Becoming a WAHM: It's work - Part 1

One of the emails I receive time and again is from moms who want to find a way to earn money from home. While I don't consider myself to be a WAHM (work-at-home-mom) expert, I have worked from home for five years now and have learned a lot along the way. This series is for those of you who are contemplating working from home, those of you who think you'd really love to work from home, and those of you who just wonder what working from home involves.

I've read a lot of books and articles over the years on the subject of working from home and find that often they are somewhat unrealistic. This series will not be about get-rich-quick schemes (I hope you know by now that there is no such thing!), how to work for one hour a week and make $100,000 a year (that's also a fairy tale!), or how making money from home is a simple, easy thing.

What I will aim to share with you is my personal journey in becoming a WAHM,  what things have and haven't worked for me, what I wish someone had told me when I was first contemplating starting a business from home, and how you, too, can become a WAHM.

As I've mentioned in the past, I'm currently making a good income from home--last year, I made the equivalent of a good part-time job and this year, if things continue to go the way they are going, I will likely double that figure. I'm doing the majority of my work in the early morning hours and during my girls' afternoon quiet time/naptime and am thrilled to have the opportunity to bring in a good income while not neglecting my most important priorities--that of being a wife and mom.

I'm sure many moms could look at me and want what I have--the ability to make a good income while staying at home, choosing my own hours, and taking care of my husband, home, and family first. I can take a day off (or even a few days off!) whenever I like and the money continues to come in at the same rate because of the many multiple streams of income I've set in place.

All this might sound really cool (and it is!) but what most people often don't add into this equation are the countless hours, days, weeks, months, and even years that I spent building my online earnings up to the point they are at. I do not care to recall all the failed income-earning things I've tried nor the incredibly naive mistakes I've made. You don't want to know about the sleep I've missed or the outside opportunities I've had to say "no" to in order to stay focused at keep at it--even when the going got tough.

The effort has paid off and I'm now reaping the fruits of my labors (though I'm still making lots of mistakes and I'm sure I'll continue to do so until the day I die!), but I won't ever forget the struggles I had to go through to get me where I'm at or the mountains I've had to climb along the way.

I am a firm believer that, with God's blessings and lots of hard work, anyone can successfully work from home. However, I will be the first to tell you that working from home is just that--work. I'm by nature a positive person but I won't sugar-coat the truth when it comes to working from home: if you are not prepared to put in lots and lots and lots of time and effort, working from home won't work for you.

So, before you even consider working from home, I cannot stress how important it is that you are prepared for the long-haul. It often takes months or even years to see results and steady, reliable income. If you stick with it, though, it will eventually pay off--and likely it could pay off beyond your wildest imaginations!

Just for fun: How many of you currently work from home? Tell us a little about what you do and what has and hasn't worked for you.

Comments

[Liz]

I'm really looking forward to what all you have to say. I have started through your book Home business for Young Christian Women and I'm sure what you add through this will enhance what I'm reading in the book.

[Kacie]

My journey as a work at home wife began last October. In August, my paid internship ended and I was stressed. I absolutely hated my job, and my health and zest were quickly deteriorating. I didn't want to work 40+ hours per week at another job I hated.

It was also around that time that I felt the strong desire to be a homemaker.

I prayed about finding a way to earn income from home, and God answered that prayer fast.

My friend knew I wanted to work from home, and she linked me up with her employer.

Ever since, I've been doing various freelance writing projects for him from the comfort of my home, while his business is based thousands of miles away in Hawaii.

My best advice for those starting out: Tell others that you're looking for work at home opportunities! They won't all pan out, but one just might. Oh, and pray. Definitely pray!

[Jenny]

I make calls from home (hourly wages)and it usually works great, unless there are no available hours. What works is that I can work from home and can pick which parts of the day are most convenient for me to get the calls in. What doesn't work is that those hours have to be during regular business hours. I also do not enjoy the work as much as other things I could be doing. I wish I could be truly self employed and occasionally do catch up work on the weekends if I need to. REALLY looking forward to this series!!

[rachel]

Ahh this would be my dream, but like you said "being in it for the long hall" My goodness I get discouraged very easily! Im glad to see what you have done! good JOB!!

