You Don't Do Anything

That is the one phrase I hear that I can't stand. During the week at some point someone needs something and when I decline that is the phrase that appears.

As a WAHM it is hard for others to see that you actually work. Even my son will walk in the house and instantly ask if he can use the laptop. He looks at me when I say no because I am working as though I just spoke an unrecognizable language.

There are a few low rent offices nearby that I have considered inquiring about. It is merely for the change in perception that I don't nothing all day.

I think what makes it hard is when you hear WAHM you think just direct sales. You don't tend to think of running a business from home. Not that direct sales WAHMs don't work hard and long hours. Its the mindset is the point. There are many places this does happen but where I live its not widely seen or heard.

Its even harder when family members compare the work and school my husband does. Its not recognized that I do something. Its believed I am lazy, use my husbands money, and chat all day on the computer. My solution to changing this view has always been to invite these people to spend a day with me and see exactly what it is I do. Once person in particular refuses. Not sure if its because I will prove them wrong or its a simple fact they don't like me. I am ok with both. It is how it is. I just wish that each visit with this person I do not have to tolerate the comments or defend my actions in every way possible.

All I can say at this point is I do work long hours. I work all day and well into the early morning hours. A 16 hour day is not uncommon and many days I can only hope it ends before the 17th hour. I even work on the weekends. Sometimes to the displeasure of those around me as I answer emails through the blackberry.

Next time you come across a WAHM remember they work hard. They have a job. Maybe not in an office outside the home but they have a job. During that time they are often interrupted with children, spouses, meals needing to be made, cleaning to be done, dogs to be walked, errands to be run. Sleep is a privilege for the WAHM. Support a WAHM.

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What part of "work" in WAHM do some not understand?

I have been a full-time work at home mother for nearly 3 yrs and a part-time work at home mother for several years before. The biggest obstacle I have to overcome (like most WAHMs) is not the obvious - long hours, balancing the home and kids, making the sale. The challenge is getting others to comprehend the concept of working from home. It is automatically assumed I can take time off at anytime. That is not the case. Yes I can flex my schedule if I have notice but I can't just drop and run.

I recently had an encounter where I was given a project because 2 others could not do it. One is college with a young child, no job. The other has a demanding job, no children. Now I can certainly appreciate both of these circumstances as I have been there. Problem is everyone forgot I have a full-time job as a business owner of an online handbag boutique with a consultant program. I am also mom, wife, 2 smaller businesses that I represent that I must work, heading a marketing campaign for an advertising co-op, keeping up the mini business of blogging, 2 fundraising campaigns. Now yes I will say I work more hours than the others and many times I have more stress. It comes with the territory of 80-100 hours a week.

I have to remind everyone I DO work not sit at home eating bon bons watching Oprah. Some do get upset and the first thing that usually leaves their lips is "but I have to work." Yes and so do I. Teachers this year no matter how many times I stated I work from home they always expect that I can drop and run. When I say I can't it is usually something like I thought you were a stay at home mom. No, I WORK.

This mindset is also why so many go into working from home because they don't see it as work. I am wanting to start a local work at home mothers group that not only provides support to WAHMs but also awareness and understanding what a WAHM does on a daily basis. Once all the fundraising, baby showers, marketing campaigns, and the summer craziness has slowed I will work on this idea and put it into action.