I am taking a stand for the work-at-home mom. People usually say we “don’t count” in the discussion on who has it worse (or better) the at home moms, or the working moms.

We have even gone so far as to say “part-timers are faking at both“.

Yes. We did say that.

And it makes me want to gag.

For 7 years I have been an “at home mom” who was trying to be an entrepreneur. That meant that according to “house rules” the kids were my primary responsibility.  Then came the business. The “job”.

For 7 years I struggled balancing ballet drop offs with business meetings. Scrubbing spit up off my dress shirt as I toted the baby into another pitch meeting. I was that sparkling enigma of a work-at-home mom.

And it totally sucked. It sucked more than going to work all day and coming home and squeezing in a few precious moments with the kids before bed. It sucked more than being at home full time and baking cupcakes for yet another school party.

It sucked because according to society (and myself) I had to be all of those things at once.

I needed to earn enough to justify the kids’ programs and preschool programs (because isn’t that just another form of daycare?)

I was expected to contribute to the school events, PAC meetings and throw the stellar birthday parties since I “had so much time on my hands”

I had to build a start up business (or two) between 9pm-2am, as I sat expressing milk at our dining room table, and then make sure hubby had his lunch made for his “long day at work”

for 7 years I worked full-time at TWO jobs.

For 7 years I was a full-time parent, and a full-time entrepreneur, and still got dismissed from the conversation between Working moms and At-home moms. Cause you know “we were just faking at both”

I am still a work at home mom, and will be forever, but I think I have found a way to balance it.

I have made enough to justify our childcare costs- preschool 3 days a week.

I still work late into the night, and I still make lunches in the morning, but it is by choice.

We allow men time and investment to build companies and businesses, but expect women to do it between bottle feedings and laundry. And then we wonder why they fail!

My big moment came when I realized I could earn a living by working from home, which is when I had the balls to put my business first. . . (yes, before the family)

But only sometimes.

Because I am a work-at home mom. And I’m bloody happy to keep it that way.

Now if you will excuse me I have pumpkin cupcakes to make and clients to bill- enjoy your commute ladies.

Author

A mom who knew there had to be more than an overwhelming suburban life filled with good jobs and soccer practices, Julie swept her family off onto a small island in BC to start over! Craving a life of fulfillment she blogs about facing fears and courageously going after your dreams! She believes that if you do something, you should do it fully: eat butter, sweat hard and laugh till you pee. Julie’s blog is filled with stories of how her family adapts and continues to strive for a fulfilled life… while enjoying a few perks along the way!

5 Comments

  1. THANK YOU! I’m currently a work-at-home mom with a 1-year-old and a 4-year-old and it’s so hard because there is no time off from either. There is no distinct line between work and home; they are the same. I’m glad you found a balance, and I hope that I can too one day! Here’s hoping!

  2. I have been working full-time from home for the past 3 years. My kids are now 8 & 5 and my 5 year old does go to school 2 days per week (yayyyyy) so I at least have some sort of sanity on those days.

    I have found a very nice balance, it’s not perfect, and come summer time, march break or PA Days and well, you do not want to see what my house looks like – but I still wouldn’t trade any of it. Before this, I worked in the corporate world. I hated that I couldn’t volunteer for class trips or be there to see my kids get off the school bus. I wanted to be that mom that sent the cupcakes so much.

    I had NO idea what I was getting myself into – but I love my life. I love being involved in my kids day to day life AND contributing to the bank account. Now if only I could make a little more so I could hire a cleaning lady… haha

    • Mommy Outside Reply

      I have second that sentiment. Work at home, work outside the home, stay at home – we are all MOMS. Period. Yeah – enjoy your commute…..thanks I did. And now I’m making muffins. See same, same….

  3. Good for you for persevering, ignore the other moms ignorant comments because they probably envy your choice. For all mothers out there enough bashing each other how about you support each other instead.

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