[Rachel]

I have been working at home for almost a year now (little one is 10 months!) It IS hard work and I hate it when people treat me as if I sit around in my pjs and watch TV all day! I don't wear pjs (not everyday) and I don't even have cable.

I started out last fall working for a local radio station (writing their monthly newsetter and scheduling guests for their talk show). I couldn't continue that because they required me to come by and work in the studio each Friday for several hours (and it was a 45-minute drive)! I didn't make enough to hire a sitter and gas prices kept climbing!

This past winter was hard! We had to drain our savings account to make a trip to Florida to see my husband's grandmother (who passed away a week later), and still be able to afford our mortgage payment.

My husband also hurt his back at work in February and the doctor required that he take off work three weeks! BUT God is faithful!

I have a bachelor's in professional writing, so I began freelance work where I could. I also found your blog (as well as many others) which helped us so much!

Now that I have learned to spend the money we do have wisely - we actually save as much as I was making at my part time job! I got our grocery bill down to $40 a week and we saved enough to pay off our car!

We also cut our electric bill in half by making a few energy-efficient purchases. AND we have boosted our savings account!

I feel so blessed and I have such a great desire to share our story. I am waiting to hear if I will get a weekly column in our local paper!!!

[Misty Marr]

I want to introduce my home business. I am an Independent Distributor of The Greeting Cake Co. The GCC sends out Greeting cakes instead of Greeting Cards. They make cakes for every occasion, birthdays, holidays, get well, congratulations, Baby, plus many more. The recipient just adds water and bakes in the microwave for 90 seconds. The cakes are delicious and will sell themselves!

Greeting Cakes: A Mini Party in a Package!
Why Send a Greeting Card when You can Give a Cake?

As a distributor, you could make 45% profit for each cake you sell. If you choose to have a Company website(optional-$20 set up fee, plus $7.50 a month maintenance) than you can get your website out and all orders made through it will be processed, packaged, and shipped directly from the GGC. You also have the option to purchase the cakes at wholesale price and sell at retail.

This company was started by a SAHM, and is family oriented. Requirements to become and remain a distributor are minimal and realistic. You can work as much or as little as you like. You can work strictly online, strictly in person, or a combination of both. You get paid a commission on a monthly basis.

I am doing this while pregnant and on bed rest. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a distributor (or even making a purchase) you can check out my website: www.greetingcakeco.com/sweetgreetings/

[Lady Why]

I have a nice little blog that makes a bit of money for me. It's a small amount but I never expected that writing a blog for fun would be a money making venture! I'm also about to launch a companion cooking/health blog and a 'for the kids' blog. I'm amazed at how it all is growing!

We couldn't live on the income but it's certainly nice to have some fun money!

[Sunnie]

I am looking forward to this series. I have worked from home for years for a great company; but I am very interested in becoming self employed from home.

[Melissa]

I'm excited about this series Crystal! I've been thinking about doing some work from home, and look forward to hearing your thoughts and advice.

[Trixie]

Hi Crystal,

How is it that you post so many great discussion topics? I can't wait to read what others share!

Between us my husband and I have 3 homebased businesses. George works from home full time while I'm still employed outside the home. One of our top goals is for me to come home.

Firstly, let me reitterate what Crystal so wisely shared: Working from home is indeed WORK. Lots of it! LOL

George runs Professional Home Maintenance. He repairs or builds anything home related you can think of. Lately he's been so busy that it is difficult to see some of the benefits of working for yourself.

He started this business on his own about a year before we married; after we married I took a more active role in the behind the scenes work like marketing, relationship mangement and bookkeeping.We treat his customers like gold. They get thank you notes, Christmas cards and this year we are planning a special thank you to all the customers that referred new customers to us. We have never place a single paid advertisement to get our customers, they've all been word of mouth. We consider this a great blessing.

I own a Tax and Bookkeeping service and occassionally take on some debt collection contracts. In addition to this, I am writing an Ebook to promote on my blog, http://farmhomelife.blogspot.com/

I've always been a big promoter of entreprenurs in general and home based business in particular. I am eager to see others suceed in this area. To this end, a few months ago I began the behind the scenes work to begin a new website dedicated to this topic.

