As a work-at-home mom, I often find myself caught in a gray area, neither fully fitting into the category of a traditional working mom nor a stay-at-home mom. I’m a freelance writer and editor, and I’ve been juggling this gig ever since my daughter was born six years ago. You might picture me on client calls with my toddler climbing on me or sneaking a peek at emails while my daughter is preoccupied with a butterfly at the park. Between the caffeine overload from late-night work sessions and the constant struggle to meet deadlines, it’s a unique lifestyle that can lead to some puzzling comments from others. Here are five remarks I often hear that can be a bit grating.
- “You must have so much time to yourself!”
Oh, if only! If you consider editing a massive manuscript as “me time,” then sure. But let’s be real: I didn’t choose to work from home so I could binge-watch my favorite shows or sip cocktails. Like many moms, when the kids are away, I’m not lounging around. Those fleeting hours are spent tackling emails, organizing the house, or planning my son’s next birthday bash. Relaxation? What’s that? - “You’re so fortunate to work from home.”
Yes, I’m fortunate in some respects, but it comes at a cost. I sacrificed a steady paycheck, health benefits, and a 401(k) to create this lifestyle. Every time I think about our cramped living situation or delay potty training because our tiny bathroom can’t handle another occupant, I feel the weight of those choices. It’s a balancing act that requires careful consideration. - “You get to work in your pajamas all day!”
True, and it’s pretty great! If I didn’t have to pick up my daughter from school, I might never change out of my pajamas. In fact, during winter, I can easily throw on a coat and skip getting dressed altogether. But let’s face it, without the need to leave home, personal hygiene might just become optional. My husband might have some thoughts on this if he saw me in my cozy attire too long! - “Your job sounds amazing! I should do that.”
Oh, absolutely! Just rewind time and get a degree in creative writing, then spend over a decade in publishing. This isn’t just a fun side project; it’s a full-fledged career. If you’re looking for that kind of “luxury,” simply quit your job and hope your boss sends you work whenever they feel like it—just remember, it’ll come with a much lower salary and zero benefits. Easy peasy! - “You have the best of both worlds.”
Sure, I get to witness all those precious moments with my kids while pursuing my passion. But I also face the worst of both worlds. I often cram a full workday into a short timeframe, which means late nights and juggling demands from my children. It’s not uncommon for me to be on a call while trying to quiet the chaos of sibling disagreements in the background. It’s exhausting, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Being a work-at-home mom is a constant balancing act, and it often feels like I’m caught between two worlds. Friends sometimes forget that my career is real just because I don’t dress up for the office. Meanwhile, stay-at-home moms might not understand my part-time daycare situation. Regardless, we’re all navigating the challenges of motherhood, and I think we can all agree—whether in pajamas or not—it’s a wild ride. If you want to dive deeper into the discussion around parenting and work-from-home realities, check out this post for more insights.
Summary:
Being a work-at-home mom brings its own set of challenges and misconceptions. From assumptions about free time to the idea that it’s all about pajamas and ease, the reality is much more complex. It requires sacrifices and a delicate balancing act, blending parenting with professional commitments. At the end of the day, we all want the best for our kids while managing our careers, and understanding each other’s journeys can go a long way.