The Challenges faced by a WAHM and WAHM’s kids
Hi folks,
As promised, I would like to shed some thoughts of the challenges faced by a WAHM and WAHM’s kids.
In the olden days, that is during our parents’ generation, it is a common sight to see women working from home doing various jobs ranging from being a babysitter, a tailor, or a baker making cookies, cakes and etc.
In current generation, women who work from home have new entrants, i.e. women who used to work in multi-national companies or MNCs and were holding good position, great income after spending years pursuing their studies and enjoying a high-flying career.
These people have chose a “greener pastures” which is to care for their family as a full-time mom. Kudos to these women!
For some of these women, they may need to take a pay-cut or take up a lesser income or lower-paying job in return for a more flexible time with their kids and family.
Thus, financially, it may proves to be a challenge when time is gained.
So for some WAHM/D, it means that they might have to:
1. Look for alternatives local or nearer destination rather than spending a big fortune on expensive holiday destination like they used to be.
One WAHD used to joke and share with the rest of us, WAHM-wannabes, that, one of the thing he misses most after becoming a WAHD is that he used to fly Business Class, but now he has to make do with economy class.
2. Limit their choices of extra classes like ballet class, piano lessons.
One WAHM, who quit her job told me that one of the noticeable difference when she became a WAHM is now she would need to think twice and really shortlist her choices when it comes to enrolling her kids to these extra-curricular activities which doesn’t comes cheap nowadays!
3. Slice off the expenditure allocated for expensive spa, facial, cosmetics, branded bags or shoes, etc.
Many WAHM out there, you do agree right, you can no longer spend on Coach bags, Jimmy Choo’s shoes and expensive outfits as often anymore! Unless of course you are doing really well at your WAH biz which is not impossible!
For WAHM’s kids, the challenges would be quite similar financially too:
1. Not much international holiday travelling
These days, kids would boast or “share” where they have been during school holidays when school reopen or before the holidays start! Talking about peer influence and peer pressure…
2. Cannot afford to attend many/any extra-curricular activities like art, drama, music, ballet, you name it!
When I was young, I was the odd one in my class when everyone goes to a tuition centre after class except me. I spent my afternoon napping and studying at home. I also don’t have the luxury to go for music lessons as if I get to go, it meant my parents have to be fair and able to support all my other siblings to one too.
3. No frequent purchase/update of latest PSP, Mobile phone, etc.
These days, kids own a mobile phone and PSP as young as primary school children! And they are looking at the latest model every now and then! Talking about peer influence and peer pressure again!
And these challenges, when look at the positive note, it can be a good experience too!
1. Travelling becomes a creative adventure to scout for the cheapest and most attractive places to go and it becomes a luxury and an event to look forward each time.
When things become scarce, people tend to treasure it more, isn’t it! And people learn to improvise and make the best of of everything! Human species are indeed survivor!
2. No fully-packed for kids with extra-curricular activities and WAHM/D need not spent most of their time on the road, paying tolls to drive their kids around different places of “interest”.
For my case, I don’t really miss out on the tuition part, in fact I went for a English tutoring session during one of the school holiday just for the experience, and boy, did I hated it! I stopped after barely one month because it is really tiring and crowded. So ask your kids if they really do need the tutoring or merely the socialising part of this activity 
3. Items are put under Wish List, and to be earned for. Nothing comes easily, and these been taught since young!
Before I even finished my SPM exam, I have applied for scholarships to further my study because that is what I wanted to do, i.e. to further my study and I knew I have to find a way to fulfill it without burning a hole in my parents’ pocket.
Children these days should be trained to work for it! Whatever items they desired, they should give in an equal amount of effort.
So challenges made into a character building part of a child and to the parents as well…
What say you? Ready for the WAHM parenthood? Let’s share!
Cheers!
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Comment by eyriqazz on 8 January 2010:
Good luck to All WAHM…I really envy u all…
eyriqazz´s last blog post ..Nuffnang Friso Gold Family Day Out
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Comment by alohamolly on 8 January 2010:
Hi Papa Eyriqazz, may your envy turn into reality for your WAHD goal too!
