Is it Hard to Become a Work at Home Mom?

Have you ever desired you could possibly work from your home? Or are you a currently a work-at-home mom thinking about new ideas and tips? I’ll share my experiences of being a working mom-at-home to give you an idea.

You will definitely get more tips and ideas in line with the answers and questions below:

How long have you been a working home mom?

I’ve been working from home for almost 3 years. I started to work online in early 2010 until now. My daughter that time was almost one year old and I was studying at the same time. I am really dreaming to finish my 4 year degree in college and now I got my degree in Communication Arts. After my graduation, I decided to work in the corporate world. Why? I wanted to have new experiences and to learn new things in the outside world. (It’s just like big brother). But then, I resigned because it’s hard to find a great nanny or yaya for my daughter. So, my husband and I decided that I’ll be the one who will take good care of our baby. I will take charge of sending her to school every day and not to get a nanny anymore.

What kind of work do you do?

I do a couple of things or multitasking. I’ve been working online for almost 3 years as a freelance writer, virtual assistant, link builder and SEO & SMM Specialist. I have different clients within various industries in the USA, Canada and Australia. I have a substantial knowledge on every aspect of internet marketing. I am currently doing Search Engine Optimization (SEO), data management, marketing assistant and Social Media for my clients as an independent contractor. Prior to doing SEO tasks, I am excellent in performing social media campaign and other internet marketing strategies.

Are you equal provider, or supplementing your family’s income?

I would say yes! I am an equal provider in our family. Both my husband and I work full time and I get to stay home with our baby while working. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I love working from home!

What did you do before working at home?

I am a full time student and a wife before so when I gave birth to our daughter I made a decision to help my husband in earning profits while studying. My mother that time was the one who took good care of my baby every time I went to school.

What made you want to start working from home?

I have got started working at home a couple of months after I gave birth to our daughter. It’s so difficult in the first month but gradually I was able to adjust for the next few months. Special thanks to my loving husband. He’s very supportive to my ambition to finish my degree. Many times, he renounced his sleep in order to take care of our baby daughter whenever I was busy and I needed to go to school. We’ve transcended through tough sacrifices. It is rewarding as well because we both know that we are good parents to our daughter. I couldn’t even imagine the things we’ve been through before..:-)

Was the transition to being a working home mom difficult?

The transition was not difficult since I love what I’m doing and setting my mind to not work in the corporate world and focus my family while being profitable.

What's the toughest part of working at home mom?

The most challenging part of being a work-at-home mom is boundary setting. I think when you work in a business office and you have to show up at a certain time and leave at some point it’s much better to have clear boundaries when it’s work time and when it’s family time. When working at home I personally have to be very clear within myself to understand when it’s time to put work aside and just be with my family. I love what I do and sometimes I find it difficult to leave my home office.

What do you like most about working from your home?

I love the point that I have quality time for my daughter. I can spend much time with her even while working. I also love the fact that I can work on my laptop without having to put make-up on and do my hair. The freedom of being at home and doing what I love to do is very emancipating.

How do you balance work and family?

My husband and I created a schedule of when I’m permitted to be on the computer to work and when I need to shut it off. Our schedules are almost the same. He goes to work Mondays to Fridays at 7am to 4pm. I wake up between 5am to 6am to set all the things he needs for his work and do house chores. I start my work at 8 am onwards in a flexible time. My daughter wakes up around 9 am and now she almost aware of our daily schedule. When I tell her that mommy needs to work and you stay in your room, play your toys or watch TV, she obeys me. Around 10am I start multitasking, giving her food while doing my tasks and during 12noon I send her to school. It is just walking distance from our house. When I return from school I continue doing my stuff. It’s really hard and I really need time management. You have to be disciplined in what you do. I have to make sure that everything is done well and have to balance having a good time with my family and even if I don’t have not enough time for myself!

How many hours a week do you work?

I work about 20 to 40 hours a week, but I am flexible on my clients’ needs.

Lastly, I’d say, take some time for yourself once a week. I leave my daughter with my husband and head over to shopping malls and do some outdoor activities. It’s a great way to release stress and also have some productive time again for the upcoming days, weeks and months. I do believe, we, as moms are only concern with our kids and our families plus if you are working, you spend a lot for your career as well. Sometimes we forget about ourselves on what we need and want. Find even 10 to 15 minutes a day or an hour if you’re able to and do something you love! Doing something I love is the best relaxing stuff for me to become more productive again.

Please share your experiences and work schedule on the comment box below!