So trying to maintain a stable home and business life can be a real uphill challenge. Not any more is it expected that the fairer sex stay at home and do the chores whilst the man acts as the bread winner. It may have been a lot simpler in those days, but at least the women knew what to expect, and didn’t carry the responsibility of providing for their family.
I was made redundant during my first pregnancy but having watched female colleagues who came back part-time passed over for promotion, disregarded by management and resented by team members for leaving ‘early’ to collect their little ones or being off work ‘again’ with a sick baby I decided to take the plunge and work for myself.
So I had a look around and couldn’t see any other quality baby shows in my local or regional area. It was then I had an idea to create one for myself.
Fully flexible hours, no boss breathing down my neck, no ‘office politics’ and time to invest both in the family and the burgeoning empire seemed on paper, perfect……
Not surprisingly, working from home is not quite that easy. It brings with it tremendous challenges despite the obvious plus points. You should certainly be aware that not everyone is suited to such pressures.
Setting up a sole business can be one of the best feelings of personal achievement and for mothers, a welcome change to dealing with new born babies and everything that goes with it. Having previously taken a break for the working world also gives you fresh ideas an impetus to do something special. So just what are the pluses of doing this.
Personally, I experienced a new appreciation for my husband and children, both for affording me the opportunity and for supporting me through the ‘darker’ days.
Flexibility – you can take time out when you want to accommodate holidays, child sickness and other family demands.
And the challenges?
Time Management – unless you have really robust childcare and a marvellous partner (and even if you do) you will still find yourself working at stupid hours to get things done. Then it stops being fun and can be the stuff of nervy breakdowns.
Guilt oh the guilt…..surely, starting a business is the worst thing to do with small children who need your time and attention.
Jack of all Trades – it’s all you! Unless you plan on employing a team, you have to be all things to all people. The learning curve is steep and lengthy and you don’t yet know what you don’t know.
Loneliness you will doubtless miss the camaraderie of the work environment, nipping down the pub or just the chance to bounce ideas of colleagues. Without the usual ‘office’ support structure you can spend a lot of time wondering if you should be doing things differently or could be doing them better.
Suzanne Borrell is a respected expert in organising events, and specialises in Baby Shows
Article Source: U Publish Articles
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