Thank you Michelle Long

Awww shucks--thank you Sue, but there are a lot of others who are active posters on the forums too! But I do appreciate your kind remarks--it is nice to know that I'm helping someone! I sure could've used the help when I was getting started!

I applaud you for being home with your daughter--it is a difficult decision, but one I've never regretted! My dad about died when he heard I was quitting--after sending me to college and getting a CPA--how could I? Proved him wrong!

Anyway, working from home isn't a stigma at all anymore. There are a LOT of home based businesses and employees with home offices (did you know there are a lot of Intuit employees that work remotely too?). The changes in technology and the internet have made it the norm these days! I know many small business owners that work from the beach, mountains, yachts even!

You can present a very professional image--it isn't related to your office. You should have a great website, business cards, and always present yourself if an appropriate business manner (which if you were in a CPA firm for 10 years you should already have it down!).

I quit when my son was born (17 years ago now). I used to work when he napped, evenings & weekends when dad could watch him, and nights (some very late nights)! Then, I put him in Mothers Day Out, then Pre-school. It was really hard when my daughter came along (she's now 14), because they never napped at the same time! She went into Mother's Day out quicker and I used part time day care as needed. There were a few years that were very challenging, until they were both in school! Whooo hoooo I could work all day, shop, have meetings, go to luncheons, networking events, etc. But, I was there when they came home from school, I could schedule around school field trips, volunteer for school events, and I was very involved in the PTA. Sometimes were harder than others, but it was worth it!

So, it is challenging, but the first few years are the hardest. But, it does take time to start and growing your business. I wish I had hired part time help sooner (for the business or house keeping). But, it is sooooooooo worth it! You can do it and you'll be very glad you did! Sorry--you probably didn't expect this long of a reply!

Michelle L. Long, CPA, MBA

Author of: Successful QuickBooks Consulting: The Complete Guide to
Starting and Growing a QuickBooks Consulting Business

Thank you, Michelle for your honest words. I definitely feel better knowing that everything has been normal. I can so relate to you about working nights and weekends. It really has been the only way to get work done these days.

My poor hubby wishes he saw me more often :). Thank you, also, for boosting my confidence in the Home Office.

Sincerely,

Sue

Glad I could help! Being a mom and having young children is a very demanding job and so is starting/running your own business. So, you're doing both at once--it will be challenging. But, as the kids get older, it will get easier and it is definitely worth it! Hang in there--you can do it! (Also, try to learn to say NO to some things).

Michelle L. Long, CPA, MBA
Author of: Successful QuickBooks Consulting: The Complete Guide to
Starting and Growing a QuickBooks Consulting Business
SuccessfulQuickBooksConsulting.com

It is comforting to read of others that have been in the same situation - my daughter is starting kindergarten this fall; I am sad that I won't have the 'time' with her, but also looking forward to concentrating on starting/growing my new business.

Thanks to all the Moms out there!

I agree with everything Michelle said. I was off and on with a home based business since my kids were born in 1985 & 1986. Finally, since 2001 Mitchell Business Services has been my full time income source. I bought Michelle's book and I only wish I could have read it a LOT sooner! Best of luck to everyone! The mental shift between being an employee and being a business owner is the best thing to happen to anyone. Nothing wrong with working part-time while growing your business. Structure your life so your expenses are a low as then can be to give you the time you will need. Peace be with you!