If you are, or have considered being a work at home mom, please take a moment to read on…
- 15.1 % of workers in the US over the age of 16 are people who work at home. That‘s about 20,673,000 of the work force
- 53 % of home based workers are women
- 9,331,000 are working moms with kids under 6, of these 903,840 works at home or have their own home based business
Why such a frenzy?
Recently more and more parents are opting to work from home. They are looking to be there for the kids without being less productive in society and adding to the family’s income as well. This is especially true for many moms.
Over the years, we have witnessed the evolution of women’s role in society. From the very simple and noble home maker, she went on to dominate the corporate world. She established herself in many fields, including politics and the military. Now, when it seems that her new niche has been accepted, we find her back at home with the kids.
While she can never fully turn her back on her responsibilities at home to pursue a profession, she is also looking to make a name for herself. And so comes in, work at home moms. She is available anytime for her children, supervising them hands on as they grow, guiding them during the tough years, and creating a good and loving relationship with them.
Working from home saves you the daily commute and rush to the office. There is no need to dress up or have to deal with obnoxious co-workers. Mom has found a way to look after her family without compromising a career. She’s at the breakfast table when everyone heads off for the day, lunch packed and ready. While the kids are at school, she goes to work in her office right next to the living room. She would have snacks prepared when they get home. Have time to cook dinner, help with homework, and tuck them to bed. Since she is saved the time associated with long traffic, she will have time for everyone in the household.
Though that is the very ideal scene that we are hoping for, there are a lot of challenges that home based workers have to go through before getting there. First is actually finding a job that you can do from home. There are a lot of opportunities out there but also a lot of scams, preying on vulnerable victims. When considering a work at home job, do so as you would consider a regular job in most aspects. What you look like, how old you are or where you live won’t really matter but you should have the skills and knowledge to do the job. Are you qualified for it? Will it compensate you appropriately? Is it something that you will enjoy doing? Is it stable?
Another challenge is out stepping the tiny boundary from your work and house work. Consider this. It would be so easy to set aside your work for later, especially if you are on flex time. On the other hand, you might over do it, and actually work a lot more than you should.
Other than the skills required for a job, you will need extra patience, a bit more of perseverence and another ounce of discipline to succeed.
Establish a schedule for work, even if you are set with flexible time. Keep it to no more than eight hours and always leave weekends off. To balance your time, spend no more time than you should for work. When it is working hours, you should be working. Manage your time well so that you get your job done.
Try working two part time jobs instead of one full time. This is to have a fall back should the other not work out. One full time and one part time would be ok, though that would take up more of our time. You do know that those who work from home are usually freelancers. There is rarely a contract, meaning no benefits. Always be on the look out for better opportunities.
The kids are the first and most important reason why moms work at home, but they are also the major distraction that moms face. It is important that they understand when mom is working and what is expected of them Take time to sit own and explain to them the nature of your work.
A tip on the side, just because you don’t have to dress up, doesn't mean you can't Whether you are a working mom, a work at home mom or a full time stay at home mom, you should always look your best. Take care of yourself and stay fit. When you are at your best, you can do your tasks better.
Work at home moms are not that different from “regular” working moms. They get stressed and tired too. It can be very frustrating at certain times. Bear in mind why you decided to work at home, and know that your family is definitely worth it.