With all our irons in the fire it is getting more and more difficult for me to work outside the home full time plus. Within the next year we will have to look at some changes -- a little scary yes, but I'm filled with wonderful anticipation!

Take Care,

Trixie

[Libby]

After having major daycare issues with child No. 3, I quit my job in Finance. As I was the primary income earner, this has been a HUGE adjustment, through which we are still struggling. Thanks to sites like yours I am learning to cut back where we can and use our resources better. I LOVE to be creative and am teaching classes at my local scrapbook store and making handmade items (hooded towels, nursing covers, burp cloths, hand & diaper bags - all very cute!- and selling mostly for custom orders but some on Etsy. My goal is to really take my hobbies & passions and create a business that will bring in enough to get us by. My husband makes good money but it may not be enough. The road ahead is a steep one and it's too early to be able to see up around the next bend. I look forward to the insight from this series of articles. Hopefully I can put it to good use.

www.scraphappyutah.blogspot.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5877154

[mamabear]

Good Day Ladies-

I wanted to share on how we just started a home business. We have been up and running for a month now! It is a lot of hard work, countless hours of research. I can't say we have been rewarded just yet!! We are praying the Lord will bless us. Our whole family helps with the business. We make hand poured 100% soy candles, all natural soaps, lotions, room / linen sprays and hope to add some gift items soon. We love being all together and having fun! We also just started a blog. Not a huge money maker! But we wanted to do the blog to encourge other families out there. Crystal is right there is no "get rich quick" business out there. So check out our site at www.sweetvalleycandles.com Blessings to you all-
Rachelle (aka mamabear)

[Tasha Via]

Josh and I started our own ministry almost 2 years ago. We travel full-time (which is a job in itself) leading worship and song-writing. He also just finished his first book! I am his secretary, how awesome is that! We have a 3-year-old and a 2-year old plus are trying for our third=) It is hard to work from home, but Josh and I have a joint system. Since he works from home, he is in his "office" all the time, but he also knows that our monthly newsletter wouldn't go out without me or the books would not get done so we do the parenting together. It has been a long process to get used to, but we enjoying learning together. You are right though, Crystal, it is a long process to build up and get used to!=)

[Katie]

I began my own writing and editing business in 2005 as another means of bringing in money. While I write articles and have the occasional "big" clients, I have had a couple of people who had me finish the work only to skip town on me!

I am good at what I do, but I am not good with the business side of things. I am looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

[Merrilee]

I do not currently earn income from home, but had previously tried my hand at selling Mary Kay products part-time while also working full time as a bank teller, before we started having kids. To be honest, I tried it because someone else "believed in me" and because I was looking to make new friends, not because I was looking to start a home business.

My husband seems to think that people who are successful at being self-employed or who start their own business ventures tend to be of a certain personality, of which I am not. I don't know. I did learn a lot about what kinds of things it TAKES to run a business (even though I did not DO any of them), and that it requires one to be well organized, self-disciplined, motivated, and good at keeping records, among other things. (SIGH!) These are all areas of my life that I am STILL working to improve just to be a good steward of the home! By the grace of God I hope to not be still struggling with them (as much) 5 years from now. But I am interested in learning more about it for the future--perhaps when my youngest child begins to go to school and my options open up a little bit more.

I'm looking forward to this series as well. Crystal, you are a WORK HORSE and I admire your discipline and commitment to hard work, which has obviously been rewarded fruitfully.

[Julia]

I left the workplace in 2005 when our daughter was born. At the first of 2007 I began doing contracted work for a local leasing company (doing similated calls to their training department). I was paid hourly and had no overhead expenses, but but the fact that I had to call at set times and to be on the phone constantly for those hours was challenging while caring for our one-year-old (especially as she began sleeping less during the day!).

