As a work at home mom…..I find my career…..interesting, diverse…..challenging.
I use these words to describe my career – because it makes me feel better about my “job”.
Working at home is a goal for so many. I can understand this. I really can.
What started out as my own search for work at home, has turned into my work at home career.
Weird.
But….back to being a work at home mom. Those of you already pulling this gig…..you know too well….it’s not for wimps. There can be babies on the premises – but YOU can’t be one. You’ve got to suck it up and be the super hero that cleans, cooks, shops, empties the kittybox, scoops up dog puke, wipes bottoms, shuffles the kids everywhere that they need to go AND works!
Have you seen the show Dirty Jobs?? OH wow….they have no idea.
Working at home means getting used to a lot of things.
Most times, the biggest factors…..a lot less PAY for a lot more work! Those of you thinking you’re going to
land that “work at home data entry” position that pays $40,000 a year, has benefits and only takes you actually working for 2 hours each week – ummmm……I think that exists in the same world that unicorns do. And if I’m wrong…..feel free to smack me upside my head, because I would LOVE to be wrong about this.
I find myself….8 years into this “work at home” dream-life working more hours in a week than I ever did at any other job. I also find myself as an employee that wears ALL hats. Accounting…yep. IT….yep. Marketing and promotion…yep. Writer…..yep. Administrative…..yep. Janitor……yep. You get the idea.
Sometimes…..I open up Google and I forget…literally…..from the time I click on the browser icon….to when Google comes up on the screen…..we’re talking 2 seconds….maybe….I forget where the hell I wanted to go or what the hell I was opening Google for. I just sit there. What am I waiting for?? I kinda look at the papers on my desk…..nothing is ringing a bell. I once forgot that I set an egg salad sandwich in my right hand desk drawer. Just forgot. I was eating it……set it down, paper plate and all – laid some envelopes on top of it….and never thought about it again. Four days later….my nose found it. WHY didn’t I just stick with Oreos for lunch that day???
And speaking of my personal favorite, Oreos……food for the work at home mom is……not a lot of things. It’s not lobster, or steak or even a big ole cheeseburger. It’s not a chef salad with yummy little croutons…..
I’m not saying it CAN’T be. OH it CAN BE. But most of us work at home moms are happy with a PB&J and a refill on coffee.
So….less money, longer hours, more responsibilities, no gourmet chef to be found and kids under foot.
Of course….I’m not complaining. Because in each day…..are priceless gems that no other job could ever come close to providing. Being home for a sick child, being able to attend all school activities and events and the security of “mom” being at home provided to your kids. Mom is “here”. And there is no other greater gift you can give your child.
I think we all make sacrifices. It’s just part of being human. But working at home allows you to choose WHAT is sacrificed. Maybe you’ll never drive that fancy car, or build your dream home. Maybe you don’t get to wear cute little suits, have client lunches or take business trips to great locations…..
Maybe you get a little lonely working at home. It happens. Sadly.
I see many of you nodding your heads yes. It just comes with the “home job” territory. It’s important to reach out, nurture your friendships and make time to “get out” every now and then.
I am a very social person by nature. It has been an adjustment through the years to not be around other adults most of the day. And after being on the radio for years….I am no longer in the spotlight. That was hard at first too. I get out once a week with friends!! Even if it’s just a walk or morning coffee….I get out!
So before you start dreaming of your work at home job…..think hard about what you’re getting into.
It’s not a Tide commercial……it’s not an episode of the Brady Bunch. It’s the MOTHER of all jobs. It comes with SO many perks…..but none of these perks will make you rich in material things.
There will be big ole kisses, bear hugs, giggles and smiles. There will also be a sink of dirty dishes, laundry that never gets caught up and deadlines that are never met.
And maybe…..for some of us…..smelly surprises in our desk drawers. But it’s worth it.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
I am looking for a telecommute (work from home) job. I am also trying to find one with benefits. I am a mother of three small children and my husband is disabled and out of work. Can anyone point me in the right direction?
Thank you,
Krissy
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