Isnt this site for working Mom's??

Vanessa - posted on 10/19/2009

absolutely! I work too -- I am a teacher. We just like to help each other out with ideas on how to work the job you love, be able to be the mom you want, and still pay the bills! There are very few people in this world that actually get to work a job that they love and still have time to be with their family. A lot of us have to work jobs we hate, or more than one job to the point that we are always working. It's hard, especially in our economy. i was one of those mom's working round the clock on either school work, or work work, and I didn't have any time for my mommy-work -- but I talked with another mom on here, and she helped me out A LOT with the mommy-work part. Now i can go to school, make money and finish my homework and house work all while my son is at daycare, so when he's home, I can spend all that time with him. NO more "sorry baby, mommy can't play right now, she has homework" and that makes me feel so much better, and he loves all the extra time with me. ♥

Theressa - posted on 10/19/2009

Quoting Rebecca:

I agree. I work, even though I wish I didn't have to, but I do enjoy my job. But we do need all the support we can get. And I belive it's important for mom's who have a career vs a "job" to get support to be successful in their careers

Umm..Rebecca.....this site is for "Working Mom's"...If you feel you need more support due to your "Career Mom" title, you might want to start one up. I don't understand why you feel your "career" is more significant than anyone elses? At the end of the day we all go to our "Career/Job" to earn MONEY!! And we all face the same difficulties of balancing work with raising our families, so please get off your high horse and get real!

Theressa - posted on 10/19/2009

For what its worth...we all go through the trials and tribulations of raising our kids the best way we know how, it may not be the "right way", but we all have a common goal and I think this site is a great forum for that discussion. And whether we like it or not we all need to earn a living, whether it be at home or out of home but who are we to judge those who earn their living differently? A job is a job after all...And for those of you who are wondering....I wrap meat for a living!

Liz - posted on 10/11/2009

Hi Amy
I agree with what you said. I worked from home from when my child was born and until 3. Then I worked part time. Just before he started school I decided to start a business so that I could pick my own hours and be there for my son. This has worked to an extent until last year I got a premises. Now I am finding it hard because it is school holidays In Australia and all my staff (except one part timer) are working mums and have chosen to stay at home with the kids for the holidays. Having other working mums in the business is fantastic but I've just discovered the down side. Today I've had to walk out of the house with my son crying becuase he has a stomach bug and just wants his mum. He survived fine with grandma but it can still be hard to walk out no matter what age they are.

K. Erin - posted on 10/10/2009

i am a working mother looking to work at home...i love working, i think i would go crazy without work but also feel like i am missing out on my childrens lives...parenthood is a guilt trip, so bring on the snacks.

Kristy - posted on 10/10/2009

That is why I joined this site as well. I have a 1 year old, work full time, and a husband that lives and works in another city six days of the week. I love my job and love my daughter so much. I wish I could figure out how to work from home and be with my daughter more, but that isn't an option for me right now. Some days I feel as if I may lose it and I wonder how all of us working moms do it day-in and day-out.

Lynne - posted on 10/08/2009

I have really enjoyed reading through all of these posts, I only joined this evening and feel encouraged that so many of you feel comfortable sharing your opinions in this forum.

I have a 3 day a week JOB (Just Over Broke!), have two home based businesses, help out with tuckshop at daughter's school once a month (to keep my finger on the pulse of what's happening!), on a support committee for my son's interest, a wife and mother of two and a member of a women's club. I love keeping busy and networking - it's giving me my 'me' time, but I chose not to be a career women. I agree with Sher and Annmarie. The direct sales companies I'm involved with I only took on after much consideration of their mission statements and their integrity in business. Business Review Weekly this week says that Direct Selling is a $1.2b industry here in Australia alone and it's back with a bang! During the economic environment we've been in the last 12 months it's the one industry that just kept growing. Here in Australia some women work just to cover the costs of their day care, so are forced to look at alternative options to to take on another job that can be worked around family and work.



