The Hilarious Journey of Being a Stay-at-Home Mom and Running My Own Business: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

The Hilarious Journey of Being a Stay-at-Home Mom and Running My Own Business: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Welcome to my world, where every day feels like a delightful circus act, and I’m both the ringmaster and the juggler—except I can never find the juggling balls, and I’m pretty sure one of the clowns is my toddler. Being a stay-at-home mom (SAHM) while running my own business is a wild ride filled with love, laughter, and a good dose of chaos. Buckle up as I share the good, the bad, and the downright ugly (with a side of giggles)!

The Good

1. Flexibility: Oh, the sweet, sweet flexibility! I can work in my pajamas while pretending to be productive (bonus points for coffee stains!). Whether I’m brainstorming new ideas during a snack time negotiation or drafting emails while my kids are busy creating abstract art on the walls, I can shape my day to fit their whims and my caffeine needs. And when I need those uninterrupted moments, my husband is there to keep the kiddos entertained!

2. Quality Time: Every day is an opportunity to bond with my little ones. I get to witness their adorable antics—like when they decide to turn my office into a fort or use my laptop as a trampoline. Who knew work could be so entertaining? I cherish every spontaneous dance party in the kitchen or tickle fight in the living room, even if it means I occasionally step on a LEGO minefield.

3. Pursuing Passions: Running my own business allows me to indulge in my passions, like crafting, writing, or pretending I’m a Pinterest queen. I mean, who wouldn’t want to create “vision boards” that double as colorful chaos? Plus, it’s empowering to show my kids that following your dreams can lead to… well, a messy house but also a fulfilling life! My husband’s encouragement helps me keep that dream alive.

4. Financial Empowerment: There’s a unique joy in contributing to our family’s finances. I get to provide for the things we all need—like groceries, school supplies, and occasional chocolate emergencies. It’s like being a superhero, but instead of a cape, I’m wearing an apron and dodging my kids' flying toys. I appreciate having a partner who believes in my ability to contribute!

5. Learning and Growing: Each day brings new challenges, like mastering the art of negotiating snack time or figuring out how to fix a broken toy with nothing but a rubber band and sheer willpower. I’m constantly evolving, which is a fancy way of saying I’m learning to adapt to whatever curveball my kids throw at me—be it a spilled juice box or a sudden desire to build a rocket ship out of cardboard.

The Bad

1. The Juggling Act: Managing a business while being a mom can feel like a circus performance gone wrong. Some days, I’m juggling tasks, only to realize I’m just tossing around my sanity while trying to remember where I put the milk. It’s like a comedy show where the punchlines keep changing, and I’m not sure if anyone is laughing (except maybe my kids).

2. Mommy Isolation: Working from home can feel a bit lonely—like being the last one picked for dodgeball at recess. I miss the adult conversations and the “water cooler” gossip about who left the coffee pot empty. Thankfully, my fellow SAHMs and I keep the virtual coffee chats alive, where we can bond over our shared experiences. My husband understands this need for connection and encourages me to take that time for myself.

3. The Guilt Monster: Ah, the mom guilt! It sneaks in like a ninja while I’m typing away on my laptop, and I hear my kids giggling without me. I have to remind myself that it’s okay to take breaks—after all, if I don’t work on my business, who will pay for those never-ending snack demands? Plus, a happy mom means happy kids, even if they’re occasionally covered in glitter.

4. Financial Wobbles: The unpredictability of income can feel like a rollercoaster—full of thrilling highs and stomach-churning drops. There are moments when I question my sanity: “Did I really just spend $50 on craft supplies?!” But hey, at least I can provide my kids with an impressive collection of glitter and glue sticks, right?

5. Overwhelm Overload: Some days, my to-do list looks like it was written by a hyperactive squirrel on caffeine. I find myself wondering how one person can manage a business, keep tiny humans alive, and maintain some semblance of sanity. But I’ve learned to embrace the chaos and laugh at the absurdity of it all—like when I accidentally attend a conference call with a toddler perched on my head.

The Ugly

1. Burnout Blues: The reality is that this beautiful chaos can lead to burnout faster than you can say “nap time.” I’ve had days when I collapse on the couch like a wilted flower, realizing I’ve forgotten to eat lunch (again). I’m learning to prioritize self-care, even if that means stealing a few minutes to hide in the bathroom with a snack.

2. Family Dynamics: Balancing business and family can lead to the occasional “what were you thinking?!” moment. It’s crucial to have open conversations with my partner and kids about our needs. After all, teamwork makes the dream work—especially when it comes to tackling that never-ending pile of laundry.

3. The Sacrifices: Pursuing my business dreams sometimes means making sacrifices—like skipping a fun outing because I have a deadline or letting the dishes pile up like a mini Mount Everest. (Super thankful for my hubby coming in clutch on these tough days!) But I remind myself that these sacrifices are paving the way for our family’s future, even if it means I’m living in a slightly chaotic paradise.

4. Facing Criticism: Sometimes, I encounter judgment from others about my choices. It can sting a little—like stepping on a rogue LEGO—but I focus on the love and support from my family and friends. They’re the ones who truly matter, cheering me on as I navigate this wild ride.

5. Distractions Everywhere: Ah, the distractions of home life! It’s like living in a comedy sketch where my kids’ toys are auditioning for the lead role in my productivity. I’ve learned to embrace the chaos and find humor in the madness, like when I accidentally attend a conference call with a toddler perched on my head.

Being a stay-at-home mom while running my own business is a whirlwind adventure filled with love, laughter, and a sprinkle of chaos. Through the challenges and triumphs, I find joy in the little moments that make this journey so special. I’m grateful for my husband’s support, which helps me nurture our children while chasing my dreams—messy house and all! Together, we’re building a life filled with love, creativity, and endless giggles, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world (even if I do occasionally wish for a time machine to catch up on sleep)!