home business &online business wahms on 07 Aug 2011
WAHM: Your Ticket to Being Home with the Kids & Earning an Income for Your Family
Image: healingdream / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Do you dream of a job where you could spend time with your family and earn money at the same time? Most traditional jobs don’t offer that. But, becoming a WAHM could be the ticket to your dream. Before jumping in head first, here is some helpful information detailing what it’s all about.
WAHM?
What the heck is WAHM? WAHM stands for Work At Home Mom. Over the past 20 years, more and more women have started to leave the workplace and get back to being stay at home moms (or SAHM.)
The decision to do so is never an easy one. Today’s lifestyles and high cost of living makes it very difficult for a family to live on only one income.
Women fought so hard to have the right to work outside of the home, and many took a lot of flack for it at first, but it became apparent a long time ago that men were the only ones being allowed to “have their cake and eat it too.” They could pursue a corporate career and still come home in the evenings and enjoy their family.
Women with careers had a different path to follow. Besides working longer and harder to make the same pay and credibility as their male counterparts, women also had to contend with the housework and the kids. After a long day at the office and doing the household chores, the family sadly got what whatever was left – usually a very worn out and cranky mom.
While we still see some inequality, and women still seem to bear more of the household responsibilities, things are definitely changing. WAHMs are proving everyday that women can contribute to the family financial situation and nurture their families too. Both online and off, a network of support has been created for any woman who wants to consider an option that will help them meet their needs.
How to get started?
When you talk to your family about the possibility of becoming a WAHM, you shouldto have an idea of the direction you want to take. Check out sites like justaddsweat.com, internetbasedmoms.com and wahmtalkradio.com. They offer helpful hints to moms getting started with a work at home enterprise and also a network of opportunities for connecting with other WAHMs. Take the Work at Home Quiz at JustAddSweat to see if it’s right for you!
If your income has been a big part of the monthly family finances, then switching to a work at home enterprise may be a bit painful at first. Be sure there is enough financial cushion in your bank account to weather the first six months of your new career. It will take time to establish your business.
Opportunities
First, figure out your interests and skills. WAHMs can find business opportunities to work for someone else doing everything from transcription to ghostwriting to accounting. Be aware that there are scams about and that legitimate companies looking for professionals won’t ask for money upfront from you.
Some WAHMs carve out their own niche and begin an online business. If you are skilled with crafting, you can create a website to promote your crafts and sell products, or use a site like etsy.com to sell your wares. A blog is also another idea. Blog about your area of expertise and develop a following. Combine that with affiliate or search engine marketing to generate revenue.
Making it work
With this new career comes the issue of balance between home and work. Just because you are home doesn’t mean you won’t need help around the house or time away from the kids in order to work. Consider these tips for creating a balance:
• Develop a set schedule for work and play on a daily or weekly basis
• Discuss dividing up household chores between you, your spouse, and older kids
• Do pre-work such as fixing lunches, prepping breakfast, choosing clothing the night before
• Hire a babysitter once or twice a week
• Identify a separate home office space inside the house
There are advantages to being a WAHM. Plan carefully and be patient. Support from your family makes all the difference in the world.

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