One piece of advice I'd like to offer working Mums is this - encourage your children to be independent from an early age - give them jobs to do in a way that they believe they are helping you (because it's only when they are young that they like helping you right?!) My kids have been making their own school lunches since Year 5. I now don't touch their rooms at all and they are responsible for their own ironing and folding (they are 12 and 15). We all have our own laundry basket, so occasionally we have challenges - who's basket is going to be emptied first! Even my husband does his own ironing. My daughter enjoys cooking and trying out recipes, so she gets to cook on the weekends (more time to clean up her messes then). Their independence developed early I believe helps build self-confidence and responsibility.

Oh and another tip - if you are in a relationship - ALWAYS make time for a 'date night' at least once a month.

Rebecca - posted on 10/08/2009

I agree. I work, even though I wish I didn't have to, but I do enjoy my job. But we do need all the support we can get. And I belive it's important for mom's who have a career vs a "job" to get support to be successful in their careers.

Tarah - posted on 10/07/2009

I am a working mom of two

Sher - posted on 10/07/2009

not all work at home jobs are scams and sorry you feel that way for each mother works the best way she can in this day and age so ya some stay home while others are able to go out and may enjoy there time away from there kids cootoes to you i am a daycare provider to alot of single moms who have no choice bt to go out of the home to work but i also have another job as a refural person for a wellness company and this company respects there people and back there people 100% and they are not a scam so please respect all moms and there work.cause we all do what we are able for our families RESPECT is the word of the day

Sher - posted on 10/07/2009

not all work at home jobs are scams and sorry you feel that way for each mother works the best way she can in this day and age so ya some stay home while others are able to go out and may enjoy there time away from there kids cootoes to you i am a daycare provider to alot of single moms who have no choice bt to go out of the home to work but i also have another job as a refural person for a wellness company and this company respects there people and back there people 100% and they are not a scam so please respect all moms and there work.cause we all do what we are able for our families RESPECT is the word of the day

Laurie - posted on 10/06/2009

I know how you feel. Sometimes my daughter gets clingy when I work from 11:30-7:30. Fortunately that is once a month for me. I just make sure to sepend some quality time with her. As far as cleaning goes, what has worked for me is doing a different chore a night and planning meals for the week. These tidbits make my life easier. Hey maybe someone else has some more ideas like these that would make life easy for working moms.

Jackie - posted on 10/06/2009

Quoting Jeannette:

I am also a working mom. I am an RN and its a tough job but I enjoy it for the most part, not to mention for financial reasons I have to work. It would be nice to chat with other moms who work the double duty of 2 full time jobs( mom and working).

I to am a Registered Nurse and have needed to do extra/double shifts. I love my job most of the time and I am also providing my girls with a good start in life as well as showing them that they can be anything they want. My husband is wonderful and works part time so he can be home with the girls while I work.

Annmarie - posted on 10/06/2009

I agree with you that moms that work out side of the home need to be recognized and appreciated. Having said that, I have a business of my own near my kids schools, I am a full time grad student, I work for another business part time four days a week, and I have a home based business. I earned every point of my GPA and I have to acknowledge my kids and husband for their support. I have to say that for me, I feel like I am running in circles, which is where I have always been comfortable, but now, of all that I do, the most important of which is raising my 2 angels (most of the time), I can honestly say that the one that is looking like it has the most potential to grant my financial independence is the home based business. I don't knock anyone out there giving 110% for their families, especially now in this economy. I know some people love their jobs and find real fulfillment there, waking up each morning looking forward to getting there. That was just never me, and I thought it would be nice to help other moms that maybe felt the same way. I wish you good luck in your endeavors. I think it always helps me to spend the first 30 minutes home just on their day at school and then I would start dinner. That recognition right away when we get home is what they wait for all day. A story before bed is quality time too and the weekends, around my work schedule for now, are partial fun zones as well. :)

Siobhan - posted on 10/05/2009

I am a working mum who works from home (own business doing wedding cakes, birthday cakes etc) and don't consider myself to be any different from a mum who works outside the home. I have one child at school and another in daycare and have the same fight as everyone else here to maintain a balance between working life and family life. I've looked for groups for work at home mums but they are all full of these recruitment type posts too!

