The rewards for men that go into business are obvious: better challenges, higher potential for income through merchant cash and capital, and the thrill of ownership. The reason women love to go into business aren’t as clear cut. Many women love to go into business not so much for the higher income potential (however, that is still a possibility), but rather they like the flexibility to schedule their own time, especially when they have small children at home.
Life Balance is Important To Women
Despite the many advances in gender equality, women still the brunt of the housework and childcare in the home. When a child is ill, it’s typically not the man that takes time off work, but rather the woman. This can interfere with a normal 9 to 5 job where such absences can generally cause a poor work performance review. Yet, the same woman may have to go home and instead of relaxing, has to take on even more work on her second shift job – motherhood. The idea to get better life/work balance drives more women towards making their own hours, by working from home.
Work-at-Home Mom (WAHM)
The phenomena has really blossomed so much that now there is an acronym for the legions of women who are finding that working from home affords them the quality of life they need as mothers: Work-at-Home Mom (WAHM). Using the Internet as a viable way to do business and network, these same women are learning new ways of being their own boss that is revolutionizing the way we work in America. Instead of the standard 9 to 5 PM hours, they may choose to drive the kids to school, hop online, do some work, and then leave at 2 PM to pick those same kids up. Instead of working to 5 PM, they may work later, but in between they have time to cook a meal in the oven while they work in the privacy of their own homes. The savings in commuting and work-related costs can also add to the enjoyment of life as they spend little time caught up in traffic or forced to spend their money on after school childcare. In many ways, this can be the best of all possible worlds.
