Five Reasons You Shouldn't Be a Work at Home Mom

I've worked both in and out of the home over the course of my child's life. Sometimes I did both at the same time. When I was at work I thought about how crazy I was for being there. When I was at home, I wondered how I could get any work done and whether I was really doing something good for her or me.

I've come to some conclusions based on the hard day to day reality of trying to earn a living from home. Working from home is not for everyone, and is not best for every family situation.

You shouldn't be a work at home mom if:

• You'll be immediately relying on your income to meet bills. In most cases, it takes several months or even years of persistent, consistent, effort to bring home the same income you'd make otherwise. Start slowly by making $50 or $100 extra a month and go from there.
• You'll be restricting your work time to hours the kids are up and around as well. As in, you don't work before they're awake or after they go to sleep. It isn't in a child's best interest to be at home with a parent who's constantly pulled away or unavailable. It might be easier to spend time at the computer if you have more than one child, but kids need direction and interaction.
• Your spouse or partner objects to you being up early and late. I've had times when I went to work as soon as my daughter went to bed and was back up to work long ahead of her. This didn't leave much time for privacy with a significant other, and could put unnecessary strain on a relationship unless both parents agree its worthwhile.
• You plan on going it alone. Make time for socialization and activities (for the kids and yourself!) Kids learn best through a variety of sources and socialization is necessary to keep you sane, not to mention networked with other moms. Online forums are great but nothing is like getting out of the house for meeting with other moms.
• You loathe sales. Almost every type of income you can create from home involves selling of some sort. If you're beginning your own business you'll definitely have to sell yourself to get going. If you're a writer, crafter, or artist you have to network and promote your work.

There are many other reasons to not be a work at home mom but these are some of the most fundamental. Too much financial pressure and not enough support dooms many mothers. At the same time there are many intangible benefits to being self-employed or an independent contractor at home. If you can get past the first few traps I've described it can be a joy. Give you and your family time to adjust, make a detailed plan and persevere if you choose this adventure. However, know yourself and be honest about what you really want to achieve by being at home. If it's straining relationships it may not be worth it, or you may have to rethink what you're willing to do to achieve your goals.