Raising Your Children, While Raising Your Income
by Brenda Lilly
Published on this site: July 1st, 2005 - See
more articles from this month...
If you're like me, you left Corporate America, traded in your
suits for tennis shoes and are staying home to be with your children.
Maybe you're just thinking about it at this point. You knew this
was not an easy decision. It meant cutting your income in half,
at least. However, when faced with the choice of working 40+ hours
away from your children, you just could not envision that future.
You may have just planned to get by on one income until the children
are all in school. Perhaps, you even thought about picking up some
part time evening work.
You'll be happy to know there's a much better alternative to all
of the above. Network Marketing. Yes, you heard me correctly. Why
go back to earning an hourly wage at all? You can run your own business,
manage your hours and set your own income. You've managed other
employees, departments, offices, etc. in Corporate America, you
certainly have what it takes to manage yourself. Find a great business
opportunity and outstanding team and follow their lead.
The tricky part comes from the same blessing - you are doing this
from home. Here are some tips I've learned.
- Get your spouse on board.
It would really be ideal if they joined you in the business. If
that is not the case, at least have them on your side and create
a work schedule. Trust me, they miss the other 50% of what used
to be your income too.
- Stick to the schedule.
Yes, this is a flexible business and that is one of the biggest
benefits. However, you have to treat it like the business it is.
How many times would you have allowed someone in your organization
not to show up for work in a month?
- Create a workspace.
Ideally it would be great to have a separate room for your office.
Face it though, when you have four children, rooms are at a premium.
Options: Unused formal living room, (how many dinner parties
are you throwing these days with the little ones running around?)
Basement, it may be cold or not that aesthetically pleasing but,
if it's like ours, your kids probably don'twant to go down there
either. Just don't make it your bedroom. When your business takes
off, and it will, you don't want to try to fall asleep starring
at work you could be doing.
- Set specific Mommy/Daddy playtime with the children during
the day.
This is over and above taking care of them. That way, when you
moonlight your business into daytime hours your children know
they've had or will have quality time with you that day.
- Check into Mommy/Daddy helpers.
These are neighborhood children, usually at least 10 years of
age, who can come over afterschool a couple days a week to entertain
your children while you work on your business. Your children should
see this as a great treat of fun if you have the right helper.
- Always have fun.
It's a serious business, however it doesn't mean you have to stress
about it. You're in control
Brenda Lilly is a mother of four children who chose to stay
home after having her twins. Her previous experience entails Sales
Manager, General Manager, and Account Executive in the Personnel
and elecommunications industries. Current experience, Entrepreneur
in Network Marketing with the Robert Allen Team & USANA Health
Sciences. You may contact her at [email protected]
or visit her websites at www.brendalilly.usana.com
and www.robertallenonline.net
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