Late spring the Lord provided a short-term child care opportunity for me and I realized that was a much better fit for our family. It's been over a year now and I normally babysit two days a week. Those are busy days, but my daughter loves the company of other children and I have the opportunity to help her learn to interact sweetly with them (we've been unable to have other children.) I don't make huge amounts of money, but since we budget to live on just my husband's income, we're able to use that "extra" for gifts, unexpected needs, or savings for special items. It's a big help!

[Merrilee]

I do not currently earn income from home, but had previously tried my hand at selling Mary Kay products part-time while also working full time as a bank teller, before we started having kids. To be honest, I tried it because someone else "believed in me" and because I was looking to make new friends.

My husband seems to think that people who are successful at being self-employed or who start their own business ventures tend to be of a certain personality, of which I am not. I don't know. I did learn a lot about what kinds of things it TAKES to run a business (even though I did not DO any of them), and that it requires one to be well organized, self-disciplined, motivated, and good at keeping records. (SIGH!) These are all areas of my life that I am STILL working to improve just to be a good steward of the home! By the grace of God I hope to not be still struggling with them (as much) 5 years from now. But I am interested in learning more about it for the future--perhaps when my youngest child begins to go to school.

I'm also looking forward to this series. Crystal, you are a WORK HORSE, and I admire you for your commitment to doing difficult things and your strong work ethic. Obviously, you have been reaping the rewards, and we are also benefiting from what you have learned and what you are sharing!

[Michelle]

I have been working at home now for 6 years. I tried a few different things but always felt guilty about the amount of time it took away from my kids and home. So about 5 years ago I decided to open a family day care in my home (I have a teaching degree). I absolutely love it. It gives me the opportunity to make so many memories for my kids and others. We go on nature walks, do arts and crafts, sing, learn and play, among lots of other things. Instead of taking my kids places for social interactions, they get it right here at home. I save a ton of money on gas and make a very nice income. I know my kids will have lots of great memories when they are older!

[Alice L]

For the past couple years I've done online tutoring through Tutor.com. Very flexible hours, I use my skills in education, and earn a reasonable part-time hourly rate. For me, it's a perfect fit, and I've recently begun mentoring new tutors as well through the same company.

[meggan]

I am unexpectedly going to be bringing in some income by watching my friends baby this year. I'm not making enough to live on, but it will be a nice bonus for paying off my student loan.

[Audrey]

I started as a nanny of a friend's 10 month-old and 7 year-old in February. While its not always an "at-home" job, I do work back and forth between my house and her's. The best part is my 3 year-old stays with me, and I'm the one to pick my 7 year-old up from school. I was able to offer her a better price then her daycare. I'm not the bread-winner for our family, and any extra was an added bonus for our family. It also was cheaper then getting an outside job because I didn't have to pay for care for my children. My friend loves the flexibility of having me taking care of her kids during school for half-days and days off, and that I can also take care of her children when they are sick. An added bonus is that my children have friends around to play with. For the summer we are mainly at my house because I have access to a pool, and so her 13 year-old can have the house to himself. Its enough for my family to live off of so my husband's income can go towards bills and paying off credit cards, and its wonderful to be the one to take care of my children.

[WorkingHardMom]

I'm employed full-time right now and looking to do some part-time contract work (I'm a paralegal) at night and on the weekends to make some extra money so we can pay off some of our bills. I'm also studying to get my real estate license. My goal is to at least work part-time while my kids are at school so I can be there when they leave in the morning and when they get home in the evening, but I would love to be a full-time SAHM.

I know I'm going to have to spread myself thin to reach my goal and I hope that your articles will help me put some things into prospective.

[Carol]

I work at home as a Virtual Assistant. I provide across-the-board administrative services to small/micro business owners from my home office.

It is a joy to do work that I love and be able to be home for my son and husband.

Blessings,
Carol

[Melody]

I too have tried several things - some worked, some didn't. I have a B.A. in music, so I operate a small piano studio from my home.

There have been times where enrollment has dropped some, so I've tried other things. I have two online stores - one to sell handmade jewelry and one for household notebook printable forms. Those are both doing fairly well now, but it took a good while before I started seeing regular business from them. The income still isn't steady; I'll get a bunch of orders close together, then go for a while with none. But the extra income is nice.

