In today’s Harrisburg Patriot News, I read an article about the book, The Feminine Mistake, and its author, Leslie Bennetts. I’m going to order the book, but after reading reviews on Amazon, I have a pretty good idea of the gist of it–the financial implications on being a Stay at Home mom. Sure, quitting the workforce has financial implications. Even if you’re not making a ton of money, you lose your own medical benefits, retirement plans, and your income. You also run the risk of being widowed, divorced, or your husband losing his job. But being a stay at home mom has some perks…like saving on commuting, dry cleaning, lunches out, convenience meals, daycare, plus, of course, being able to spend a lot of time with your kids. And anyone who thinks a stay at home just sits around watching soap operas and eating bon-bons, obviously has never been one.
But my point is that people often see the SAHM/WAHM as a black and white debate. But virtual assistants, or VAs, know that it doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing proposition.
Let’s face it. There are no guarantees in life. Sure, Leslie Bennetts, my husband could pack up and leave tomorrow. But I don’t feel I’ve made “The Feminine Mistake” by staying home with my kids most of the time and having them in child care part of the time while I’ve built my business. My virtual assistance practice has given me immense self-satisfaction and the Entrepreneurial Freedom to live a balanced, successful and rewarding professional and personal life.
Great information, Lauren…and I’ve got news for everyone…my husband did lose his job 3-years ago, and has only been back to work for about a year. There is no guarantee in the corporate world, either!
Thankfully, my VA practice has allowed me to support the family as I’d never imagined it could. There are a number of successful opportunities for home-based businesses, especially for women, that have led to financial stability, and in some cases, freedom.
I don’t believe that working from home in order to raise children, or support aging parents is a mistake at all…for me, it’s been quite liberating.
While my daughter is now grown and out on her own, it allows me the freedom to have a closer relationship with her, and my husband, thanks to being my own boss, and choosing to handle client needs on my schedule, and terms!