Wise Words Wednesday: Top 3 Reasons For Mom To Work At Home

If you are considering working at home, you probably already have your own very good reasons. I’ve heard many over the years.

One client started a business because her children had moved out and she discovered that cleaning the house got boring after awhile, especially since no one was around to mess it up.

Other clients had an idea for a product that they wanted to create, and it only made sense for them to go into business for themselves. Renting a brick and mortar store can be extremely expensive for a startup business with little capital, so it only made sense to stay at home.

Perhaps this list will help you add to yours, or validate your thoughts. If you’re new to the home business concept, perhaps this will give you some concrete ideas to go along with what you’re feeling.

These ideas apply whether you want to start your own product selling business, or work for someone else at home.

1. If you have young children, working at home allows you to continue being their primary caregiver. The first three years of your child’s life are especially important. Even better, you’ll no longer miss those major milestones like the first step and first words. If you are breastfeeding mom, you can nurse your baby while working at the computer. Your toddlers can play at your feet and your preschoolers can help you type. (OK, so mommies of preschoolers might want to do some outsourcing…LOL!)

This was my main reason for staying at home when my son was born in 2000. I couldn’t imagine leaving him for 8 hours a day. And it wouldn’t work since I was nursing him. Most of my ecommerce clients stay home for the same reason – they have nursing babies and toddlers running around.

2. Save a boatload of money on childcare. If spending extra time with your children isn’t enough to convince you or your significant other, perhaps saving piles of money is. Childcare for just one kid can cost upwards of $70 per week — even if you don’t use the childcare all day, every day. If you must have some time, then a Mommy’ Day Out program can give you a few hours a couple of days a week and still save you tons of money.

My virtual assistant, who works out of her home in Ohio, has four children. Working outside the home would be financial disastrous for her. Even if she were to find a job outside of the house, she wouldn’t make enough money to cover the childcare costs. At that point, she might as well stay at home and find a way to earn extra income.

3. You can set your own schedule. Notice, I did not say that you are free from a schedule. I’ve learned over the years that having a schedule is terribly important. But you can schedule around school plays, field trips, doctor’s appointments, etc. Not to mention, it’s just nice to be able to take a day off, here and there, to enjoy the weather.

With the help of my assistants and tech support people, I’ve been able to attend my children’s award ceremonies, most of their baseball games and practices and help out in the office at my church.

Even better, when both kids are in school, I’ll be able to attend Chamber of Commerce meetings, teach a web design class at the local technology center and spend more time developing projects. And when the school bell rings, I’ll be right there to pick up the kids and hear all about their day. Of all the reasons I’ve given, I’d say this one is the best.