Here are 6 myths about work at home moms and the reality of working from home…
1) WAHMs have a lot of free time- This is a myth that I have believed myself. It is why I sometimes get too overwhelmed. I think I have more free time than I do. I think that because I work from home I can complete any task at any time. The reality is we WAHMs need a schedule and need to balance our time correctly. We have a business to work on, children to be with and a house to take care of. There is always a lot to do each day and assuming we have a lot of free time means feeling very overwhelmed and frustrated at the end of the day.
2) WAHMs only work for Direct Sales companies There are a lot of WAHMs that have been able to work a very successful direct sales business from home. However, there are a lot of WAHMs that haven’t. Direct sales are only a small part of the work we WAHMs do. For some moms direct sales is only a small part of what they do and other moms have never been a direct sales consultant.
3) You can’t be a WAHM because of x,y and z-While I don’t think the WAHM lifestyle is for everyone, I also think if you want it to be your lifestyle, you can make it happen. It might take a long time, it might be a lot of work, but I believe if you want it, it can happen for you. I struggle with self-doubt but I have to keep reminding myself that I CAN and WILL do this. Even if it is hard, even if it takes a while. I will be a successful WAHM.
4) We are only WAHMs because our kids are young. Once they grow up and start school full-time, then we will find a job outside the home. I have been a WAHM for almost 8 years now. I have about 5 years to go before my youngest is in school. After that many years, I have a very hard time picturing myself giving up making money online and going out and getting a full-time job outside the home. I could see working part-time somewhere for “fun” but not for a full-time job. I take what I do online seriously and I don’t want to give it up just because I don’t have children at home during the day anymore.
5) WAHMs work in our pajamas. I am not saying I have never done any type of work in my pajamas but for me if I want to focus, I need to get dressed for the day. I need to act like I am going somewhere even if I don’t leave the house. I guess when you are a work at home mom you CAN work in your pjs but I like to get ready for the day before I get started on my work.
6) All WAHMs do the same type of work. This is not true at all. Some WAHMs run their own business, others work for companies. Some have employees and others do not. Some sell physical products, others sell digital and others don’t sell anything at all. WAHMs are as different as their households. What is great about that is if you want to be a WAHM there are so many options for you to pick from.
I think I would add to that list that work at home moms have a real job. Sometimes career women who go out to works ask when you will go back to work. I have been working since my first child and choose to work at home now that they are in school. I enjoy my business and it’s definitely work. Also, many WAHMs work longer hours than full-time employees when you add it all up.
Anne recently posted..Building Momentum in a New Business
So very true! Thanks for your comment
#4 hit the nail on the head! You can’t go back to a JOB after years of being independent and making money at home. Not going to happen. Just like there are myths about WAHM they are myths about certain people that are CEO’s of many companies all over the USA. Great post. Blessings!
I think they are all very true and agree with both comments above as well. I’m having trouble convincing my husband that work at home jobs are “real” and now that my children are older (7 & 11), I feel more strongly than ever that I need to be here if I can manage it.
Jean recently posted..Finding Time for Friendship
Another myth: WAHMs have it so easy. Everyone, even my husband, is under the impression that I just stay at home and play with the kids all day while doing a little sewing for fun. Honestly, being a WAHM is MUCH harder than working outside the home (I’ve done both!). When I worked outside the home, no one was at home making messes while I was working, I could focus on my work and then leave it there when I went to pick up my daughter from daycare, and when I got home, my only responsibilities were to take care of her and clean the house. Now that I’m a WAHM, I’m constantly juggling my family, my customers, my work, my housework, etc. etc. all while being constantly interrupted by young children. But I love my job and I love being home with my kids so it’s worth all the extra work and stress!
Hannah recently posted..(Almost) Wordless Wednesday
So true! We have to work AND take care of the house AND the kids. It really is a lot for us to do each day.
The # 4 myth says it all. For serious WAHMs who have been doing good making money online, it is the job. The independence and flexibility it affords compensates for the long hours we put up with, but most of all, the fun and enjoyment we find in the kind of work we do.
Amy Turner recently posted..Iberiabank Visa
So true! I think in the years to come we will see more and more people wanting to make their money from home.
Btw, Julie, I didn’t realize that your link had been taken off of my site…sorry about that!! Its back on now under “My Fellow Bloggers”
I already commented on this post, but I will again…WAHM don’t have it as easy as everyone thinks! Since I am the stay at home person in my family (WAHD), I understand the schedule and the demand that children bring into the equation!
Wade@How To Make Money With A Blog recently posted..Do You Still Not Have A List?
Hi Julie, just because your a stay at home mom doesn’t mean you can’t be a WAHM. I have several WAHM’s on my team and they just love what they do. They enjoy the freedom from a full-time job while still earning an income and taking care of the family.
Thanks for sharing!
Galen
Galen Morgigno recently posted..Excited Stay At Home Moms Are Crushing It
It is great to be able to make money from home