Have you ever dreamed of a job where you could spend time with your family and earn money at the same time? Most traditional jobs don’t offer that. Becoming a work at home mom could be your ticket to your dream. But before embarking on such a quest, here is some helpful information.
WAHM?
Just what do these letters stand for? WAHM stands for Work At Home Mom. Over the past 20 years, more and more women have come out of the workplace and gone back into the home.
The decision hasn’t been an easy one. It became apparent a long time ago that men were the only ones being allowed to “have their cake and eat it too.” They could pursue a corporate career and still come home in the evenings to the family.
Women with careers had a different path to follow. Besides working longer hours to achieve the same pay and credibility as their male counterparts, they also had to contend with the housework and the kids. After a long day at the office and doing the household chores, the kids sadly got what was left over which was usually a very worn out mother.
That has since changed. Work at home moms are proving everyday that women can contribute to the family financial situation and nurture their families as well. Both online and off, a network of support has been created for any woman who wants to consider an option that will help them meet their needs.
How to get started?
When you talk to your family about the possibility of staying and working from home, you want to have an idea of the direction you will take. Go online to see helpful hints for moms getting started with a work at home enterprise and also a network of opportunities for connecting with other WAHMs.
If your income has been a big part of the monthly family finances, then switching to a work at home enterprise will cause your finances to take a hit. Be sure there is enough financial cushion in your bank account to weather the first six months of your new career. It will take time to establish your business.
Opportunities
First, figure out your interests and skills. WAHMs can find business opportunities to work for someone else doing everything from audio transcription to writing articles to accounting. Be aware that there are scams out there and legitimate companies looking for professionals won’t ask for money upfront from you.
Some WAHMs carve out their own niche and begin an online business. If you are skilled with crafting, you can create a website to promote your crafts and sell products. A blog is also another great idea. Blog about your area of expertise and develop a following. Combine that with affiliate or search engine marketing to generate revenue.
Making it work
With a new career comes the balance between home and work. Just because you are home doesn’t mean you won’t need help around the house or time away from the kids in order to work.
Consider these tips for creating some balance:
- Develop a set schedule for work and play on a weekly basis
- Discuss dividing up household chores between you, your spouse, and older kids
- Do pre-work such as fixing lunches, prepping breakfast, choosing clothing the night before
- Hire a babysitter once or twice a week
- Separate home office space inside the house
There are advantages to being a WAHM. Plan carefully and be patient. Support from your family makes all the difference.
