parent friends have gone through the debate about having the lesser-earning parent quit work for a few years to care for children or to pay for daycare.

In the long run remaining employed generally comes out ahead due to the continued career growth and employment.

The one friend who quit their job now regrets a little because the expensive early childcare years were over quickly and now they’re trying to get back into the workforce in a rough economy with a resume gap.

The resume gap issue is why many never return (which may be a better life overall, hard to say, life isn't only financial decisions).

One option is to keep working at reduced hours/ad hoc, if such is available.