WAHM Position Leads

wirtlehm · October 2014

Alright ladies,

This could have been a thread that I missed a while back, so please don't hate me if I'm digging up an old issue.

Ever since I found out I was pregnant I've known that I wanted to be a WAHM. My current company is unwilling to work with me in this dept. and the only reason I haven't looked hard for something new is because I have to carry the benefits and figure I should "stick it out" until the baby comes. Anyway, now that our due dates are getting closer, I was wondering if anyone else found themselves in this situation?

I found this website https://www.homewiththekids.com/ that does list several based on what your background is. The only issue with a lot of these positions is that they're for "Independent Contractors" so you're responsible for providing your own insurance (unless you can get on w DH or something).

Anyone else have any good leads on credible WAHM companies?

***Edit: I realized that I also had found this site too that offers links to the Forbes Top 100 Companies Most Likely to Hire Remotely. https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurashin/2014/01/17/work-from-home-the-top-100-companies-offering-flexible-jobs-in-2014/

Just incase anyone else needed some help finding something for them!

wirtlehm · October 2014

KristinMTBell said:

I don't have any leads for you, but if you are working to carry the benefits, are you also planning to extend your benefits into your leave after the birth? I ask bc it is possible that you will be required to return to work OR pay back the benefits your employer provides during your leave. I don't know a whole lot about it, but I know my close friend (who lived in NJ at the time) had to return to work after her leave to avoid retro-paying her benefits. Again, I don't know all of your details, but this reminded me of my friend's struggle. It is important to note that her company was not large enough to fall under FMLA.

Yes, you are correct. I have to return for at least one day to avoid having to retro-pay (kind of a fun word) my benefits. I've considered returning until the beginning of May and then quitting to help DH during his busy season, only problem is, after August he won't need me anymore and I have to bring in money as well.

I'm currently working on my real estate license too (if anyone in south west OH needs someone HA!) so I'm kind of hoping that I can work on that through the spring and summer so when I need to return to work in August that will be going well for me too. Unfortunately, that also goes back into the providing my own benefits issue too... ahhhh! Goes along w the, "I can't think about this, I'm pregnant" thread too lol!

kefttsc · October 2014

I just wanted to make you aware that working from home only makes you a bit more capable of caring for your kid(s) daily. I work from home and have for 7 years, and I can hardly keep up with laundry, let alone two babies to come. Work still has to be done.

Things I have found to be needed:

-You must be extremely disciplined.

-You must have a solid division of house/office.'

-You must be very aware of your company's policies, as some require that you be "clocked in" from 8-5 (or whatever) even though are at home.

-You can't make phone calls with your kid in the background.

-You will miss seeing the faces of humans that aren't on a TV.

Just saying....the grass is always greener. Many days I wish I went to an office at least 2x a week and worked from home the other 3 days.

We are hiring a nanny/babysitter when the babies are born even though I work from home. Yes, I will be able to breastfeed them, etc., but I won't be able to care for them WHILE I work.

michelle142 · October 2014

@wirtlehm can you tell me more about the Real Estate Licensing process? Feel free to PM me if you want.

This is something I've always wanted to get into, but every time I read up on it I get intimidated by the process.

bhjones1980 · October 2014

kefttsc said:

I just wanted to make you aware that working from home only makes you a bit more capable of caring for your kid(s) daily. I work from home and have for 7 years, and I can hardly keep up with laundry, let alone two babies to come. Work still has to be done.

Things I have found to be needed:
-You must be extremely disciplined.
-You must have a solid division of house/office.'
-You must be very aware of your company's policies, as some require that you be "clocked in" from 8-5 (or whatever) even though are at home.
-You can't make phone calls with your kid in the background.
-You will miss seeing the faces of humans that aren't on a TV.

Just saying....the grass is always greener. Many days I wish I went to an office at least 2x a week and worked from home the other 3 days.

We are hiring a nanny/babysitter when the babies are born even though I work from home. Yes, I will be able to breastfeed them, etc., but I won't be able to care for them WHILE I work.

completely agree, I can not get ANYTHING done, aside from the checking email at nap time when working at home with a baby/toddler.

wirtlehm · October 2014

kefttsc said:

I just wanted to make you aware that working from home only makes you a bit more capable of caring for your kid(s) daily. I work from home and have for 7 years, and I can hardly keep up with laundry, let alone two babies to come. Work still has to be done.