My husband and I tried to sell health and wellness products a few years ago, but all we got out of that was rather expensive advertising that took way too long to pay off. It was a major flop.

The things that do work well have taken a while to get going, but are worth the effort and time it took waiting.

[Jen]

I have been blogging for over a year on my personal finance site http://picturewealth.blogspot.com and I do little things on the side to make money. I have had some success with survey companies, Cash Crate, etc. I haven't gotten a single check from adsense yet because I still haven't made it to $100. This is really a part part time thing for me, so I make part part part time money, lol. But, it is helping me pay off my debt so I can't complain. When I go back to work each August I can't devote as much time to my blogs so I lose a lot of readers and then it starts again each summer!

[polly]

I'm a WAHM. I work as an attorney and I write magazine articles. I'm hoping to phase out of the former fairly soon, as I have found it is rather difficult to do at this stage of life (with a one year old). The magazine writing is a little more manageable. My advice to anyone wishing to work from home is to

BE ORGANIZED
STAY ON TASK
and
DO NOT PROCRASTINATE.

If I were a big procrastinator, this would have never worked!!! :)

[jessica leman]

This is a great topic! I have been working at home for about 2.5 years. I started my own business and I didnt know that it would go as well as it has! www.peas-carrots.com is my site. I have enjoyed learning all of the things that go along with running a (very) small business from home. It keeps my mind working and challenges me (as if being a mommy of 2 little boys isnt enough!) But the Lord has really blessed me with a few girls that work for me. One is a stay at home mom as well, she works no more than 5 hours a week and a retired lady who works about 20 hours a week. They both work from their own homes. I love knowing that I am contributing to my family's income. Currently, peas&carrots paid for our new kitchen remodel ($8,000) in this years earnings. I enjoy helping others think and dream about working from home as well and would love to help, I dont know it all, that is FOR SURE but I have learned a thing or two! :) Thanks again for your blog, I really enjoy reading it! Blessings!

[Amy]

I have done freelance work for the past ten years: online course creation and facilitation for two companies (one a start-up and the second and current one--an international company that provides my courses to universities, businesses, and community colleges)--usually about 10 students at a time, various freelance writing projects including a monthly parenting column, travel reviews and guides, annual work as a Webby reviewer, virtal real-time concierge, freelance editing and copywriting, website editing and revamping, and most recently (over the past nine months) a blogger for a bargain site (I post bargains and events as well as write a weekly newsletter on a different topic each week).

My freelance by no means pays the bills. My husband has always been the breadwinner. I've been at home since we got married 8 years ago and we always qualify and make purchases only based on his salary. However, my freelance $$ pay for extras like my daughter's ballet classes, my laptop and printer, all of my kindergarten's school expenses last year including his lunch's in the lunchroom. I am currently working on a regional historical book.

I always keep some projects going so I have the freelance experience and can escalate things when the kids are bigger. Right now, I write, edit, and review in between diaper changes and often at 3:00 AM but that works and keeps my brain going. Some of my clients have not paid either but I am very cautious and research carefully before I go forward. I have also found that after several years of a downturn in internet creative gigs and work in general that there has been a gradual growth in telecommuting creative and writing jobs in the past two years.

I started out in a very small way with little to no pay many times ad have slowly grown my WAH jobs and writing credits. It is not a fast business and there is a lot of competition--just like for a regular job but escalated because people like the idea of working at home.

[RoadRunner]

I work from time to time as a freelance translator. It is hard work, not so much the translating itself but getting the money out of people is tough. I have had a lot of bad experiences, but still the money is so good when it does come in that we can actually live off of it. (We live very modest lives and have no debt).

If any bilinguals want to give it a shot, set up your profile on proz.com and translatorscafe.com and be SURE to read the articles on there for how to avoid being scammed.

[Laura]

I teach piano out of our home, and have been doing it the entire 6 years of our marriage, even as 1,2, then 3 babies came. =) I now have more students than ever...over 20, and have a waiting list! I feel soooo blessed that I can do this without leaving my house, and still spend MOST of the hours of the day with my kids. I did hire a mother's helper for 2 days a week during the school year, but now I have my mom take them 1 day, and mother-in-law takes them another day. I work 3 days a week, then have 4 days off. It's been incredible to have the money coming in with so little effort from me!! I don't even have a degree of any sort in music, just love to play and enjoy teaching! It doesn't even seem like work most days!

