How Much Does It Really Cost to Work and Raise Children? (And Tips To Make It More Manageable)

With childcare costs soaring, is it even worth it to work? 

In this episode of The Working Week with entrepreneur Ben Askins, Ben is joined by the formidable Joeli Brearley. Joeli is best known as the founder of Pregnant Then Screwed, a charity dedicated to addressing the motherhood - and parenthood - penalty. Joeli is also co-host of the ‘To Be A Boy’ podcast, and is credited with influencing the recent £5.2b investment in childcare.

You’ll get Ben’s unfiltered take on the truth behind working to pay for your childcare and family in 2025, along with some sound advice, and a few laughs along the way! Whether you’re a parent struggling to pay for your kids, you’re a grandparent who's been roped in to help look after your grandchildren, or you’re a career-minded person who's quite frankly unsure whether you want to have children at all, this one’s for you.

If that sounds like you, hit FOLLOW and we’ll see you in the next episode. 

We’d love to hear from you! Get in touch with Ben to share your work stories - anonymously or otherwise - and he’ll answer your biggest questions. 

Follow Ben: 
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Follow Joeli:
https://www.instagram.com/joelibrearley/

Chapters:

0:00 Intro
0:50 Are DINKS to blame?
02:45 Low birth rates
03:16 Why are childcare costs so high in 2025?
07:40 3 in 4 mothers say it doesn’t make financial sense for them to work
08:26 Paternity leave often gets overlooked
10:13 What free childcare am I eligible for?
13:00 Are other countries doing childcare support better?
16:35 “I raised 4 kids…we never moaned”
18:00 History: When was childcare support first introduced?
19:43 Ben interviews Joeli Brearley MBE, Founder of Pregnant Then Screwed
27:56 Ben’s final say and advice for businesses 
31:31 Funny work clips of the week

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Credits: 
https://www.tiktok.com/@letravelstyle/video/7314396422806359342?q=dinks%20lifestyle&t=1745236385685
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