Things I have found to be needed:
-You must be extremely disciplined.
-You must have a solid division of house/office.'
-You must be very aware of your company's policies, as some require that you be "clocked in" from 8-5 (or whatever) even though are at home.
-You can't make phone calls with your kid in the background.
-You will miss seeing the faces of humans that aren't on a TV.

Just saying....the grass is always greener. Many days I wish I went to an office at least 2x a week and worked from home the other 3 days.

We are hiring a nanny/babysitter when the babies are born even though I work from home. Yes, I will be able to breastfeed them, etc., but I won't be able to care for them WHILE I work.

Oh, believe you me! I know being a SAHM is a FULL TIME job. I think my situation is different from most, my husband and his dad own their own company and are home generally by 11 am every day (so jealous here ) So I will have a lot more support from him then say, if he worked a 9-5 job as well.

I haven't looked at any jobs that require phone time, mainly because I know you can't control your babies!

I'm not saying that I wouldn't also consider something that was flexible enough to let me work part time from home and part time in an office either.

I don't think it will solve all my problems, but at this point I'm not making enough to warrant paying for a sitter weekly. On top of that, the insane amount I pay in gas to commute! Economically, me being a WAHM just makes sense for us.

kefttsc · October 2014

wirtlehm said:

kefttsc said:

I just wanted to make you aware that working from home only makes you a bit more capable of caring for your kid(s) daily. I work from home and have for 7 years, and I can hardly keep up with laundry, let alone two babies to come. Work still has to be done.

Things I have found to be needed:
-You must be extremely disciplined.
-You must have a solid division of house/office.'
-You must be very aware of your company's policies, as some require that you be "clocked in" from 8-5 (or whatever) even though are at home.
-You can't make phone calls with your kid in the background.
-You will miss seeing the faces of humans that aren't on a TV.

Just saying....the grass is always greener. Many days I wish I went to an office at least 2x a week and worked from home the other 3 days.

We are hiring a nanny/babysitter when the babies are born even though I work from home. Yes, I will be able to breastfeed them, etc., but I won't be able to care for them WHILE I work.

Oh, believe you me! I know being a SAHM is a FULL TIME job. I think my situation is different from most, my husband and his dad own their own company and are home generally by 11 am every day (so jealous here ) So I will have a lot more support from him then say, if he worked a 9-5 job as well.
I haven't looked at any jobs that require phone time, mainly because I know you can't control your babies!
I'm not saying that I wouldn't also consider something that was flexible enough to let me work part time from home and part time in an office either.
I don't think it will solve all my problems, but at this point I'm not making enough to warrant paying for a sitter weekly. On top of that, the insane amount I pay in gas to commute! Economically, me being a WAHM just makes sense for us.

I understand. DH is a realtor and can adjust his schedule according to our needs too, but I just don't want people falling for the "working from home can solve all my childcare problems" gig.

My boss has a 6 year old, and we still can't get through a 30 minute call without her having to deal with Avery in some way.

wirtlehm · October 2014

kefttsc said:

wirtlehm said:

kefttsc said:

I just wanted to make you aware that working from home only makes you a bit more capable of caring for your kid(s) daily. I work from home and have for 7 years, and I can hardly keep up with laundry, let alone two babies to come. Work still has to be done.

Things I have found to be needed:
-You must be extremely disciplined.
-You must have a solid division of house/office.'
-You must be very aware of your company's policies, as some require that you be "clocked in" from 8-5 (or whatever) even though are at home.
-You can't make phone calls with your kid in the background.
-You will miss seeing the faces of humans that aren't on a TV.

Just saying....the grass is always greener. Many days I wish I went to an office at least 2x a week and worked from home the other 3 days.

We are hiring a nanny/babysitter when the babies are born even though I work from home. Yes, I will be able to breastfeed them, etc., but I won't be able to care for them WHILE I work.

