We often hear about the “Mommy wars” between working moms and stay-at-home moms, but as a work-at-home mom, I find myself in a perplexing middle ground. My name is Lisa, and I’ve been a freelance writer and editor since leaving my previous job when my daughter was born six years ago. Picture this: I’m taking client calls while my toddler son climbs on me, sneaking peeks at emails at the playground, or guzzling coffee after burning the midnight oil. The few hours my son spends at daycare barely allow me to tackle my overflowing inbox, let alone edit a complex manuscript.
People struggle to understand what it means to be a work-at-home mom. I’m present for every moment my kids are home, yet I also juggle a career with strict deadlines. This leads to some rather exasperating comments. Here’s a roundup of the top five remarks I often hear:
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“You must have so much time to yourself!”
Right, because proofreading a hefty manuscript counts as “me time.” Did you miss that I work from home? I didn’t invest in daycare to lounge on the couch with a glass of wine while binge-watching my favorite shows (though that does sound tempting). Every minute my kids are away is consumed with responding to emails, preparing for birthdays, or racing to meet client deadlines. I haven’t had a moment to relax in six years, and trust me, no mom I know has either. -
“You’re so fortunate to work from home.”
While it’s true that I’m lucky in some aspects, there’s a lot more to it. I’ve sacrificed a traditional career with benefits and a steady paycheck for this lifestyle. Every time I look at our small apartment, I feel the weight of our choices, especially as I consider delaying potty training for my toddler since we barely fit in our one bathroom. It’s a balancing act, and it comes with its own set of challenges. -
“You get to wear pajamas all day!”
Yes, this is true, and I appreciate it. If it weren’t for school runs, I might not change out of my pajamas at all (and let’s be honest, I sometimes don’t in winter). But it’s also a double-edged sword; if I didn’t have places to be, my husband might soon prefer the moms in the neighborhood who actually look put together. -
“Your job sounds amazing. Maybe I should do that!”
Oh, absolutely! Just take a time machine, grab a degree in creative writing, and spend a decade working in publishing. This isn’t a casual hobby; it’s a full-blown career. If you want the glamorous life you think I have, simply quit your job and wait for projects to come in at a fraction of your previous pay—sounds easy, right? -
“You have the best of both worlds.”
True, I get to be with my kids daily and follow my passion. But it also means I often cram a full workday into a brief three-hour window, pulling late nights to catch up. My kids sometimes grow impatient waiting for me to wrap up “just one more email” when they want to play. And during client calls, I find myself hiding away, hoping they won’t hear my children arguing in the background. It’s a tightrope walk that leaves me drained, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Navigating this unique role can be frustrating. Friends often overlook my career because I’m not commuting in business attire, while stay-at-home moms may dismiss me since my toddler is in daycare part-time. I live in both worlds and can assure you that we’re all juggling responsibilities, feeling overwhelmed, yet driven to give our children the very best. If there’s a takeaway from my experience, it’s this: work-at-home moms and stay-at-home moms share more similarities than you might think. Some of us just manage to escape our pajamas now and then.
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Summary:
As a work-at-home mom, I often hear misconceptions that can be frustrating. From assumptions about having “me time” to comments about my job being easy or glamorous, the reality is that balancing work and motherhood is a complex challenge. Despite the stereotypes, both working and stay-at-home moms share the same exhaustion and desire to provide for their children.
Keyphrase: work-at-home mom challenges
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