WAHM: How to Be Home with Your Kids & Earn an Income for Your Family

Have you ever dreamed of a job where you could spend time with your family and earn money at the same time? Quitting your job and staying home with your kids is a huge decision that affects the whole family. Most traditional jobs don’t offer the flexibility a family needs. But, becoming a WAHM could be your ticket to “having it all”. Before embarking on such a quest, here is some helpful information detailing what it’s all about.

I worked up until I had my second daughter. First I tried just woking part time and it was still so chaotic. I wasn’t accomplishing much at work or at home for that matter. We decided it just wasn’t worth paying a sitter, dragging the kids around town early in the morning and everyone always being in a hurry. We felt really disconnected as a family.  So we took that HUGE leap and decided I would be a SAHM.

The thought of making my husband 100% financially responsible for our family really bothered me. I had always worked and had fears of not having “my own money”.  So I decided I would become a WAHM. I had to start using coupons, make a strict monthly budget, start meal planning and find lots of DIY’s for the stuff I felt was just too pricy.

• DIY Dryer Sheets
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• DIY Non-Toxic Fruit & Veggie Wash
• Make Your Own Oven Cleaner 
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WAHM?

Well, what the heck does that mean? WAHM stands for Work At Home Mom. Over the past 20 years, more and more women have come out of the workplace and gone back into the home. Rock on Ladies!

The decision hasn’t been an easy one. It became apparent a long time ago that men were the only ones being allowed to “have their cake and eat it too”. They could pursue a corporate career and still come home in the evenings to the family. Lucky!

Women with careers usually have a different path to follow. Besides working longer hours to achieve the same pay and credibility as their male counterparts, they also have to contend with the housework and the kids. After a long day at the office and after the household chores, my kids sadly got what was left over which was usually a very worn out mother.

Thankfully, that has since changed. Tons WAHMs are proving everyday that women can contribute to the family financial situation and nurture their families. Both online and off, a network of support has been created for any woman who wants to consider an option that will help them meet their needs. I’m here to help!

How to get started?

Family meeting! When you talk to your family about the possibility of being home full time, you want to have an idea of the direction you will take. Check out sites like justaddsweat.com, internetbasedmoms.com and wahmtalkradio.com. They offer helpful hints to moms getting started with a work at home enterprise and also a network of opportunities for connecting with other WAHMs.

If your income has been a big part of the monthly family finances, then switching to a work at home enterprise will cause your finances to take a hit. At least until you get back on your feet. Be sure there is enough financial cushion in your bank account to weather the first six months or so of your new career. It will take time to establish your business. Nothing amazing ever happens over night.

Opportunities

First, figure out your interests and skills. WAHMs can find business opportunities to work for someone else doing everything from audio transcription to writing articles to accounting. Be aware that there are scams about and that legitimate companies looking for professionals wonít ask for money upfront from you.

Some WAHMs carve out their own niche and begin an online business. If you are skilled with crafting, you can create a website to promote your crafts and sell products. Etsy is huge for WAHMs. A blog is also another idea. Blog about your area of expertise and develop a following. Combine that with affiliate or search engine marketing to generate revenue. If you want to learn more about blogging shoot me a message and I can help you get started.

Sell things on ebay. We all have a closet or two that needs a major overhaul. And if you don’t I will give you my number and we can set up a playdate. Bake cakes! Check out  Avon, Mary Kay, Passion Parties and The Pampered Chef! There are literally thousands of things you could do from home to help contribute to your family’s income. Check out this awesome list of 44 ideas! 

Making it work

With new career comes the issue of balance between home and work. Just because you are home doesn’t mean you won’t need help around the house or time away from the kids in order to work. Working from home isn’t easy, but you can do it!  Consider these tips for creating a balance:

• Develop a set schedule for work and play on a weekly basis. A planner will be your best friend.
• Discuss dividing up household chores between you, your spouse, and older kids. They can help too!
• Do pre-work such as fixing lunches, prepping breakfast, choosing clothing the night before. It will make your day go more smoothly.
• Hire a babysitter once or twice a week. Or talk to family about helping out.
• Separate home office space inside the house. I go to my room and get in the blogging zone. Or head to the Starbucks down the street for some “me” time.

There are HUGE advantages to being a WAHM. Plan carefully and be patient. I know you can make it work  Support from your family makes all the difference.