Is It a Mommy Hobby?
For several years now I’ve been dabbling in business. I’ve written business plans, created marketing strategies, and created seminars and products around self-development and improved relationship topics. I am proud of what I’ve accomplished, but to call it a business… I just don’t know about that.
When I listened to Coach Leesa’s Cubicle Divas podcast I finally had a name for what I’ve been doing: Mommy Hobbyist!
Listen to the podcast here:
Cubicle Divas - November 25th episode
In one of the segments, Denise Michaels, author of Testosterone-Free Marketing, rants about women who claim to be in business but are really just participating in a Mommy Hobby.
When I heard it, I thought, “That’s me!”
I’ve never felt comfortable calling what I do a business… it’s just too far down my priority list to be a business. Although I think about my business vision 90 percent of the time, I don’t have the time, energy or inclination at this point in my life to devote to it.
So until that time when my children are out of the house, I’ll continue to enjoy my family, my life and my full-time job (yes, I do like my job).
At the same time, I can keep writing and developing my skills. I can schedule a few speaking engagements without feeling like I have to fill up my calendar. I can explore and develop techniques that will allow me to jumpstart a real business when and if the time is right for me.
If you’ve been dabbling in business and want to take it to a higher level there are many resources out there to help you.
If you want to continue to dabble without feeling like you aren’t doing enough, then I’d love to hear your story. We dabblers can unite and support each other until our children are grown and our true businesses are ready to be born.
Hmmmm… I’ve heard other people call it “playing at business” rather than “being in business.” It’s sort of like playing with dolls rather than being a mother. The reality is much different (demanding/time-consuming/rewarding) than make-believe. But just as I wouldn’t want anyone to rush into motherhood until she’s ready, I don’t want to rush into businesshood without being prepared to give it the time, energy, and attention it will require.
Ahhhh… I feel so much better!
