4 Challenges as a Mom Entrepreneur
At some point, we all face challenges as a mom entrepreneur.
There are just some days–or weeks or months–when it seems like EVERYTHING is spiraling downhill and there's nothing you can do about it.
There are a ton of challenges that affect productivity as a female entrepreneur, and when you add mom responsibilities to the mix it gets even more complicated.
Here are some of the common struggles of a mom entrepreneur and tips on how to keep going!
Common Struggles of a Mom Entrepreneur
Mom Guilt
Mom guilt is by far one of the most common challenges that we have to overcome as mom entrepreneurs.
For many of us, being our own boss and making money from home was a part of the master plan to actually spend more time with your kids.
However, when you are trying to build your own business or side hustle, it is typically such a time and energy consuming job that you have far less “down time” than you imagined.
Suddenly, you feel guilty for spending too much time working on your passion and not enough time with your children. It's so frustrating!
I can't tell you how many times I needed to hop on a webinar or take a quick call, but to do so I had to rush my children out of my office. I felt like such a bad mom!
But over the years I have learned that I have to remember all of the positive reasons to continue pursuing my entrepreneurial dreams and not give in to the guilt.
I continuously remind myself that my dreams matter too and that my children seeing me pursue those dreams is a good thing.
Nowadays, I try to have specific working hours with built in breaks to hang out with my kiddos. I also plan special mommy and son time with each of them so they get one on one attention from me. This might include watching a movie together, going to the park, playing a board game, or just listening to them as they walk me through their thoughts on the latest Roblox game they are into!
No Support From Spouse or Partner
I'm grateful that my spouse supports all of my creative endeavors (even when he doesn't understand or agree with them 100% ) but unfortunately for many mom entrepreneurs this is not the case.
This challenge absolutely breaks my heart, but it is a challenge I have heard repeatedly from mom entrepreneurs who read this blog.
It's hard enough trying to start a successful blog or build a business from scratch on your own. Add in the burden of a spouse or partner who is not in your corner, and it quickly makes life extra stressful!
While it really can be a blow to your morale (and your confidence), I truly believe that at the end of the day, you can't worry about the people who don't see your vision or your potential.
If you believe in yourself and your business, keep going. There are other ways to find social support as a mompreneur.
Lack of Funding
Lack of money to invest in a blog or a business is another big challenge that mom entrepreneurs face.
Most of us recognize the truth in the saying “it takes money to make money.” But recognizing this truth doesn't cause dollar bills to materialize out of thin air.
If you are a mompreneur on a budget, you have to get crafty. If you don't have the funds to justify enrolling in a $200 online course, start with a less expensive book and implement what you learn.
While I do believe that you have to invest in yourself and your business if you want to grow, I don't believe in going into debt over it.
Two other ideas to earn more money to invest in your business is to try selling a service or take on a part-time remote job.
I know these two options work because in the past I've done both to make extra money!
Finding Balance
Trying to find balance with being a mom entrepreneur and simply being a mom/wife is personally one of my biggest challenges.
A few years ago, my business life and family life was turned completely upside down when we relocated to Canada for my husband's job.
Trying to support my spouse's hopes and dreams, while also working on my own (and raising kids) was an exhausting job.
I desperately tried to get settled in my new space as quickly as possible so I could find equilibrium again with my business.
However, I spent weeks trying to figure out the school system, unpacking boxes, crying while trying to navigate my way around a French province as an English speaker, and other shenanigans.
It took a year to regain the momentum that I lost in my business due to the move.
Trying to balance the expectations of yourself as a mom/wife with your expectations as business owner will often leave you feeling like your brain might actually implode from to much thinking.
I can't tell you how many times I was this close to quitting it all. THIS CLOSE.
I seriously contemplated removing the “preneur” part of my self-proclaimed title and just being the “mom” part. That's how frustrated I was.
But something deep inside of me wouldn't let me quit.
I recognize now that balance comes in cycles. Sometimes you have it and sometimes you don't. But you have to find a way to keep going.
How Do You Stay Motivated?
When I think about all the challenges I've faced as a mom entrepreneur over the years, I now recognize that sometimes it takes a little chaos to get a little clarity and make a big change!
I'm in this space because I'm supposed to be helping other moms to overcome barriers and business challenges that keep you from truly embracing your creative gifts and earning money.
I'm here to inspire moms to go for what you really want in life and business—no matter how big or outlandish that goal may seem—no matter how many challenges you have to work through to get there.
One thing that has helped me tremendously is reading the stories of other mom entrepreneurs. But I don't just read the success stories. I like to read about the failures too because I know that mistakes are how you grow.
I continue to slowly make changes to my life and business as I strive to become a better business mom.
There will always be challenges to overcome. How you confront those challenges is what really makes the difference.
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2 thoughts on “4 Challenges as a Mom Entrepreneur”
Hi Kari,
I really enjoyed this article and reading it today (a day of chaos and wondering if I’m doing the right thing!) helped remind me that days like today are just a moment in time and I just need to push on. I love your last sentence and I’m writing it down in my favorite inspirational quotes.
Hi Samantha! Thanks so much for commenting! Yeah, I’ve really had to learn to push through the chaos…and know there’s some clarity waiting for me somewhere lol. Love your website name and your definition of a dabbler. I’m definitely a dabbler 😉