[make art every day]

when i started staying home with my baby (six years ago) i was doing freelance writing assignments for a former employer. now i'm a family photographer and i love it. i shoot sessions mostly on the weekends when my husband can be with the kids. then i use the week to work on photo editing and administrative work. both my girls will be in school this year, so i plan to do more marketing. right now i'm just word-of-mouth.

[Summer]

After taking a lot of time off work because my second was in and out of some doctor's office every few weeks, and my third was born with a congenital virus that nets her a whole lot of specialists, I decided it was time to be home much more often. Fortunately, my boss was very supportive. I'm a communications director and I now work in the office two days a week, and work from home a few hours each day I'm not in the office. I have a babysitter come to the house when I'm in the office. My WAHM days are definitely a lot more exhausting, and the pay cut still hurts a bit, but I know I made the right decision for my family.

[Lea Ann]

WAHM for 3 years now...graphic design, copywriting, naming (yes, people pay me to name things, funny, huh?), and writing promotional concepts. I've also started writing a column on couponing in a local magazine, inspired by blogs like this one. Definitely working on expanding this project, as there are just too many hilarious things that happen to you couponing, not to write about all of them. In addition, I do "virtual assisting" for two marketing entities on small monthly retainers. I work mostly during baby's naptime and mother's day out time. And after school, my big kid plays with the baby, so I can squeeze in usually another hour. I just have to make grocery, phone bill, and mother's day out money, that's my part. If I get a big brochure job, we can buy something great like the hot tub, or a fence around the back yard. My advice: if you have small children at home and you want to work at home is to find something that you can do in 15 minute bits.

[SmlTwnLdy]

I have been working from home for almost 2 years. I do not make a lot of money, but I make enough to supplement the income so that we can do some fun things and work towards paying off our car. I teach Spanish to individual homeschool students. I have a BA in Spanish and speak it fluently (my parents are Cuban and made me speak Spanish at home...a blessing). I also publish a monthly newsletter for a Mary Kay director. I have room for improvement and growth, but so far everybody is winning... baby, husband, students, Mary Kay friend and me!

[Jamie]

I have been working from home for many years now. I have evolved over the years... At first I hand painted childrens wall art, hangings, toyboxes, shelves, etc to match childrens bedding etc... When I became pregnant with my first child I had to stop due to the paint fumes, heavy nature of the items. Just was too hard to try to do... After my son was born I continued doing smaller things... kept 2 children for a year in my home... and then evolved into scrapbooking. I hand made paper piecing and art for scrapboooks before you could buy it everywhere and people paid me for my work and sets :) As the scrapping work evolved and I had my 2nd child... so did I... I had a girl... got more into sewing and learned to make hairbows... I started my own website and have grown over the past 3 years... I found it so so hard to find custom bows to mtch my little girls outfits and started filling that niche... I also got back into painting some, bt on a smaller scale doing wall plaques and signs.

Over the years I have always sold on ebay as well... mostly my kids outgrown clothes, mine, etc... and also sell my bows and custom clothes when I get extra time (few and far between! HA)etc....

I now have my 3rd child so my plate is full... It is very hard work... Mainly just finding the time to be able to sit and work with peace and quiet... At times I feel very guilty for working and needing hubby to watch the kids extra... when I have a lot of orders it requires him taking the kids for the whole day so I can devote it to my work.

The extra money I make is helping to pay off my student loans and is the extra for my kids activites or school stuff, or the unexpected...

I feel very blessed by God that he has given me my talents and also given me a ton of DRIVE and determination which it really takes everyday to stay positive and motivating to myself, when you have no boss or co-workers you don't get those pats on your back or any raises LOL!

