Wives say “I Do”

Q: “What do you do?”

A: “I work from home.”

Q: “You do?”

                             A: “Yes, I do.”

Sound familiar? It seems that wives are either expected to be at home with children or to work outside of the home but, not expected to “work at home.” I believe that explains the often surprised tone of voice heard in conversations like this one. If you are a proud wife and CWAHM, then say it with me, “I do, and work at home!”

Unfortunately, I find that proclamation isn’t enough for many people. I often resort to convincing others that I have truly made the right choice for my business and my family. It sounds zany and such justification is certainly not fair however, these exchanges provide an open door for wives to glimpse the freedom I experience working at home. Maybe they will try it for themselves. Why do you stay in business? What makes you stay at home?

Here are a few highlights that keep me striving to stay at home (working of course).

• I set my own work hours and make sure I am done when my husband arrives.
• I can throw in a load of laundry before a coaching session if necessary.
• I can plan my food shopping at a time when other people are in offices.
• I can teach Tele-seminars in the evenings or on weekends and never leave the house.
• I can attend my kids’ field trips and write blog posts or book chapters afterwards.

Of course these freedoms come with great responsibilities. Wives in business make many sacrifices to stay at home (working of course). Take a peek at some that I struggle with.

• I have the sole responsibility for generating revenue. No clients, no money.
• I must be super organized to maintain productivity.
• I frequently say “No” to offers to have lunch or coffee with friends during my work day.
• I must honor the boundaries I have set around my personal life. Clients don’t call my home.
• I have to refrain from working all of the time. I plan days off.

Quarterly, I ask my husband for a performance review. This ensures that he still supports my vision and the work I am doing. It also helps me stay on course, plan for the future, and set new business goals. Working at home is not the easiest thing I have ever done however, it is one of the most rewarding! So, whenever I hear “What do you do?” I respond, “I work from home, yes I really do”.

How do you respond to that question? You can share your list of work at home benefits and sacrifices with us here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Lisa Ellis Williams, Speaker, Writer, and Personal Coach. After working over 15 years as a Public Health Educator teaching adults how to live well, Lisa combined her professional and personal marriage experience to create Wives On Purpose. Since 2005, Lisa has been empowering women all over the USA to activate their faith and build strong healthy marriages. Lisa resides in Washington, DC with her husband of over 20 years, and their 3 children. You can get more information about her work at http://www.wivesonpurpose.com