WAHMs--what do you do?

[asta]

Just wondering what kinds of work those of you who work from home do. Was it difficult to get started? What were your biggest obstacles? Do you just earn enough for a little extra spending money, or are you able to significantly contribute to the family finances? Did you start your own business, or did you join a pre-existing one? Is your business strictly a web-based "virtual" business or something like Avon or Mary Kay where you throw parties? Do you run the whole show, or do you have help? TIA!

[AllyRae]

I run Cloth Diapers 'n More...it's a pre-existing business that I bought from another OUALer... :) It's web only, although I do classes and demos in real life.
:)

LOL...the biggest obsticles are working with a toddler banging on my keyboard, and trying to balance home stuff and work stuff.... It's basically like going to work for a full day with a toddler who also needs a full day's worth of care!

[Shanna]

When I was a WAHM, I ran my jewelry site (www.2beadingbroads.com (http://www.2beadingbroads.com)) which I started in 2003. I had to go back to work full time b/c working at home with three kids made it really really hard to get anything done. I also sell Mary Kay but I don't make enough off of it to really make it worth my time. I mostly just do reorders now b/c I don't have time to really throw myself back into it :dunno:

[harmonielyn]

I babysit, not a hard job. :lol: I dont make a ton of money but the extra $$ here and there helps. I really started because I was the only person available to watch the little girl. Its like getting paid for being here with DD doing what I would be doing anyway.

[redhairedgirl]

Was it difficult to get started? No, I set up an advertisement here and the ladies here kept me busy (Made by Mandy - commissioned sewing)

What were your biggest obstacles? Time. Never enough time. It is also hard to get away from work when work is at your home.

Do you just earn enough for a little extra spending money, or are you able to significantly contribute to the family finances? Let's just say it's not a good thing we need it to pay bills.... I've had to use a lawyer to get everything set up, I have to keep many things "in stock" because some items I can't just buy one of, nor would it be cost efficient - sometimes I've screwed up and had to pay $$$$... but that's how it goes.

Did you start your own business, or did you join a pre-existing one? I started my own. All my policies are mine - my fees, I researched thoroughly, and this is my "baby".

Is your business strictly a web-based "virtual" business or something like Avon or Mary Kay where you throw parties? I do not own a shop - yet, but I do advertise and market outside of the web.

Do you run the whole show, or do you have help? I run the WHOLE show - but I can't wait until I can hire someone to take over my email. :lol:

Mandy

[aylhu]

I do so many things. But I enjoy them all and they fill some need I have to stay too busy! I've had a web design partnership for six years now, but we work when my business partner wants to, as she is the real talent behind it. That, though, provides the most income. But it's not really up to me when I work. My other WAH ventures are kid and baby related, which really works well b/c that's the community I'm in now. And I really feel direct sales is about making the connections we'd make anyway. For instance, I love the cloth diapers I use and always told people about them. Now I still tell them, but can earn and income when I do.

[Chantal]

I run a home daycare. I have a total of 7 children enrolled - but never have more than 4 daycare kids here, along with Kaitlyn (my 3yr old daughter). My days are busy... but I do make decent money.


However - it is NOT secure employment, as parents can pull their kids at any time - or they get pregnant and end up taking the 1 yr mat leave that our government offers to women here in Canada. Not to mention - I dont qualify for mat leave if/when I get pregnant again... So I risk loosing ALL my kids if I have to close for any length of time post-partum.

I started my business 3 years ago, when Kaitlyn was 9 months old. We can NOT survive on Dh's income alone - and I would NEVER expect him to get a 2nd job. I have always had *my* money and could NEVER live with having to depend on asking someone else if I can have some spending money. I stopped doing that when I was 15 and got my first job. I know alot of SAHM are comfortable that way - but it's just not something I could ever bring myself to do.

So, if something happened and my enrollment dropped for whatever reason - I would quickly work hard to find a job outside the house - and place Kaitlyn in daycare.