When I wrote the post, Claim it girl!, I was dealing with my lingering issues with the”WAHM” moniker. Since then, I’ve gotten to know an awesome group of former work-outside-the-home moms (WOHMs) who have not only embraced their role as a WAHM, but thrive in it.
Today’s post introduces Whitney, a WAHM who successfully made the move from WOHM and loves it! Here’s more about Whitney:
Michele: Describe your career before you began working from home.
Whitney: I was a Foods Editor for Southern Living magazine’s cookbook division for almost 10 years, creating titles like Christmas with Southern Living and Southern Living’s Annual Recipes. I loved my job in Birmingham where I also had graduated college.
Michele: What made you decide to leave the traditional workforce to work from home?
Whitney: In 2000, after the birth of my third child in four years, I did what most moms of preschoolers do: I did the math. After childcare costs, dry cleaning, taxes, and gas, my take-home pay was going to be much less than minimum wage. I decided I could find something to do from home to bridge the gap with my husband’s income. I moved to a new division in our company, Southern Living at Home, to help recruit and train a new sales force to sell upscale home decor products, similar to those found in the pictures of the magazine, in a home party atmosphere. Best of all, I could do it from home.
Michele: What unexpected challenges did you face during the transition from WOHM to WAHM?
Whitney: First, although we had a budget, we quickly ran up credit card debt because we were so used to my income for a lot of the little things you don’t plan for: gifts, ballet, soccer cleats, hair highlights, and the occasional cavity. Add that to the fact that I missed the “water cooler” time at work and adult conversation, and my first 6 months as a WAHM was less than successful. I also struggled with being my own boss and setting up boundaries and actual time to work. By the nine-month mark, I had a conversation with my old boss, inquiring if my old job might be available.
Michele: What do you enjoy most about working from home? Is it as you imagined it would be
Whitney: I have to say, working from home was better than I ever could have dreamed. I can set my schedule around my family’s activities, but the best part is not having to ask permission for vacation or feeling guilty about staying home with a sick child. Yes, the pay is much better, but the benefits make me fulfilled.
Michele: What advice would you give to a mom who is thinking about making the move from WOHM to WAHM?
Whitney: I have found that our tasks merely expand to the time we give them, so you’ve got to set a schedule for yourself if you really don’t want to go back to the corporate mine-field. I have two days a week that are “Super Woman” days where I am focused (think about all that you get done leading up to leaving for a vacation). I also schedule a “flexible” day to help recoup time lost for putting out fires, volunteer work, and, well, being there for the kids. I have a designated “me” day, family day and a rest day. I wish it wouldn’t have taken five years to find that groove, but after having our fourth child, it was a must.
To learn more about Whitney, follow her on Twitter @ JugglingMommy or visit her Web site at www.southernlivingathome.com/northamerica.
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Do you have a WOHM to WAHM story to share? If so, comment on this post or contact me and you might be featured on this blog!
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What a great feature on Whitney! I’m proud to call her my friend – she really is superwoman!