Would You Go Into Business With Someone Who Had Been a SAHM For 8 Years?

Anonymous
I am starting my own business soon and a relative wants to be my partner. We would be providing professional services and our start up costs are minimal. My issue is that when I decided to return to work after having a child she made such a big stink about how could I leave my child in daycare,etc.
And now I am able to start my own business because I stayed in the workforce continuing to develop my skills. Because she has been out of our field for so long she brings nothing to the table (no work at all, volunteer, association memberships or anything); however, I have the skills and the name recognition.

Any thoughts?
Anonymous
Not in a million years.
Anonymous
No. I mean, if it was the kind of person who was very business savvy and was successful in business before choosing to SAHM and had kept up her skills and knowledge, sure. But this woman doesn't sound like that.
Anonymous
I would absolutely start a business with someone who has been a SAHM.

But I would not start a business with someone I did not respect. You clearly don't respect her (you think she brings nothing to the table, are annoyed by her comments about daycare years ago, etc).
Anonymous
I wouldn't go into business with anyone because I am a self-starter, a go-getter, and I need to be able to make decisions on my own. When I have tried to bring people on that I know, it never works and causes hard feelings. Lesson learned- never again.

Let's say I lost my mind for a minute...I definitely wouldn't go into business with someone who brings nothing to the table (but that cannot be evaluated simply basing it on being a SAHP). And I certainly would not go into business with you because you sound arrogant, but clueless which is a bad combo.

Anonymous
+1
Anonymous
PP has you pegged with arrogant and clueless. But she forgot troll.

Seriously, if your imaginary relative is as valueless as you describe, the decision is a no-brainer. Even the dumbest shit wouldn't need DCUM to tell her it's a bad idea to go into business with someone who "brings nothing to the table." So you're just looking for people to validate your choices and damn other people for theirs. You sound like a fool, and in all honesty, your years in the workforce haven't sharpened your "skills" as much as you think because you lack originality, insight, creativity, and tact. I wouldn't hire or promote you and if you behaved this way while working for me, I'd fire you.

Signed,

Another working mom

Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:I would absolutely start a business with someone who has been a SAHM.

But I would not start a business with someone I did not respect. You clearly don't respect her (you think she brings nothing to the table, are annoyed by her comments about daycare years ago, etc).


+1
Anonymous
In the past I would have said yes based on previous work experience. I mean why not?

I will tell you - I have been burned 5 times. I am older and most my friends have kids in school and I have connections so often we have friends ask if I can help get a job to reenter the work force after years of staying at home. I have no reason to believe these women are anything but competent and I have a huge amount of respect for all of them.

But... after getting them the interview, helping rewrite resumes, talking to the hiring party and using my reputation to provide a reference - I have been burned all 5 times.

All of them have been offered the job and all of them have turned it down or worse took the job and quit 2 months later.

I would have your relative get back into the workforce for a year to show good will then start a business with her or hire her and like law partnerships have her work towards the partnership.

Anonymous
I think the deciding issues are that she is a relative and you felt criticized by her to the point that you are still bringing it up. Business strains relationships and this is not a good start.

Business relationships might be an additional issue, but "keeping up to date" is often just a blanket excuse without that much merit. Even in a technical field, it doesn't take that long to get back up to speed if you once had the experience and talent.
Anonymous
My issue isn't that she is a SAHM but that it doesn't sound like she is bringing much to the table with this business.

I would need to find out what her motivation is to do this. If it's that she is bored cause kids are in school that wouldn't fly. It's one thing to return to a job after several years because you will be forced to step up to the plate. You will have a boss, co-workers, etc. and you don't want to embarrass yourself. But a two woman business with a relative? There is not much incentive there for her to get that fire in her belly and work hard if she just wants to keep busy for a few hours.

Starting a business takes passion and that would be the biggest factor I'd look for in a partner, but absolutely I would start one with a SAHM who had passion.
Anonymous
I don't think the SAHM part is even relevant. If she would make a good business partner then yes, if not then no. Obviously as you see her as someone who has no skills and no experience and you dislike her then no! Why would you even consider it?
Anonymous
Op you sound like you are looking to burn your relative
Anonymous
Depends on the trade, her work ethic, the capacity in which she will serve in the company, and how well you two work together.

It's not a SAHM/WOHM/WAHM mom thing.
Anonymous
Sounds like this is more aboutommy wars than her competence.
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