For most single mothers the thought of working at home or staying home with our babies is a dream. But for the rare few of us, it is a reality. I love my work and am blessed to be able to work from home. I would like to share this blessing with others and the only way I know how to do that is to write about it. There are options out there for people who want to work from home. But don’t delude yourself, it will take a lot of time, energy and effort to make it work for you. If you choose to start your own business, you need time not only to do the work, but also to market and network your wares or services. You will need a dedicated space and for some careers dedicated time. You need to set a routine and stick to it. You need determination and to be self sufficient. Most of all you need the support of your friends and family. Raising a child is not something you can do alone regardless of your circumstances. The phrase ‘It takes a village’ is true. So, who is in your village?
There are three questions you need to answer before working from home:
1. Do I want to work for someone or for myself? Really think about the question. When you work for someone else there are options that you may not have if you work for yourself. Things like a regular paycheck, health insurance, a regular schedule, structure, and someone keeping you accountable for your work. Working for yourself you are responsible for all of these and more. Marketing, bookkeeping, inventory management, market research. Know what your strenghts and weaknesses are and decide which avenue is going to work best for you. Both may allow you to work from home.
2. Do I have the space and equipment to work at home? Unless you are really lucky, you are going to be responsible for providing your own equipment and maintaining that equipment. that means having a dedicated line for your fax machine (if you will be faxing this on any kind of routine basis), a dedicated phone number (you can use your personal phone but make sure your child never picks up the phone while your on it. Take it from someone who knows, this is not an easy task when they start talking.), A quality printer perferably with scanner option (there are all in one systems that also include copy and fax features that are great for businesses. Just make sure it can keep pace with your needs.), A dedicated work area, file cabinet(s), General office supplies…There are some jobs that will require you to have a quiet place to make phone calls as employers and customers do not want to hear your little one throw a tantrum in the background.
3. Am I a self motivator? If you can’t seem to motivate yourself you will not be motivated to work at home. There isn’t going to be a boss coming around to check on you, or co-workers to bounce ideas off of on that project that’s due tomorrow. Even if you work for a major employer you will have to motivate yourself to complete your work in a timely fashion.
So here are things to look for when looking for work if you want to work for someone else: Look for an employer with a bring you child to work program (these are becoming more popular, but you will likely be putting your child into daycare around their 1st birthday as they will be too active for the office enviroment after that.Look for employers who are known for being forward thinkers. (Jet blue for instance has a dedicated team of home workers). Talk to potential employers about their feelings on employees working off-site. Some jobs that are offered may not say they are available to home workers, but the employer may decide that you are worth the risk.
Do whats right for you and your child. There are endless possibilities. No one is going to force you to do something when your heart tells you to do something different. Be logical in your choice and be honest with yourself about what you want and need. Build a network of supporters not doubters so that you feel motivated to follow your dreams. Good luck!
KristiB
