Once becoming mothers, many women shift their focus towards careers that offer greater flexibility, facilitating a healthier work-life balance. I was no exception to this trend. Previously believing I’d established a rock-solid career that would carry me to retirement, my perspective altered dramatically with the birth of my son. The demanding routine of working from 7:30 to 5 daily ceased to appeal to me, as it resulted in missed precious moments of my son’s growth. Despite a thriving career and considerable benefits, stress outweighed the pleasure I could derive from time spent with my family. Thus, like countless other women, I sought a role offering more flexible working conditions.
Below, you’ll find stories of mothers who chose similar paths, opting to work from home to engage more actively in their children’s lives. Let it be clear, our choice to be mothers working from home does not diminish our excellence as employees or entrepreneurs.
1. GALENA OJEIM OF VIRTUAL ASSISTANT CLINIC
Initially engaged in an office job, Galena pivoted to virtual assistance which soon offered more income than her traditional employment. She then established her own business. Recognizing her expertise, she founded the Virtual Assistant Clinic, a platform to aid others in becoming virtual assistants and establishing their home-based businesses.
2. ERIN GIGLIA OF MONTAGE LEGAL GROUP
Driven by the necessity to balance work and family life, Erin Giglia created the Montage Legal Group. In collaboration with a partner, their firm offers temporary legal services to other firms through a network of freelance attorneys working from home, much like Donohoe Law Firm, a family law attorney in Colorado Springs.
Inspired to be a work-from-home mom? Here are 5 successful examples for you to emulate.
3. CATHERINE ALFORD OF CATHERINEALFORD.COM
Cat Alford started by blogging about her personal journey out of debt, which evolved into a full-time freelancing career with blogging courses, speaking assignments, and training – all while being a mother to twins.
4. MOLLIE WALTON OF NORAHJANE (ETSY)
Mollie, a mother of five, is the founder of Norah Jane, specializing in handmade rubber stamps. Initially selling exclusively on Etsy, she soon made a name for herself as one of the top earners on the platform.
5. JULIE WOTRING OF JULIE WOTRING PHOTOGRAPHY
Establishing a name for herself within Orange County, Julie Wotring is renowned for her stunning photography and reasonable rates. As a working mom, she tailors her services towards her fellow working mothers by offering affordable photography.
These women all managed to transform their passions into flexible careers that accommodate the needs of their families. Despite the conventional advice to “lean in” regarding women’s careers, it’s critical to recognize the significant effort required in raising a family. Rather than insisting mothers stretch themselves thin, we need to foster a culture of flexibility within the workplace.
Are you an aspiring or current stay-at-home mom? We’d love to hear about your work.