Oh, believe you me! I know being a SAHM is a FULL TIME job. I think my situation is different from most, my husband and his dad own their own company and are home generally by 11 am every day (so jealous here ) So I will have a lot more support from him then say, if he worked a 9-5 job as well.
I haven't looked at any jobs that require phone time, mainly because I know you can't control your babies!
I'm not saying that I wouldn't also consider something that was flexible enough to let me work part time from home and part time in an office either.
I don't think it will solve all my problems, but at this point I'm not making enough to warrant paying for a sitter weekly. On top of that, the insane amount I pay in gas to commute! Economically, me being a WAHM just makes sense for us.

I understand. DH is a realtor and can adjust his schedule according to our needs too, but I just don't want people falling for the "working from home can solve all my childcare problems" gig.

My boss has a 6 year old, and we still can't get through a 30 minute call without her having to deal with Avery in some way

Absolutely! Like I said, I don't think it will solve everything, and to be honest I'm putting a LOT of eggs in the real estate basket but I'm terrified of not having a steady paycheck! I'm sure you understand w DH being a realtor too! I know it will work out, it always does, but it's still a scary new horizon!

kefttsc · October 2014

wirtlehm said:

kefttsc said:

wirtlehm said:

kefttsc said:

I just wanted to make you aware that working from home only makes you a bit more capable of caring for your kid(s) daily. I work from home and have for 7 years, and I can hardly keep up with laundry, let alone two babies to come. Work still has to be done.

Things I have found to be needed:
-You must be extremely disciplined.
-You must have a solid division of house/office.'
-You must be very aware of your company's policies, as some require that you be "clocked in" from 8-5 (or whatever) even though are at home.
-You can't make phone calls with your kid in the background.
-You will miss seeing the faces of humans that aren't on a TV.

Just saying....the grass is always greener. Many days I wish I went to an office at least 2x a week and worked from home the other 3 days.

We are hiring a nanny/babysitter when the babies are born even though I work from home. Yes, I will be able to breastfeed them, etc., but I won't be able to care for them WHILE I work.

Oh, believe you me! I know being a SAHM is a FULL TIME job. I think my situation is different from most, my husband and his dad own their own company and are home generally by 11 am every day (so jealous here ) So I will have a lot more support from him then say, if he worked a 9-5 job as well.
I haven't looked at any jobs that require phone time, mainly because I know you can't control your babies!
I'm not saying that I wouldn't also consider something that was flexible enough to let me work part time from home and part time in an office either.
I don't think it will solve all my problems, but at this point I'm not making enough to warrant paying for a sitter weekly. On top of that, the insane amount I pay in gas to commute! Economically, me being a WAHM just makes sense for us.

I understand. DH is a realtor and can adjust his schedule according to our needs too, but I just don't want people falling for the "working from home can solve all my childcare problems" gig.

My boss has a 6 year old, and we still can't get through a 30 minute call without her having to deal with Avery in some way

Absolutely! Like I said, I don't think it will solve everything, and to be honest I'm putting a LOT of eggs in the real estate basket but I'm terrified of not having a steady paycheck! I'm sure you understand w DH being a realtor too! I know it will work out, it always does, but it's still a scary new horizon!

Don't forget the lovely tax issues that come with real estate. We always owe a giant amount, so my advice is to create a savings account and put at least 20% of your commissions into that for taxes the following year. We didn't the first two years and that SUCKED. We have done that the last 7 years and have always been VERY thankful we did.

bigtuna486 · October 2014

Most real estate companies require that you pay a monthly office plus part of the commission you make. Here are my dues to be a Realtor ( this will probably be different for each State )

MLS fees - $850 a year

Office fees - $40 per month

E&O insurance - $400 a year

Supra key ( to show your clients a house ) - $300 per year

Then you also have to give part of your commission to your brokerage, this amount will be different for every brokerage.

You also have to pay taxes on the commission you make.

Real estate is a very expensive business to be in, however, if you are able to comfortably afford the expenses that come with it, then go for it!

freegiraffe · October 2014

Just chiming in to say that I agree 100% with @kefttsc‌ and that your ability to both get work done and care for a baby really depends on the type of WAH job you have. I work from home full time for a national organization and my job involves a lot of remote meetings, phone time, immediate email communication and time sensitive deadlines. There's no way I could accomplish my workload and care for a baby at the same time. We'll be hiring a nanny or sending our kid to daycare. Our organization actually has a policy that parents need to arrange out-of-home childcare during working hours, but my boss is being flexible and allowing me to have the option of an in-home nanny while the baby is young so I can nurse.