Amy - posted on 10/03/2009

Kate you are right that was what my original post was about. It has turned into a little bit of a debate. My original point was that it's annoying that people post "working from home opprtunities" on this thread in particular but really anywhere on the cicle of mom's website. It's mostly nonsense and I feel bad for anyone who falls for it. I recently almost got scammed on craigs list and that's basically what these working at home post are, scams. Also to Martina, I am very sorry you dont have your kids with you and you definetly deserve support too. No one is saying that anyone can't be here, we just don't want ads pushed at us. Also most of us love what we do both inside and outside the home and don't like being judged for it. So having a thread that is particular to us helps to ad support.

Diana - posted on 10/03/2009

I have always been a working Mom and am very proud of it. I work 3 full days a week and have lots of time for my kids who I am raising by myself. When I am working they go to school and then to their daycare Mom. I would not change a thing. All is in balance ;-) I have a secure job until I retire and it enables me to live overseas. Working Moms do not get the praise they deserve, but I have always lived my life the way I thought best and never cared for those who felt they had the right to open their mouth about things that was not any of their business anyways!!! HOORAH for all the hard working Moms out there!!!

Sharicka - posted on 10/02/2009

HI Amy!!!! I'm a working mom myself plus go to school. I agree with you. I also joined this site for support from working mom's. I wish I could stay at home but I can't cause someone has to pay the bills. I'm not knocking stay at home mom's but if this site is for working mom's than it should be just that. They also have a site for stay at home mom's and that's were they should post their question,support, etc. I come here for support,idea's,other mom's point of views on working mom's. Hopefully we can do just that.

Kate - posted on 10/01/2009

Like many of you I am in the health care field I am a manager for a dermatology clinic and in school full time. I have a 5 year old and a 2 year old daughter. I was fortunate to be a stay at home mom for a couple years but I love my job. It is difficult but balancing a career and a family is possible and I feel very fulfilled with both. Everyone is different and moms in different situations have different needs. I am glad I found this forum though. You all truly do understand!

Laurie - posted on 10/01/2009

I have to disagree with you. We do not all have choices. SOme of us need to work and would like to stay at home but cannot afford to or work at home.

Kate - posted on 10/01/2009

I wonder about many of these posts. I thought that Amy's original post was about people using the 'Working Mums' site on Circle of Friends as a free advertising tool (for stay at home Mums) rather than offering support to working mums, whether they are at home or out in the work place. Perhaps I misinterpreted it......................

The replies seem to have become rather confused.

Emma - posted on 10/01/2009

Hi there, I joined this as I work from home & work in a shop! I'm a working mum regardless of whether I'm working at home or working in the shop! I need any advice anyone can offer on a 6 year old picking up on the school vibes & getting as lippy as a I was as a teenager!!! Wasn't exspecting this attitude now! She's not like it all the time, but when it comes, it comes with a bang!!

Martina - posted on 09/30/2009

hey i say the more the merrier and you can only learn from others. choosing to stays home or going back to wk are both difficult decisions - everybody has their reasons. if sahms want to join hey let them they too go thru many similar phases, they too have trouble in getting their kid to eat or how to potty train or loose that weight and they have their own issues wking moms dont have. lets not be petty about this.

Cos would that also mean i could not join this group since im neither a sahm mom or a wking one i am one who lost custody of her little girls due to something called the Hague Convention and now they live with their father in another country calling his partner mom...so does that even qualify me as a mother? I still feel like their mother and always will. So you want to get rid of me too?? maybe i should start a site for "Parents who lost their kids through the Hague Convention" then will i have to limit this to just mothers or would fathers be welcome too? a parent is a parent as a mother is a mother - working at hm or outside of home and you should all count your blessings because at least you get to be with your child during the day..whether it be all day or just part of the day - so guys be nice about it, dont segragate yourselves

Crystal - posted on 09/30/2009

well i work outside the homeand am goneall the time.nothingagainst work from home moms,however you dont have to leave your children to make a living.i think that is the hardest thing we have face and just want to chat with someone whose "been there,done that"

Renee - posted on 09/30/2009

Quoting Beverly :

i dont remember it saying anywhere on here that this was a "working mom" website. now i'm confused! i was under the assumption that it was for all moms. it is called Circle of Moms! i'm sure we can all help out one another no matter if we stay home or work outside of the home...agree?