[Ells]

I am a real estate agent (which offers some flexibility anyway), but I also began working from home last fall after our son was born. I am somewhat of a "graphic artist" for an aviation company. It has worked very well for us so far, providing a little extra income and enabling me to be home during the day most of the time. I do almost all my work for both jobs early in the morning, during nap time, and at night... except for showings and open houses of course. I am just so grateful that God has blessed my husband with a good job and us with the opportunity for me to stay at home and raise our son. =)

[KellyH]

Hello! I have a little different opinion/ point of view, situation. My dh really doesn't want me to work, at house or out of the house. He works 50 plus hours a week, and does not enjoy or like the stress that would accompany a part time job. That's fine with me. I will have time to work maybe when the kids are older. Anyway, I can make more by cooking, taking care of our kids, saving money, gardening, etc. than I ever could by working and paying for a sitter. My dh is also willing to work overtime so I don't have to pick up a parttime job.

I'm not against you gals working at all! However, I hate to think that there are gals out there that think because they stay home and manage house and family, they also have to have a work at home job. If it works out, ok, but if not, that's ok too.

KellyH

****************
Money Saving Mom here:

Absolutely, Kelly! I hope it goes without saying that I don't think every woman needs to work from home. Many husbands have no desire for their wives to do so, it won't work for many families, etc.

However, as I explained in the opening paragraph, this series is for those many women who have emailed me requesting help and ideas. It won't apply to everyone here (just as not all of the deals apply to everyone!), but I hope it is insightful to many.

[Zoya]

I am currently working full time, but my ultimate dream is to save enough to be able to stay home (or work from home part time). I am grateful to you, Crystal, for your wonderful blog and bringing up this topic in particular, and would also like to thank all the ladies who shared their stories. Thank you!

[Nisha]

Dear Crystal,

I visit both your blogs regulary. I am truly inspired by your endeavors! I am a newlywed, stay at home wife and mommy to be. I have been praying that God would provide me with ideas for extra-income. I design jewelry, but I have not been consistent. However, when I am consistent God truly does blesses us financially! Thanks so much for this series...I look forward to it! I really desire to have a home-business that will work for my family. I appreciate your personal story and honesty about the hard work and
diligence it takes to do this.

PS: Do you have any information on turning your blog into a functional website. I am starting to feel kind of limited with blogger. I see that your blog functions like a website. Any tips?

Thanks again,
Nisha

[Katie in Ohio]

I just really started working on creating income for our family. I do some survey work and Cashcrate. I also to some surf for pay sites (they pay a tiny bit but every bit helps). I blog and make some that way and I just started as a ChaCha guide for www.chacha.com. So far, ChaCha is the most FUN for me since I'm a trivia geek myself.

[Beth]

I have worked from home for the past 5 years typing medical transcription. I like being at home, but you're right it is still a job and you still have to devote a lot of time and attention to actually working, which can be challenging with the children needing time and attention.

It's not a perfect situation (is there such a thing?) but it works pretty well for us. I bring in a nice amount of money working part time hours and I'm always available at home and able to homeschool my children.

On the downside, I do a lot of my typing at odd hours so that I'm available to my family during the day. That means a lot of lost hours of sleep (I normally get up between 3:00 and 4:00 am to type as much as I can before the children get up) and that makes it difficult to function well for very long. By the end of the week I am thoroughly exhausted.

I would much rather not work, but right now my husband desires me to work, so I do. Do I love it? No. Am I thankful that I have the choice to work at home? You bet.

[make art every day]

when i started staying home with my baby (six years ago) i was doing freelance writing assignments for a former employer. now i'm a family photographer and i love it. i shoot sessions mostly on the weekends when my husband can be with the kids. then i use the week to work on photo editing and administrative work. both my girls will be in school this year, so i plan to do more marketing. right now i'm just word-of-mouth.

[Jeanne]

Crystal,

Thank you so much for emphasizing that WAH is WORK!!! I started my own photography business in 2006 (www.jconnerphotography.com) after quitting my job as a public school teacher to stay home, homeschool, and accept God's gift of more children in our family. What works for me is:

A. Learn about business. I encourage everyone who is interested in starting their own business to learn the laws and regulations of the city and state. Open your business legally, pay your taxes, contact your local small business association. Plan, write out a business plan.

