What it’s really like to start a business when you’re a Mum?

Did you just quit your job to be a fulltime hands-on mum and then thought of starting a business to be able to sustain your financial needs while being there fulltime for your kids as well?

If you’re as crazy as me, then welcome to the club!

If you’re still thinking about it, take the plunge before you change your mind. It is going to be a rollercoaster ride, but I assure you, it will be rewarding. You’ll come to find out what you’re really made of.

But, if you are still unsure, read on to know more about what’s it’s really like starting a business when you’re a mum.

Your business is like a baby

When you start a new business, it will feel like having a newborn baby. In the beginning, it will want your constant undivided attention. You will need to feed it and change nappies as needed and watch over it as you would in your newborn baby to make sure that it grows healthy and strong. You will probably have plenty of sleepless nights when you start a business as you hit a few bumps along the way.

Think of it as like your L.O. is teething or getting sick with flu. Lots of sleepless nights and worrying, but if you’re able to address the right problems and apply the correct measures, your business will be right back on track. You are hoping that one day, if you did your job well, you baby business will grow into adulthood and be able to sustain itself with very little help from you.

You may feel pressured to choose

I’m sorry for being blunt but yes, if you are a mum starting a new business, there may be times when you feel pressured to choose. It may just be a minor glitch in your scheduling—an important soccer game that your child plays and an important business meeting, both at your 3PM slot. It happens.

But, remember that you are the boss of your business. While I may recommend that you choose your family first, it is not always the best case scenario as you may be missing some very important opportunities along the way, which could be highly beneficial to your business. If you need to really be in that meeting, it better be worth it! And make sure that you make amends with your child, especially if you promised your child to be there on her soccer game.

The key here is to know your prioritisations and follow through your schedule as much as you can.

Life is easier if we ask for help

We know that we’re supermums and we know that whatever life gives, no matter how difficult, we can get through it all. But it’s actually a lot easier when we ask for help. When they say it takes a village to raise a child, trust the ancient African proverb. You will need to be surrounded with the right people, not just in helping with your child, but also in helping with your business. Do not try to do it all by yourself. There is no shame in asking for help.

What is your “why”?

Starting a business can be challenging. While we can make projections, much of it remains indefinite. It even is more challenging when you’re a mum. I know what you probably think. Quitting your job will give you more time for your little bub, only to find out that your new business will compete with your precious time with your family.

But why did you start your business in the first place (or why are you starting a business)? Is it really for yourself alone? Or is it for your family, for your kids to give them a bright future?

In the midst of all the chaos in starting a business and taking care of your kids, Think about your “why” and be guided by it.