Even if cannot make it to be a WAHD at least some kind of flexi hour job would be GREAT!!
Have you seen the news of several Government Department starting their pilot group of workers working from home! I saw equal number of male and female in their group!
So, anything if possible!
Cheers!
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Comment by alohamolly on 8 January 2010:
Sorry I meant to say anything is possible..
eiks…lotsa typo lately even in my article today…
My apologies ya…everyone!
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Comment by alohamolly on 8 January 2010:
Sorry I meant to say anything is possible..
eiks…lotsa typo lately even in my article today…
My apologies ya…everyone!
I will take more effort and time to proofread more than twice in future
Cheers and have a great weekend everyone!
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Comment by juan on 8 January 2010:
this is a really good post. you have turned what every full time working moms to see that being a WAHM can make it a positive experience of character building. i totally agree with you because before, i would just take anything i like from the rack and swipe my credit card because i know i can pay for it at the end of the month. nowadays, i feel that i am a smarter shopper… and i guess the family values money much more now rather than just spend unnecessarily simply because we can. self-control is power too
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Comment by alohamolly on 8 January 2010:
Thanks Juan!
Yea…a different kind of power! The power of self-control!
Cheers and thanks for reading & commenting!
Kudos to WAHM/D and even SAHM!
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Comment by candymarcy on 8 January 2010:
i really like this post as i have been a SAHM for the past 6 years and now WAHM. we are both WAHM/D and its something that ive never expected all these while. its been like ive spent all my time with the kids throughout their growing and development years and im totally blessed that i get the chance unlike any other mothers who didnt. its a blessing watching them grow during those years as all the good moments that has passed can never be brought back again.
of course there are lots of pro’s being a WAHM/D instead of the con’s.
candymarcy´s last blog post ..modern diaper bag
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Comment by alohamolly on 8 January 2010:
Hi candymarcy!
Thanks!
Kudos to you too for boldly be in that WAHM bandwagon!
Visited your site..lovely diaper bag you’ve got there!
May your biz prosper and happy parenthood!
Cheers!
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Comment by Oma on 8 January 2010:
Hi fellow WAHMs!
I’m a work-at-home life coach and mum to 4 children,
writing in from London, U.K. Being a WAHM is a
dream come true for me and honours my values
of independence, family and freedom.
There are sacrifices but they are definitely worthwhile.
A lot of the stuff we used to give our kids were not really
necessary. Sometimes it was just keeping up with the Joneses!
We can still have pampering beauty sessions. You could organize a girl’s day together where you do each other’s hair, nails and other treatments. You can work out together in place of going to a gym. And you can share the childcare on a rotational basis, for some kid-free time. There are ways to keep the things we really need, and it’s a time to throw out what we really don’t!
What values influenced your decision to become a WAHM/D? Or if you’re still aspiring, what values attract you to this option? Knowing your values, or heart-felt WHY can help you stay committed to “the cause.” When you need to make a sacrifice you can be encouraged that you are living authentically, expressing your true self and living your best life. What a great example to show our kids, that we can have life the way we want it, and that anything can work if we try.
I wish all you WAHMs and WAHDs a fruitful new year. May all your dreams for 2010 come true, and more!
Love and warmth,
Oma
Oma´s last blog post ..Earning Passive Income in 2010
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Comment by dbalkis on 9 January 2010:
Hi all..ya dream to become WAHM ia awlays in my mind but as mentioned in your entry, it is never easy for the start..I just hope that my dream will come true one day
day..
dbalkis´s last blog post ..Nak beli rumah kene check Feng Shui?
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kakyong Reply:
January 11th, 2010 at 8:36 AM
being WAHM need a lot of patient, passion, & willing to sacrifies (a lots ) .. thinking the beauty of being around with kids most of the time, I will never looking back for FTWM..
it’s just the stress that sometimes turn me to ‘monsters-that-i-dont-wish-to-be’.. LOL
kakyong´s last blog post ..Contest Miela77 Aksi Baby Ber’CD’ing
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Comment by alohamolly on 11 January 2010:
Yup kakyong, dbalkis and oma..All the BEST in our WAHM dreams and adventures! Let’s enjoy the ride!
Cheers!
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