Working Mothers Weigh in: Freelance/WOHM vs In-House Employment?

[Anonymous]

I have been a combination SAHM/WOHM for the last eight years. Now my littlest is in preschool and I am looking forward to going back to work - out of the house. When I WOH, I feel like everything in the home takes precedence over my work - be it laundry, appointments, errands, etc. I also crave the adult interaction and stability of an office job, as opposed to the isolation and fluctuating income of my freelance projects.

BUT, as I look for part-time, in-house jobs in my field (NGO grant writing/editing, so nothing too lucrative), I'm starting to think freelance may be the most practical. My DH has a high-pressure job and works a long day, so all kid-related events (and most of the daily housework) will still be on me. The pay is more or less the same if I get consistent projects (and I wouldn't have to commute or pay for gas). It's just that after eight years at home with four kids, I'm really craving something out of the house, just for me, with other people. Is that a silly idea? Am I idealizing the workplace having been out of it for so long?

All things being equal (pay-wise) what would you choose? Part-time office job + 45 minute commute or freelance from home? Have you done both and have some perspective to share? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

*sorry that should be WAHM not WOHM, my mistake.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

It's just that after eight years at home with four kids, I'm really craving something out of the house, just for me, with other people. Is that a silly idea? Am I idealizing the workplace having been out of it for so long?

!

I think this is a totally legitimate reason to get an in house job. I am in a different position-- work at of home full time, with a 45 minute commute each way. Now that I have kids I really really resent the commute and how much time it takes out of my day. You mentioned that everything household related takes precedence over your work--- you do have the power to fix that. You can either get a job that has fixed hours (rather from an office or from home) and just impose them on yourself. Granted- its easier to do if you have to be in the office certain hours.

[Anonymous]

WOHM here. I LOVE going to an office and interacting with adults. I won't even telecommute, because having a seperate space for my work self is so key.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:WOHM here. I LOVE going to an office and interacting with adults. I won't even telecommute, because having a seperate space for my work self is so key.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:WOHM here. I LOVE going to an office and interacting with adults. I won't even telecommute, because having a seperate space for my work self is so key.

+1

I agree with this. Plus, when my kids were little, the commute was the only time I had alone. I loved it. I would listen to books, music, NPR, or SILENCE.

In my office, the teleworkers are often forgetten about when it comes to raises, bonuses, and general mentoring. Face time is an important part of corporate careers.

[Anonymous]

OP- you mentioned that the pay would be about the same- is childcare also the same? Just another factor to consider.. I had a consulting job (freelance) where I worked p/t in home and once a week went in the office (which was not far). That was a good balance (2 days home- 1 day office)

[Anonymous]

This is tough.

I would say go with the in house job if the p/t hours are non-rush hour (if driving) and makes it possible to do preschool drop-off & pick-up.

But what about school field trips, volunteering in class, p/t conferences, doctor appointments, etc? With four children, days needed off can add up (I have four also).

Will you have the ability to take off in addition to being p/t? If so, go in-house.

[Anonymous]

OP here, thanks for the input!