Circle of Moms is the website, but you are posting under the section of circle of moms titled "working moms" you can subscribe to different forums according to the type of mom you are/ relate to/want feedback and support from.

Jennifer - posted on 09/29/2009

I agree I have to jobs outside of the home but am still a very active mom. I am there for my children and don't feel as if i am missing out on their lives.

Suzanne - posted on 09/29/2009

I am a working mom, and have been since my kids were babies. I don't regret it, I feel both my kids have been exposed to great things, they have never had a problem with socialization or learning. I don't have the kind of job I could do from home, and I think a lot of what you hear is nothing but scam. I would like it if I didn't hear about it here, but it is what it is. I am new to this group, and I am looking for help to find balance in my life. These days, you have to work in order to afford the things you need! I just want to be able to give my kids all the love they need, AND make sure they don't need for anything. i hope to find some help here on working smarter instead of harder!

Amy - posted on 09/29/2009

Maggie I don't think your understanding what I'm saying. Yes, circle of moms is for all moms and I love that. But this specific thread is called "working moms" which to me means just that. They have other threads that are for teen moms, stay at home moms and a variety of other things which cater to the support if moms that specifically have those things happening in there lives. So I do agree with you, were talking about two entirely different things. Thanks girls for all the support. Like I said before I'm glad it opened up a really great line of communication. I feel like everyone has really gotten to express what they feel, which is why were here.

Rachel Faye - posted on 09/28/2009

Yah whats with all these work at home moms with these internet sites on here trying to sell their stuff? Its really frustrating and I'm tired of seeing the posts!! I own my business and luckily have family members that can watch my daughter!

Citlali - posted on 09/28/2009

I'm working from home and it's pretty hard on me when I need to be on 2 hr meeting and my little one wants all my attention =(
Its really hard be a mom and have a job no matter if you work form home or not ....

Cindy - posted on 09/28/2009

Your right Amy but the good thing is that other moms in the same situation were able to find you and feel your frustration. I love this website becuase it helps me see that I'm not the only one going through the problems that I think are driving me crazy. I love working I miss my kids but I can't stay home, I've always worked and when I did stay at home with them it didn't feel normal. I'm happy, I'm financially secure in this crazy economy.

KELLEY - posted on 09/28/2009

I think the most important thing is, is that it's your choice to work or not. I've always worked. My kids are now 19 and 16.

Sharon - posted on 09/28/2009

Quoting Karen:

Hi Amy,
I am full-time working Mom,
who ofter gets that comment at work "how do you do it"
and I always say because I can...
If you wanna chat i have a group you can join...
thanks karen

Hi Karen,

I work outside the home full time as well. I am intrigued by your group that you mention for chatting. I find that as a working mom, I don't get a tonne of time to talk to other working moms because we are all constantly racing around! If it is alright, I would like more info on your chat group.

Thanks,

Sharon

Angela - posted on 09/28/2009

I am a working Mum. I work as a nurse and own my own business with Qivana and I'm a wife, and I'm a mother and we own a restaurant and I am a volunteer and I blog on my website www.myqivana.com/rhelms daily and I am so Blessed to have it all!!! Wow we are all the same! Very Busy! Keep up the good work Mums! There are no other creatures like us! And only we know what we go through and you can't explain it so lets keep supporting eachother!! God Bless you all!

Danielle - posted on 09/28/2009

I'm a single working mom my self!!! And this site is so wonderful I can't believe how many people and diff. response you get on here. Out of maybe 100 comments you will see at least 2 dozen that you would like to use for what every you are going thru. Welcome and I'm glad that you joined.

Brittany - posted on 09/28/2009

I hear where you are coming from on this. I think if you are working at home and your kids are with you, you're on a different playing field than moms who actually have to leave the home to work and aren't with their kids all day. I think it would be harder to stay home and work - but I tool this particular blog as being a place for moms who work outside the home to be able to talk to each other about similar problems.

