Why consulting is the perfect career choice for moms

Just two years ago, I became a mom–and it changed everything. Suddenly, going to work from 9-5 5 days a week seemed like torture. I missed my baby and I felt immense guilt about leaving her every day. Weekends were a race around town to get errands done, clean the house, and prep for the upcoming work week. I never truly felt like I was spending quality time with my family.

Sure, I had fantasized about being my own boss, but I always talked myself out of it. After 9 months back at work, I decided to take the risk and start my own business as a marketing consultant. I quit my full time job with no clients, plan, or any idea of how to run a business. For me, the only way I was going to have the time or motivation was to put it all on the line. And let’s be real, there isn’t much time for a “side-hustle” when you’re a mom.

I’m no different than anyone else, I have mouths to feed and bills to pay. I just took the leap and spent my time making connections and looking for opportunities. I started with my first client 20 hours a week at half the rate I anticipated and my second client was at the rate I needed to be working less but still making the same amount as my full-time job.

So now that you know my story, here are some reasons why I think consulting is the perfect career option for moms:

• You decide how much you get paid! So ultimately, you can work less and make more, or the same amount you were making at your full-time job. That means more time for laundry, errands, and cleaning during the week, so you can spend quality time with your babe.
• It’s really not as hard as everyone makes it out to be. You’re already working hard for someone else, why not work hard for yourself? There’s nothing that you can’t figure out or learn about that’s not on Google. Entrepreneurs often talk about how you have to “hustle,” but you get to decide how much or how little you want to work.
• You can work from anywhere. You don’t have to go sit in the same cubicle for 40 hours a week. You can work at home, from Starbucks, WeWork, or anywhere that inspires you. I often like to work outside on my deck where I can get fresh air and sunlight.
• You pick your hours. If you prefer to work at nap time or after the kids go to sleep, You Can. My first year, I took 2 days off a week so I could get things done around the house and have some me-time.
• Consulting forces you to grow. Because I work with so many different types of organizations and clients, I’m always learning and growing.

There are so many reasons why starting your own business is rewarding and allows for more quality time with your family. I’m so grateful that I took this leap of faith because I get to watch my daughter grow up and be present.

If this sounds like something you’re interested in pursuing, let me know! I’d love to help other moms live a more well-balanced life.

-KB