So, WAH in my situation does not solve childcare but it does come with a steady (and good) paycheck, vacation and benefits, and awesome flexibility.

It sounds like you're looking for a more flexible job that would allow you to set your own schedule, but of course that comes with trade offs - like not getting the benefits of working for a traditional company. But the real estate agents I know are also always out in the field showing houses and meeting with clients - would you just plan on bringing your baby with you everywhere?

Like @kefttsc I also would love to have the option of working in an office a couple days a week.

kefttsc · October 2014

freegiraffe said:

Just chiming in to say that I agree 100% with @kefttsc‌ and that your ability to both get work done and care for a baby really depends on the type of WAH job you have. I work from home full time for a national organization and my job involves a lot of remote meetings, phone time, immediate email communication and time sensitive deadlines. There's no way I could accomplish my workload and care for a baby at the same time. We'll be hiring a nanny or sending our kid to daycare. Our organization actually has a policy that parents need to arrange out-of-home childcare during working hours, but my boss is being flexible and allowing me to have the option of an in-home nanny while the baby is young so I can nurse.

So, WAH in my situation does not solve childcare but it does come with a steady (and good) paycheck, vacation and benefits, and awesome flexibility.

It sounds like you're looking for a more flexible job that would allow you to set your own schedule, but of course that comes with trade offs - like not getting the benefits of working for a traditional company. But the real estate agents I know are also always out in the field showing houses and meeting with clients - would you just plan on bringing your baby with you everywhere?

Like @kefttsc I also would love to have the option of working in an office a couple days a week.

I am lucky enough that I can mostly organize my calls and meetings whenever I want them to occur. We have considered the following schedule:

Monday - Nanny 9-5

Tuesday - no nanny, I just don't schedule actual appointments

Wednesday - Nanny 9-5

Thursday - Nanny 9-5

Friday - no nanny, DH doesn't schedule actual appointments

So basically, we'd each have one work day where we'd be caring for the babies. We just can't afford 9-5 five days a week for two kids and are VERY lucky to have some flexibility.

wirtlehm · October 2014

kefttsc said:

freegiraffe said:

Just chiming in to say that I agree 100% with @kefttsc‌ and that your ability to both get work done and care for a baby really depends on the type of WAH job you have. I work from home full time for a national organization and my job involves a lot of remote meetings, phone time, immediate email communication and time sensitive deadlines. There's no way I could accomplish my workload and care for a baby at the same time. We'll be hiring a nanny or sending our kid to daycare. Our organization actually has a policy that parents need to arrange out-of-home childcare during working hours, but my boss is being flexible and allowing me to have the option of an in-home nanny while the baby is young so I can nurse.

So, WAH in my situation does not solve childcare but it does come with a steady (and good) paycheck, vacation and benefits, and awesome flexibility.

It sounds like you're looking for a more flexible job that would allow you to set your own schedule, but of course that comes with trade offs - like not getting the benefits of working for a traditional company. But the real estate agents I know are also always out in the field showing houses and meeting with clients - would you just plan on bringing your baby with you everywhere?

Like @kefttsc I also would love to have the option of working in an office a couple days a week.

I am lucky enough that I can mostly organize my calls and meetings whenever I want them to occur. We have considered the following schedule:
Monday - Nanny 9-5
Tuesday - no nanny, I just don't schedule actual appointments
Wednesday - Nanny 9-5
Thursday - Nanny 9-5
Friday - no nanny, DH doesn't schedule actual appointments

So basically, we'd each have one work day where we'd be caring for the babies. We just can't afford 9-5 five days a week for two kids and are VERY lucky to have some flexibility.

I think, maybe you missed where I mentioned that MH and FIL own their own business. They are generally off by 11 am daily. So I have a unique situation where MH has a lot more time than most DH's to be home with our child. In real estate I would do office hours in the AM until he got home and then I'd have all afternoon to schedule apts with clients.

I also have a uniquely supportive family situation. My MIL & SIL are both SAHM and they're a 2 minute drive around the corner. Also, my step-mom works part time as well so I have a lot of family support to help me should the need to schedule something earlier arise.

Really, I guess the job that I have now could easily be done at home (no phone time, a lot of time browsing TB and Netflix HA). Positions I've looked at have all been in a similar field.

