Mums returning to work DO have a choice

There is no more profound a career change than the transition from woman to mother. It's a life-changing event that's difficult to top. Motherhood impacts every facet of our lives, and for most of us ‘work hard, play hard' becomes a long and distant memory.

If you're a mum, it's likely that the birth of your first child has caused you to reassess your career and to check how it aligns with your new role as a mother.

Long hours, nights away from home and a hyper office environment might have had you buzzing in your previous life. But can you really give 100% to your child AND dedicate so much time and energy to your job? Probably not. In fact, for most mums the desire for a high-powered, status driven job wears off with the gas and air! Quite simply, your priorities change.

So, you've spent the first few months or years getting acquainted with your fantastic new role as mother, and no doubt the rewards you continue to feel far outweigh those of any other job you've ever had. But, if you're reading this, I'm guessing it's time for you to start thinking about returning to work. Be it for reasons of finance, or sanity! Either way, it probably feels like a daunting decision. What do you do? And how do you reconcile with the possibility of handing over daytime care of your child to someone else?

Well the truth is, you don't have to!

The solution, as an increasing number of mums are discovering, is to start your own business from home. Choose the right kind of business, and you can take control of your own schedule, fitting work around your family and personal commitments. So, what are your options?

Well, there are two basic options available to you that I'll mention here:

1. Stick with your old profession, but on a freelance basis

2. Go in a completely new direction, retraining and learning new skills.

If you have a transferable skill, freelancing can be a good option. Many mums who previously worked in PR, training, journalism, IT, photography and copywriting take the leap and go freelance. If you choose this option, apart from learning the fundamentals of running a business, you're good to go!

However, what if you don't want to go back to your old job? What if you want to try something new? In that case, your opportunities are wide and diverse and you'll find many affordable options to retrain and start a flexible business that you can feel passionate about.

Popular options amongst women retraining to start their new business include life coaching, complementary therapies, web design, interior design, event planning, wedding planning, childminding and virtual assistance (secretarial/admin work for other businesses from your own home). All of these afford you the opportunity to pick your own hours and work from home.

You should never feel pigeon holed or defined by your old job or skills; there is nothing you can't learn. If you search around you'll find affordable training you can study from home or on a part-time basis at a local college. If there's something you've always wanted to do, now is the perfect time to do it!

I hope I've given you some food for thought. At this stage, the best advice I can offer you is to do your research and figure out what it is you really want to do. Find something you enjoy, or better yet, find something you feel passionate about. This point is incredibly important. I meet so many women looking for the easiest and quickest option to earn a decent income from home, regardless of what the work involves. The simple fact is there is no easy option. There are lots of ‘get rich quick' schemes on the Internet that will try to lure you in and tell you differently. But the truth is if you want to earn a good income, you have to put the effort in. And if you're going to run a business that takes time and energy, it's crucial that it's doing something you love.

An inspired business leads to a happy mum, and a happy mum is the best gift you can give to your child.

Leigh Hunt is Managing Director and Home Business Mentor of Lotus Education Ltd. Leigh created Lotus to provide coaching, home study courses and business support to mums starting and growing home based businesses.

As a mum and experienced businesswoman herself, Leigh is perfectly placed to advise women on maintaining a good work/life balance whilst also building a successful business. Leigh's mission is to inspire and empower others who want to start a business by sharing her experiences and enthusiasm. She works with mums at all stages of life, helping them dissipate fears and build confidence.

Lotus offer a free eCourse on 'The Secrets of Becoming a Successful Business Mum'. Sign up by going to Lotus Home Business Website