The Disadvantages of a Home Based Business for Working Moms

How Working in the Home May Negatively Affect a Woman's Well Being

Christine Cadena
In the 21st century, many women are seeking opportunities to create a home based business. For most, this decision is based upon the desire to be at home with children rather than place the children in a day care setting.

While home based businesses and opportunities for self employment may seem like a great opportunity for the stay-at-home mom, there are many reasons why a woman should consider working outside of the home rather than a home based business.

First, there is the social connection and networking that employment outside of the office can provide. While it may seem possible to create networks with a home based business, the fact remains, that many women find social networking very difficult when confined to the home and, for this reason, working in an office or a location outside of the domicile is important.

Because life, in general, brings about great stress in a woman's life, working outside of the home can provide an avenue in which to alleviate some of that stress. With the daily office humor and ways in which to express anger and frustration to someone other than your family, working in an office can provide the emotional support you would otherwise lack had you chosen to work inside the home in a home based business.

Self esteem, confidence and an opportunity for real one-on-one adult conversation are also key aspects of working outside of the home. While these may seem to be activities you can acquire with a home based business, for many women, it takes many months, if not years, to build your business to a point where these factors are even remotely attainable. Working in an office outside of the home will provide for a way to work within and among your peer groups, engage in topical discussions and build your self-esteem and confidence through project deadlines and working within groups.

In years past, women sought opportunities for self employment and home based business as a way to avoid office politics and create their own destiny. Today, more and more women are choosing this option as a method in which to earn an income while staying home with their children. Whatever your reasoning, consider the social and psychological factors that will be drastically altered should you decide to work at home as, ultimately, it may be more beneficial to work outside of the home and spend quality time with your children in the evenings and on weekends.

Published by Christine Cadena

Working on a graduate degree in psychology, Christine has both professional and educational background in health, wellness, insurance, and health finance. Finance expands to all facets of health and insuran...  View profile

  • Home based business often isolates a woman from adult conversations and networking
  • Isolation associated with a home based business can complicate depression
  • Home stress can be alleviated by working outside of the home rather than in it
Self esteem, confidence and an opportunity for real one-on-one adult conversation are also key aspects of developing confidence and self-esteem when working outside of the home.

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  • Dez C8/11/2008

    AAAAAAA - Men! Say it again. That is the very thing that makes so many of those forums absolutely useless. I would love to find a business forum that actually discusses business.

  • Jina7/25/2008

    Finally someone telling the hard truths instead of the 'warm and fuzzy' most women want to hear. From online forums to LinkedIn, SAHM's adult conversation tends to sashay into what Little Snookums did, said or asked and the 'homemaker' role. Who Cares?!

    Owning a business that operates from around the globe, I find the conversation level of women in the US falls into this category most often. When discussing business, let's talk business. I'm not inclined to be your friend unless and until it gets to that point! Your personal life is not of any interest to me and I'd appreciate not knowing it.

  • SKetcham12/19/2007

    Good article. I do not think most people understand the negatives of working at home - especially when trying to care for children and have a life of your own at the same time. I choose to work at home so that I need not put my children in daycare, but if not for my children I would be back at work outside my home.

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