It’s been a year since I’ve been a work-at-home mom. Even though my little one is 14 months, we didn’t make the decision until he was a few months old for me to stay at home. I never thought my dream to stay home with my son would be financially possible.
After a lot of prayer and discussion, we decided that my staying at home was the best decision for our family. I knew from the beginning that I would need to bring in some sort of an income to make up for the difference, that or my husband would need to get a part-time job. Luckily, I was able to find remote work and be able to stay at home with my son.
I know that staying at home or working at home isn’t for everyone, and I 100% respect that, but today’s post is for those moms who are considering becoming work-at-home moms. I’m laying it all out there for you: the good, the bad, and the ugly.
The Good
At the top of my list is the fact that I am here for my little one, all day, every day. I get to be there for nap time, meal time, “firsts,” etc.
No commute! At my previous job, the drive to work took me 45 minutes each way.
Honestly, I am making more money than I was at my previous job. At first, it doesn’t look that way — but when you factor in the cost of day care, the wear and tear on my car, and a professional wardrobe, it does make more sense financially for our family.
I am able to contribute to our family financially and do a job that I love to do, all while caring for our son.
When we decide to have more children, the stress of worrying about the financial strain will be minimal. Sure, there will be increased diaper and food cost, but we won’t have to worry about where the additional cost a month will come from for child care.
I am able to have dinner on the table when my husband gets home from work (most nights), and take care of our household better than I would if I were working outside of the home. I know for some moms, this isn’t an issue, but at my last job, with the commute and the hours, it would be nearly impossible for me to get it all done.
I can go to the bank, schedule doctor appointments, and grocery shop during the day while most people are at work. The added flexibility of being a work-at-home mom is wonderful!
My blog. I would have never started this blog if I was working outside of the home. It wasn’t something I had time for. However, over the past year, blogging has given me some amazing opportunities, and I am so grateful each day for this blog and the opportunity to share my life with my readers.
The Bad
Having a toddler running around can be a bit distracting at times. While I feel like I’ve gotten us in a good routine, some days that routine flies out the window and we sit and play ball for two hours.
Sometimes I miss adult interaction, but thankfully I talk to adults daily with the work that I do, and that helps a bit with the cabin fever.
For me, this isn’t really an issue, but for some moms who stay at home or work at home, the stigma that is attached really bothers them. The questions of “what exactly do you do?” bothers some moms. However, I really don’t let it bother me.
The Ugly
Some days (OK, a lot of days) I stay in yoga pants and a T-shirt, and my hair doesn’t get washed. I feel sorry for our UPS man who has to see me like that a few times a week.
While I do make an effort to put on a bit of makeup and get dressed, most days it doesn’t make sense because I end up with milk or applesauce in my hair and all over my clothes.
I do feel pressure sometimes (from myself) to be a perfect homemaker. I don’t always have it all done — my laundry still piles up, and we eat takeout for dinner occasionally. I’m learning slowly to let go of that pressure though and remember that I do still work, even if it is from home.
As you can see, the good outweighs the bad and ugly for our family. It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since we’ve made this transition. It has certainly been a learning curve, but I am enjoying it so much!
For more from Allison Lancaster, visit Loving, Living, Lancaster or check her out on Instagram.
