Thoughts on Being a Mom and Running a Business

This came up recently, so it’s been on my mind.

My husband and I both work from home. He has a corporate job, and I run my own business. We juggle childcare and work between us (spoiler: it’s not always smooth, but we make it work). His schedule is more structured, while mine’s more flexible—which usually means I take the lead on childcare in the mornings and catch up on work in the afternoons, evenings, and weekends.

Even though my workload is just as heavy as his (honestly, sometimes heavier), there are still people—including family—who assume I’m a stay-at-home mom. And while being a stay-at-home mom is absolutely a full-time, important job, it doesn’t fully reflect what I do. What gets me is that my husband—who also works from home—is seen as having a “real” full-time job, while I’m somehow just… at home.

I don’t think most people mean it this way, but I’ve definitely heard comments that treat my business like it’s a cute little side hobby. Meanwhile, it brings in a real income and demands real time, energy, and effort.

Why is it that women—especially moms running their own businesses—are so often seen as “staying home” or “doing a little something on the side”?

Anyway, that’s my mid-week soapbox moment. If you’re a parent, or an entrepreneur, or both—you’re amazing. I see you.

P.S. So thankful for my husband, who tackles the chaos right alongside me.