3 Reasons Being A Mompreneur Rocks (And One Reason It Doesn’t)
I must confess. There are times that working from home and seeing the housework that awaits really bums me out. There’s nothing that can set me off more than waking up to the same ol’ dog hair, dirty dishes, and piled laundry. Plus, while I want our home to be a comfy refuge, I often don’t want want to do what it takes to make it one. And then there’s the fact that I feel pulled in a million directions with my family and my business. But that’s another post.
For me, the positives from working from home as a mompreneur far outweigh the negatives. When I think back to being a technical writer or a teacher, I remember how stressed I was to have to work on someone else’s terms. Sick days were cause for a mommy melt-down, as finding a substitute teacher (particularly when I taught emotionally disturbed kids) was often impossible. Other stresses were that I often didn’t agree with the way the organizations were run; I wasn’t able to tap into my strengths and creativity in ways that nourished me. Running my own business feeds that creative part of me that thrives on autonomy and innovation. So, here are my top 3 reasons I think being a mompreneur rocks:
- I’m the boss, applesauce! I’m in charge of my own destiny. Like it or not, my success or failure is, in large part, up to me. While this often scares the pants off me, it also exhilarates and delights me.
- I am doing something I am passionate about and that feels like spiritual work. This is big. Nowadays, motherhood can be a competitive sport, and mompreneurs are not immune to this. I get to be part of a movement to help moms use their strengths so they can be leaders in their fields and leaders with their kids. How awesome is that?
- I’m on a roller-coaster ride of self-growth. I’ve learned more about myself in my four years of being a mompreneur than I ever could’ve imagined. There have been times I’ve wanted off this wild ride, but overall, I’m a better person for it. I’m learning to be less driven by my ego and more about service. I’m constantly learning new ideas about growing my business and how to help my clients. I’m learning patience and perseverance. Being a mompreneur has shined a light on my strengths and my weaknesses. I’ve learned to be open to new ideas and viewpoints and to let go and laugh.
So what’s the one way being a mompreneur doesn’t rock? This would have to be that I am constantly wrestling with my passion for my business and my passion for my family. It’s common that I’m thinking about a blog post or a podcast, while in the middle of reading to my daughters. I know, I know. This isn’t being mindful. But I’m being real here. I love what I do and I love my family. And because I work from home in my own biz, I am constantly deciding where to give my attention. Sometimes I feel like I am juggling a bunch of balls while riding on a roller coaster!
But mostly I feel grateful to be doing what I’m doing. I’m modeling for my daughters how to take initiative, start something you believe in, succeed, fail, learn, learn some more, and create.
And that just rocks.
Karen – I agree with all three reasons AND also the one reason it doesn’t
Feeling pulled in multiple directions is hard. I find it hard to pack up and be done work for the day – like you I often have an idea swimming around in my head when I’m hanging with the family. So that can be difficult.
I need a change of scenery a bit more often too. Tonight, I am doing just that to get some work done on a paper that is coming due. Keeps me creative and often helps me refocus. Great post (followed your twitter link
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Hi, Marlo!
Nice to know I’m not alone in the area of too many ideas swimming around in my head! So glad you stopped by the blog–thanks! I’m going to head over to check out your blog, too. Oh–and I think you make a great point about needing a change of scenery. I went to the gym today and it was just the break I needed. So glad you’re following me on Twitter!
Funny – as a single mom, this is true of me both as a mother AND as a mompreneur.
And you’re right – what we’re modeling for our kids – taking initiative, being responsible, being authentic and transparent about our successes and failures (cuz hello – they see both) and doing what we love while serving others – that absolutely ROCKS.
Being a mompreneur does give one mixed feeling. At the end of the day kids still rule over business for me.. maybe that’s why my biz is progressing so slowly.. LOL
Suzanne-
You’re so right—our kids DO see both the successes and the failures! I also like knowing that my kids know that entrepreneurship could be an option for them. They might not choose it, but at least they know it’s a choice!
Dominique–
I can relate to the “mixed feelings” you talk about. And as dedicated as I am to my biz, my kids definitely come first for me, too. This whole process can be a quirky balancing act, but I wouldn’t trade it!
Thanks for stopping by the blog!
It feels like a really delicate tight rope balance to me, all the time.
I LOVE this! I’ve been an entrepreneur at heart my whole life, but finally just jumped in to my business after I had 3 kids. I sure was surprised that its didn’t all balance right a way! But trying to find that balance is One of those ways that I’ve been self-improving.
Thank you Karen for writing this! It feels so good to have some one to relate to!
Allison–
Thanks for stopping by the blog! I have many days where this whole experience feels like a delicate tight rope balance to me. My experience was, the younger my kids, the more of a delicate balance. How old are your kids?
Karen
Hi, Shari!
So glad you stopped by my blog! Great to “meet” you! I love what you said–”But trying to find balance is one of those ways that I’ve been self-improving.” Absolutely! The process of figuring it all out (or rather, trying to figure it all out, is part of the growth process. I’ve actually decided that the word “balance” is not a good word for me anymore–it inspires toxic guilt and leads me to believe that if I just do the magic combo of things, everything will fall into place and be “balanced.” I’ve taken to using the word “rhythm” because it feels more attainable. I can find my own “rhythm” and it may change from time to to time, but it sounds less overwhelming than “balance” to me.
What are your thoughts?
Karen
I’m so glad I landed on this and even MORE glad that I’m not the only motivated mom who struggles with the flood of business ideas in the middle of a simple family-task, like reading with my kids. I definitely agree with the 3 reasons why being a mompreneur rocks, but lately I’ve fallen into the trap of letting the one reason it doesn’t rock to be a stronghold in my life. In talking with a friend recently about where I’m at with my business, she said very gently “don’t beat yourself up. You’ve got 4 kids and a spouse.” Did I really sound like I was beating myself up by just telling her my frustration of not being further along? Sometimes we don’t even “hear” ourselves and I’m grateful for the reality check.
I have also struggled with that vision that my life should be more ‘balanced’, so I love the word “rhythm” so much better! I didn’t realize until I read your blog-answer how “toxic guilt” oozed into my body subconsciously just thinking about the darn Wheel of Life! Rhythm sounds so much more free-flowing and there’s no nasty visual that pops in my head…that alone is priceless advice!
Hi, Amy–
Well, you’re not alone–that’s for sure! You do have a LOT on your plate. Isn’t it amazing how powerful words and metaphors can be in either supporting or draining us? “Balance” may work for some people, but not me!
So glad you stopped by the blog.
Take good care of yourself!
Karen
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