No Turning Back Now…….

Posted by Trisha Wagner on June 8, 2009

A few weeks ago, my good friend and one of my partners in crime dropped a not-so-subtle hint that it is time for an update on my progress as a work at home mom. So without further delay, here is my update.

When I started in January, my first concern was quickly replacing my old income to ensure I was able to stay on top of my bills. This is a common concern felt by everyone in this economy which made leaving a “secure” job to go on my own a bit of a challenge. I have to say, things couldn’t be better. As Deb previously mentioned, we have been blessed to have not only enough work but sometimes too much work on our to-do list. While that has caused a few moments of anxiety (at least on my part) it is a position that we wouldn’t trade for the anything. Of course all things change and we are always on the lookout for opportunities to improve our working situation.

In my case I’ve found there really is no way to prepare for the changes that take place when you start working for yourself from home. As a mother I had grand illusions of working a regular day shift and having the evenings and the weekends to spend time with my son. Unfortunately that is not always the case when you start out. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that you cannot always “write” on demand. Since my job in particular requires a bit of creative energy….I found that sometimes when I have the time to work, I don’t have the right mind set and vice versa. This had lead to some scheduling conflicts that I have since resolved for the most part. Heeding the advice of wiser, more experienced women in the same field, I have accepted that in some situations I just have to “go with the flow” and try not to force the issue. Of course when you have clients and deadlines you cannot always just let things go until you feel inspired, however learning when you have to buckle down and when you have some wiggle room has been an important lesson I have learned.

Overall this experience to date has been one that has taught me more than I have learned in years on other jobs. I have found that there is nothing more motivating than working for yourself. Fear of failure and a strong desire to succeed make it possible to put 110% into your work which is not often the case when you work for an employer. We are not building a business for someone else, we are working our tails off to build a business for ourselves and our children. Believe me, that is enough to keep you on track even when you don’t feel like getting to work each day. As with everything in life there are ups and downs to working for yourself, especially when you work from home. Many people advised me to make sure I didn’t get sidetracked with household responsibilities, however I seem to have leaned in the opposite direction. I tend to camp out in front of the computer even after I have finished my work for the day. In my situation I have to remember that life is not all about work, even when you love your work. Finding the balance is your life is key to ensure you are not neglecting duties either on the job or at home.

I would have to encourage anyone who is even contemplating working for themselves to learn more about starting their own business. I’m certain my transition has been made infinitely easier by jumping on board with two established writers, which makes it difficult for me to speak of certain aspects of starting your own business. What I do know is that if you have the desire, and the perseverance to give it a shot, working for yourself can be best move many of you who are on the fence could make. I never before felt that I was an “entrepreneur” but I can say that I do not ever want to go back to work for someone else again. This is the what I was meant to do, and I’m glad I took the chance six months ago to give it a try.

On a less serious note, I have to comment on our recent trip together. It was awesome to have the freedom to pack up the kids and hit the road in the middle of the week. I have never before had that freedom and I have to tell you, it feels great. Of course we are all digging our way out of a huge pile of work this week, but it was well worth it to get away for a few days and hang out together “in real life”. Stay tuned for more updates in the future, and until then keep working toward your goals, whatever they may be…..anything is possible if you set your mind to it.