I had a conversation with my husband yesterday about working at home. We originally planned that I would stay at home and continue to homeschool our almost 2 year old daughter. However, I did venture and try to find employment outside the home (with no luck). As much as I love being at home with my daughter, I find myself starved for adult interaction. My daughter is pretty self sufficient in many things. She can get her own drinks (provide I have already poured them in her cups and placed them in the fridge on her shelf), she knows to use the potty (though she doesn’t most times) but, she loves interacting with other children and has an only child she doesn’t often get that chance. Also, I want her to be immersed in the two languages we are learning at home.
My husband and I also discussed having more children and know we want to in the summer of 2014. In order to make that happen, we need to figure out a way to bring in extra income in a way that will still allow me to enroll my daughter in immersion classes, still give me some adult interaction and allow me to explore my {Gemini} creative side but, at the same time allow me the freedom and time to be with my family. I also want to feel good about what I do to know that I’m making an impact in someone’s life.
Sounds like the perfect idea job, yes? Well, it is, for me, however, I have no idea what that job is or I should say was until I spent a few days with my grandmother. On a trip to have some linen cleaned, we discussed different things and the difference between when she was growing up and now and the Gemini things (yes, my grandmother is a June Gemini as well) that we have in common.
I also looked at other ways to work at home such as photography, graphic design, and website design…all which require some artist background (which my brother has and I do not). Still, I thought I could self teach myself…that lead to a phone call with my brother and started our tri-weekly FaceTime lessons to teach me design. I think for now, I’ll leave the designing to my brother.
Whatever you chose to do to bring in extra income whether it’s outside the home or inside the home, make sure you follow these simple tips to ensure you find the job that is best suited for you and not just a job to earn a paycheck that will leave you drained, miserable, and angry.
1. Write out what you like to do.
2. List how each thing will affect your family.
3. List your strengths and weakness
4. If you choose to work at home, what will be your start up costs?
5. If you choose to work away from home, what will it cost you? (i.e. time away from family, commute, work hours, holidays)
6. What is required? (i.e. college degree, local classes, self taught)
7. Who is your audience? Where can you advertise yourself?
8. What type of impact will you make on someone’s life?
9. Is your job choose full time, part time, as needed, or year round?
Ask yourself these questions, if need be, talk to others. Sometimes, we are told by friends, family, and strangers that we are great at something. Research that something and see how far you can take it.
Until next time~
The Mommy Chronicles 