B. Never stop learning. Learn more about your profession. What edge can you provide that will enhance the marketplace and your business? Attend carefully selected seminars and workshops.

C. Know the limits. It's not feasible for me to accept more than two weddings during one month. The amount of time devoted to editing and creation of wedding albums could quickly take over the time devoted to my family. I constantly struggle and have to pull back.

Thank you for guidance in helping us WAHMoms stay focused on our family!

[Hannah]

I've been working at home for a little while now. I am a Corporate English Trainer. I give English lessons to people in foreign countries over the phone. The students are business people who already know the basics of English and are trying to improve their conversational and grammar skills. I love it! I'm able to get most of my work done before my kids are out of bed and it is very pleasant work, plus it pays more than similar wah positions.

[Jamie lea]

I never see my comments after I post them?

************
Money Saving Mom here:

Jamie, I moderate all comments because, sadly, we have some less-than-kind lurkers who like to say things not fit for publishing. So I hand-moderate all comments that come through and this means it often takes me a few hours after your comment is submitted for it to get posted.

If, for some reason, your comment doesn't show up after 5-10 hours, try again. If that doesn't work, email me and I can check and see what's up. Every once in a blue moon things get stuck in the spam filter and that's where they are.

[I just checked and I'm not seeing any comments from you, though. I'm not sure what is up as I certainly didn't delete it. Try submitting it again and let me know if it doesn't come through.]

Thanks to everyone who is patient with me as I blog and moderate comments as I'm able to. Like I said in this post, I'm a wife and mom first--computer time and blogging fits into the "cracks" of life. You all are the best!

[Mrs. Querido]

Summer...
How did you get business for naming things? I have been thinking up names for businesses and gadgets my whole life but never really thought someone would pay me to do it! It's something I truly enjoy. If you read this comment, could you please tell me more on my blog? Thanks!

Mrs. Q

[Karen]

I have my own editing business and work at home. After many years, I finally built my business up to the point that I was recently able to quit a part-time job that I also held. I also work early in the morning and later in the afternoon when my daughter is resting -- and sometimes at night if I've got a lot to get done. I have learned not to schedule anything outside of our house before 10:30 or 11 a.m. and I've also learned not to answer the phone when I am working.

[Jamie lea]

Thanks Crystal, I commented earlier that lots of times here at the new site I'm not seeing the whole page. I can sometimes play around, refresh or come back later and get the whole page but 8 out of 10 times I have that problem now. Just wondering if anyone else is having that problem? It's only happening here on this site.

***************
Money Saving Mom here:

Oh, I just realized your comment *did* come through, but it wasn't on this post--it was on a different post!

So my above explanation is why it took a bit to come through is why. :)

Yes, there is a problem with FireFox 3 and my site for sure (there may be with some other browsers, too). We think it may be with Brandcaster and we're working on the problem. My apologies on the trouble. It should be fixed in the next few weeks but it's not a simple fix, so it's going to take some time and effort.

However, in the mean time, you can sign up for the feed and at least get that. I wish I could tell you another way, but I'm not techie enough.

[Heather]

I thought I'd throw something a little different out there. My husband helped one of his college professors start a company that finds placement homes for kids and adults with, mild mental retardation and other mental diagnoses. I chose to be a placement home as we have a soft spot for these people. It is basically like adopting/fostering them. It helps teach my kids acceptance and other important lessons plus I make 25k a year for having them in my home in addition to an allowance for their care taking each month. Its certainly not for everyone, but if you have experience with it, you may want to check it out in your area.

[Veronica]

I just found your site (thanks to a mom that offered me a coupon at the grocery store) and am Very excited about this topic!

I have a 10 month old and am new to the stay-at-home thing - and the WFHM (work from home mom)thing too! Lots to learn :o)

In March I became a Pampered Chef Consultant and have had a lot of fun doing that. I've been able to make a nice average in my first months. One challenge has been time management... clearly defining work and family time. Another is organization. We have a townhouse and space is quite limited... I'd Love any organizational tips you might have! I do have a corner I call my office where I can put some things.

I look forward to learning from you and the other folks on this site... Thanks!