subject: Stereotypes And Work At Home Moms [print this page] If you're a work-at-home mom (WAHM), you are probably used to people saying you don't really work. People think you spend all day doing nothing but sitting around. Anyone who has worked at home knows how much time and energy you devote to your business. It can be frustrating when people call you during your work day, or when your spouse wants you do everything around the house, or when people act like your time is not important. Some stay at home moms do not have a job so they don't get that you don't have a lot of free time. It is hard for a WAHM to stay on schedule when people are calling and stopping by. You need to let everyone know that you need to stick to your schedule.
If your working schedule as a WAHM is not regular, you should make it that way. When you have office hours, people will start to take you seriously. Your boundaries and your time will be respected. Let your friends know what your working hours are and that you can talk to them or they can visit you when your work hours are over. You may want to turn your phone off but if you don't, make sure you politely tell your friends and family that you need to get back to work and you'll call them back later. Set one day for lunch with friends in order to avoid them dropping by when you are working.
Your spouse may have some WAHM stereotypes that are hard to get over. Let your spouse see what you do every day and how your business works so he can get a feeling for how long your different tasks take to accomplish. The amount of money you contribute to the family is based on how much or little you work. Be sure to tell him about your daily goals and your schedule. Ask for his help in getting the household chores done. Create a weekly and daily chore chart. Give every family member an opportunity to participate while lightening your load. Household chores should be regarded as a family priority. Each member has a responsibility. Some days can be extremly stressfull. Be sure to have your family members help out to ease your burden.
Family members may frustrate you with unwanted stereotypes. Remember that the work you do is important. Try to stick to your schedule as closely as possible. Over time, people will start to take you seriously and respect your work.