I do appreciate the additional POV's always! It's always good to hear things that maybe I haven't thought of! I, by no means, think that being a WAHM is a be all end all! Like I mentioned previously, I don't make enough in my current position to warrant staying in it. The gas and the child care expense alone would be too much of a strain!

wirtlehm · October 2014

bigtuna486 said:

Most real estate companies require that you pay a monthly office plus part of the commission you make. Here are my dues to be a Realtor ( this will probably be different for each State )

MLS fees - $850 a year
Office fees - $40 per month
E&O insurance - $400 a year
Supra key ( to show your clients a house ) - $300 per year
Then you also have to give part of your commission to your brokerage, this amount will be different for every brokerage.
You also have to pay taxes on the commission you make.

Real estate is a very expensive business to be in, however, if you are able to comfortably afford the expenses that come with it, then go for it!

Yes! When I sat down w my sponsoring broker they gave me a sheet w all the start up (and continuing) costs. It's VERY expensive to start up but I'm glad to hear that it's worth it in the end! I'm very concerned about the "not having a steady paycheck" thing, so I'm still hesitant to make the leap to doing real estate as my full time gig right away! Thinking maybe part time for now until I can build up the business. Terrifying!

freegiraffe · October 2014

kefttsc said:
I am lucky enough that I can mostly organize my calls and meetings whenever I want them to occur. We have considered the following schedule:
Monday - Nanny 9-5
Tuesday - no nanny, I just don't schedule actual appointments
Wednesday - Nanny 9-5
Thursday - Nanny 9-5
Friday - no nanny, DH doesn't schedule actual appointments

So basically, we'd each have one work day where we'd be caring for the babies. We just can't afford 9-5 five days a week for two kids and are VERY lucky to have some flexibility.

We are thinking something similar, nanny or daycare 2 or 3 days a week. I'm hoping to be able to work my schedule so I have Fridays (or any one day of the week) completely off. My boss is OK with this as long as I can maintain the same workload. My ideal plan would look something like this:

Monday - Nanny or daycare 9-5

Tuesday - Grandma

Wednesday - Nanny or daycare 9-5

Thursday - Nanny or daycare 9-5

Friday - My day off

My husband also works from home so we miiiiight try to see if between the two of us, we can handle LO ourselves one day a week while both working - but I'm not counting on that.

wirtlehm · October 2014

@freegiraffe, at least you can always say you tried!

I hope it works out well for you!

freegiraffe · October 2014

@wirtlehm you too! It's great to hear what other people are planning/trying.

StephanieLBerg · October 2014

I just discovered wahm.com last night. I am so excited I found this site! I've only glazed over it, but it looks promising! I am hoping I get one those jobs, it would be most ideal for our family, economically speaking, for me to stay home and care for the baby while bringing in a paycheck as well.

Mrs. Zee · October 2014

I work for a company that had some WAH research positions open that the hours were part time but the pay was as much as full time due to the odd hours. I want to say it was 6-11 pm Sunday through Thursday-so like 25 hours a week. I thought it sounded great bc you could be with baby during the day, then after DH got home put on your work hat and go to it and (with any luck) baby would go to bed soon thereafter. The positions are no longer open but I just wanted to put it out there that those types of options are there too. The issue would be paying for part-time benefits under this structure if you were carrying them, our part time benefits kind of blow. I am also a night-owl so starting work at 6pm wouldn't be overly daunting for me

Alygohome · October 2014

My company offers part time from home -- I can pick my own hours (I'd do 6-10 a few days a week) and work from home. I just don't know if my husband will get that yes I am home but I am at work. I can't be bothered with anything. We will see what I decide doing after my year mat leave!

Angeldcf · October 2014

freegiraffe said:

Our organization actually has a policy that parents need to arrange out-of-home childcare during working hours.

Wanted to highlight this. Most companies will require the employee to prove they are NOT the caretaker while working at home or they can be subject to termination.

wirtlehm · October 2014

StephanieLBerg said:

I just discovered wahm.com last night. I am so excited I found this site! I've only glazed over it, but it looks promising! I am hoping I get one those jobs, it would be most ideal for our family, economically speaking, for me to stay home and care for the baby while bringing in a paycheck as well.

I will have to check this site out! It does seem promising!

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