Trying to Keep the Plates Spinning.

Do you financially have to work? If not, then don't do it. It's really too much for one person to do all that if you don't absolutely have to. If you do have to, then good luck to you. I'll let the mothers who do it all advise you on that one. I decided to make do with a lot less so I wouldn't have to run around like a chicken with my head cut off and age prematurely (we rent, don't have much discretionary income, etc.) In my opinion, unless you really command a good hourly wage and can then afford to pay people to do all those other things you don't have time for, working is not worth it.

p.s. - Just so that I don't sound totally lazy and boring I have to add that I've been quite involved over the years in my kids' schools and volunteer-teach theater. Plus I have had small part-time jobs over the years.

Hi E.,
My situation is a little different than yours, in that my job is not sales based and I work full time. But I know what you mean, completely and exactly, about trying to keep all the plates spinning! It's hard to have 2 jobs - that of mom, and that of whatever other career you choose. No matter how much you earn, how little you're out of the house, etc, there will always be resentment by your kids and your husband when you are out of the house working for someone else! They want you ALL to themselves!

I have tried to help my girls understand (they are 5.5 and almost 3) that mommy loves her work, and I will explain to them some of the things that I do at work (in simple terms that I think they can understand). My feeling is that although the care and upbringing of my kids is the most important thing I will do in my life, me having a job, staying sane, and keeping us all from living under a bridge is just plain necessity, and they've got to understand that.

At the end of the day, if you truly love staying home with your kids and don't so much enjoy sales, try to get some very part-time work doing something else so you can get out of the house every so often and have some grown-up time. Especially in this economy, there is demand for intelligent people who do not want/need to work 40 hours per week. Or if you do not need the extra income, you could try volunteering at your 6-year old's school. With your background in early childhood education, I bet they would love to have you help out!

Good luck to you. I know it's hard. You're not alone; I think most of us who are juggling career and family are right there with you!

Hi E. - I also have three children - 2 girls and a boy - ages almost 6, 4 and almost 2. Things do get crazy around my house, and everyone is very needy for "mommy", since I stay home as well. I'm also a consultant for a skin care/health and wellness company. We have a slightly different approach to doing our business, so that it is not constantly "selling" or finding new clients. You still have to work at it, but it doesn't seem like work. And, all the products are consumable, so once you've introduced someone to the products, and they fall in love, they keep purchasing over and over (instead of a one-time sale). If you are interested in hearing more, I'd love to talk to you or send you some information. I can be reached at ###-###-#### or ____@____.com. I encourage you to keep your "you" time - I feel that is so important. I hope to talk to you soon.

-K.

Hi E., I understand your problem. I think almost every women has this problem. No matter how great we are at our jobs we feel like a failure with our families. Or if we are wonderful full time mothers, we feel guilty for not contributing to our families income. Stop and give yourself a pat on the back! Because you are an incredible mom, that is contributing to your families financial well being. I am sure even though your kids miss you when your gone, they are proud of you, and will relize that when they get a little older. You are teaching them great values!
I also work in direct sales with Southern Living At HOME. One of the reasons I chose this company, besides I love their products is because they have one of the highest retail sales per party of any direct sales company. So I am making more per party, which means I am away from home less. And I do quite a bit of business through my website, which keeps me at home. If this is something your intersted in you can get more info at www.southernlivingathome.com/danacarey or email me ____@____.com I hope this helps you. Dana

Hi E.,

I can really relate with your situation. I have only one child and I can't seem to keep up with everything. It's very hard for women these days. Our families need our second income but no one can replace Mom. We need to be there for them.

Many women deal with this by starting their own Direct Sales business at home. However, many of these companies are not as lucrative as we would like or we just don't have the time and energy to make them work.

The trick is to find one that you can be passionate about that has a SOLID BUSINESS PLAN that is designed to enrich peoples lives not the companies bottom line.

There are a few good companies out there. I have chosen a company that offers high quality affordable jewelry. We earn 50% of whatever we sell (that's HUGE!)and a commission on our downline. Plus we are not required to carry any inventory. I offer discounts or items at my cost as incentives because it doesn't cost me any money out of pocket and I got tired of giving away all those little costly prizes.

If you are going to spend time and energy away from your family, make sure it is a company and a product that you are passionate about and that the profit margin is high enough to make it worth your while.

One of the things that might help is if you can use part of your income for special "family" things. Then you can get your family behind you and encouraging you to reach your goals because they will get something tangible from it.

I hope I helped in some way and if you'd be interested in learning about my company, I would love for you to contact me.

Good luck!

S. (____@____.com)