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.