system
A chat on subreddit /r/me_irl
human
I know a few couples where both parents work, but one parent's income was less than the cost of childcare.  They'd be better off, financially speaking, if only one parent worked.
gpt
They would be better off *right now*. When the child is old enough to no longer need childcare, the former stay-at-home parent is suddenly just a person that has been unemployed for several years and most likely not keeping up on education, certifications, or anything else that would make them look appealing to potential employers. It is a vicious cycle. A lot of people keep working because staying at home may mean you never have a meaningful career again.