Renee - posted on 09/28/2009

I am went back to work full time when my son was 3 months. My husband was the stay at home dad for a few months and I didn't need to go back in until later in the day. I have since left my job, my husband works full time and I am looking into a job with more conventional hours. I think it's important for my children to see mom AND dad going to work, He is over 1 now and the sitter has a 2 year old, so he will have a playmate. I am very lucky to have found the sitter, because I really respect her and her approach. I am still feeling very anxious and guilty about going to work and being away from him for so many hours. any suggestions??

Beverly - posted on 09/28/2009

i dont remember it saying anywhere on here that this was a "working mom" website. now i'm confused! i was under the assumption that it was for all moms. it is called Circle of Moms! i'm sure we can all help out one another no matter if we stay home or work outside of the home...agree?

Zakeana - posted on 09/27/2009

I am fortunate to live in Canada where we get up to 12 months of government subsidized assistance (at a SIGNIFICANTLY reduced income) to stay home with your child. I was ready to go back to work after about 6 months of being home but wasn't yet ready to put my child in Daycare.

I'm VERY much looking forward to going back to work in November and sort of feel like people think i'm a "bad" mom for wanting to go back so badly!

Anita - posted on 09/27/2009

I agree that the adds are annoying. But those are people trying to take advantage of potential marketing. Though I work outside the home, I think most mom's who post on here and work from home are not making those adds.

Maggie - posted on 09/27/2009

I stay home with my boys during the day and work in the evenings. I'm lucky enough to have worked this out although I would rather stay home at least until the kids are in school. I'd love to find a job that I can do from home and make a decent amount of money. Just because the ads aren't for you doesn't mean some people don't appreciate them! I'm definitely an "on the go" person and I've found that having kids is as crazy and busy as any job outside the home. What I was saying before was that if you are looking for "working mom" support you should join one of the groups specifically for that. (I did) From everything I've seen Circle of Moms is about all moms no matter what choices they've made - which was my original point regarding your original post.

Renee - posted on 09/27/2009

I am in the same boat here... was a little confused as well. I was looking for support and feedback from moms who work full time, and I keep find the same, :work from home earn $$ stuff...

Jan - posted on 09/27/2009

Hi, My name is Jan and I am a full-time working Mum. Joggling a career with three kids, as well as studying is a sacrificial task, but I enjoy every challenge that comes my way and look forward to the support from all the great Moms who have joined this forum.



Regards,

Jan

Kim - posted on 09/27/2009

Amy, I agree with you 100% Working a full time job and being the mother of three small children, I feel the exact same way. I wouldn't trade any of the crazy days for anything and at the same time I sometimes think we are being judge. I don't feel guilty for having to work, but at the same time I think others look down on me for doing that.

Kelly - posted on 09/27/2009

I 100 % agree. I have two children and hold down a full time job as well, One thing I don't understand is there is no real support for mums like us and no great help with the cost of being a working mum

Amy - posted on 09/27/2009

Sometimes there are definetly not enough hours in the day but I am and have always been and on the go person. I like being busy constantly. : )

Leslie - posted on 09/27/2009

That is great! Do you ever feel there is not enough time in a day?

Amy - posted on 09/27/2009

That's my point Maggie. There are sites for moms who do stay at home with there kids. But staying home with your kids and making the choice to go out and work are completly different. Working moms often get criticized for choosing to do what some of us actually love. We need a place where we can get support to. That's what this forum is all about, so nonsense ads gotta go. I support all moms, it's a tough job for all of us and we have have different challenges. But it's ridiculous that people post these false hope ads that claim you can make all this money and stay home. Thanks for all the great post. This toic really got everyone to get in on the disscusion weather you loved or hated it.

Christine - posted on 09/27/2009

They sure do, I'm one myself, I work 3 days a week and I love my job, and love the two days I'm with my boys. It makes me feel independent, social, and keeps me in the work force, at first I wanted to stay with the boys until they went to school, but financially we couldn't do it, so I went back to work, but I do enjoy being back at work and I love it. My boys are happy going to daycare and have met lots of friends, and I think that too gets them ready for school and makes it a little easier.

Adrienne - posted on 09/26/2009

it's great to be career oriented and able to jugle family life. I work and maintain a healthy environment for my girls as a single parent. I have a lot of involvement from my mother in law but it's a tough task but I somehow find a way. If only I could get some "me" time.