The Community for Catholic Moms

So Confused

Hi ladies,

I have tried a couple different times to work from home selling things, and I'm just not very good at it. I don't know if it's the selling or if it's the time management. I think it might be a combination of the two. I'm a special education teacher and miss it very much. But I have a 2-year-old and two older children that appear to really need me at home. But I'm starting to, dare I say, get bored with being home and taking care of the kids and the house. I'm really missing the professional life I used to have. If I could find something to do at home that didn't require selling, that would be really cool, but I just don't think it exists, and I miss teaching. I have been thinking about getting my license to do some teaching from my home, but my home is just not very big. And a job has opened up in my county that would be PERFECT for me, I think anyway.....

Anyway, as you can see I'm just so darn confused. Has anyone worked from home without having to sell anything? Or does anyone know of anything that doesn't require selling or investment? Anyone know of JOBS from home? Not a BUSINESS?

Tags: from, home, work

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jennifer Raybaud on October 19, 2009 at 8:47am

Karen,
Since you like to teach and don't have a big place, get the license you need and maybe begin by just offering one on one tutoring. Maybe you even go to homes of your students a couple evenings a week and this way you get out of the house for a little while as well.

Keep praying about this. God will help guide you in the right direction. Best to you!

Permalink Reply by Karen Cross on October 19, 2009 at 9:12am

That's something I have pondered as well. The reason I haven't done much with my Creative Memories business is because I want to be home when my hubby is home in the evening. Nothing seems to be right for me!! :o)

Thank you so much for the reply Jennifer. I think God IS guiding me and maybe I'm just fighting it....

Permalink Reply by Jenny on October 26, 2009 at 2:59pm

If your main motivation is not money, then perhaps volunteering your special education expertise might work well for you.

A quick phone call to you parish, or other churches in your area might open a door. You can speak with the religious education director and let them know what your skills are. You might be the answer to someones prayers:) I know that many parishes are working hard to be more welcoming of those with special needs. Your experience might be very valuable.

You might also look into support groups for parents of children with special needs and see if there is a way they could put your gifts to use.

There is nothing wrong with wanting more than dishes and laundry, but it can take some time to find the right balance. Volunteer positions can be more flexible than real jobs and they do a lot to help you be more integrated into your community. Being more connected might help make up for the loss of professional connections, and might eventually lead to a more traditional job that fits your family life.

Permalink Reply by Grace Becker on February 16, 2010 at 11:30am

Hi Karen, I am new to the group. I am a stay at home mom and have been for a long time. I have twelve kids, so boredom has never been an issue for me, however, because of the size of our family, I needed to be able to generate income from home. I was like you and never was any good at selling. I tried all sorts of things and spent a lot of money trying to make money. Most did not work. I finally just started my own business doing what I was good at. I am a big fan of Dave Ramsey, and facilitate his program at church. It is a great program by the way, but my point here is that he regularly recommends Dan Miller's books, "48 Days to the Work You Love", and "No More Mondays". I especially love "No More Mondays". It has great ideas for folks who would like to create their own business that requires no employees, he calls them solopreneurs. In conjunction with that, he has two websites, 48days.com & 48days.net. ON the .com, he has podcasts you can listen to, on the .net, you can join groups that are all exploring business ideas. Both are free to join.. I have lots more to share, but for brevity's sake, I will leave it at that for now. Have a wonderful day. P.S. I am going to start a discussion on selling.

Permalink Reply by Christina Weber on February 22, 2010 at 8:59pm

I am so thankful to have found a group of Catholic WAHM's! I have been seriously considering an opportunity to represent a children's book publishing company that I just love. The company was formed by two moms and they are very flexible and supportive but I just really want to make sure that it is right for me before I jump in. There are no monthly requirements or things like that and I feel so strongly about the books that I want to do it mostly to have some thing that I am passionate about (inconjunction with my family!) to focus my energy on and also possibly make some money doing (although that would be the icing on the cake). Would love to hear a discussion about direct selling and about other people's experiences with direct sales.

Permalink Reply by Grace Becker on February 22, 2010 at 9:47pm

Christina, I have learned a lot about sales through the years, because we all have to sell no matter what our business is. Either we are selling our service or some goods, but it all boils down to selling. You seem to really believe in this product, and that is really important. If you think that others will truly benefit from the product, it should not be that hard to sell. Selling has to be all about what is in it for the customer, otherwise, it is much harder to sell. You seem to have a lot of what it takes as far as attitude and enthusiasm about the product. As long as you don't end up with a lot invested in product that you can't move, it sounds promising. Do all the due diligence, and trust your gut. Good luck. Have a wonderful day. Grace

Permalink Reply by Christina Weber on February 23, 2010 at 7:41am

Thanks, Grace. It's so awesome to have someone with your experience on this forum! I have checked out the No more Mondays title you suggested and am really looking forward to seeing what he has to say.

You have a wonderful day, too!

Permalink Reply by Karen Cross on February 23, 2010 at 5:40am

What company is this Christina?? This sounds VERY interesting!!

Permalink Reply by Christina Weber on February 23, 2010 at 7:37am

The company is Barefoot Books. All the pertinent information can be found at their website www.barefootbooks.com. They focus on children's books that serve as an alternative to commercially driven products. They have built an amazing community of illustrators, authors, artists and moms who just love children's literature. Their books ooze creativity and imagination! Their most popular work is the Bear on a Bike series although they also offer some amazing compilations (Barefoot classic book of Poems) as well as some works that children really respond to but have been unoffered in a childrens' format (The Adventures of Oddyseus!). There work is only available through their website, small independent book stores, some libraries and through other moms spreading the word.

As far as representing them one can simply have an email link to their marketplace (website) and earn commision on any traffic you refer to them. Some moms host parties while others simply set up tables at flea markets, farmers markets etc. I am very interested in their fundraising options for schools and other programs to ensure that children are getting quality literature. I love that they are so flexible and have so many options (not locked into shows) and that they only ask that you log in every six months to stay active. Sorry, for so much info. I am so excited about it yet I haven't even made the commitment to it as of yet! Still praying and getting all my ducks in a row so to speak! When I do something I like to go full force!

While I don't agree with every book they offer from a Catholic perspective I am passionate about 99% of their other titles. I cannot say enough about some of their works. I have been buying their books for presents for years. Check it out www.barefootbooks.com.

Permalink Reply by Karen Cross on February 23, 2010 at 7:57am

It sounds like you are already doing it! I like to go full force too, but I also know that it's about just doing it. If I wait for all my ducks to be in a row, it will never happen! Go for it Christina!! I would have been your first referral girl! God bless!

Permalink Reply by Karen Cross on February 23, 2010 at 8:13am

OK Christina I just went on there and it looks so absolutely wonderful!! Now I'm starting to rethink my Creative Memories business. Is this an MLM?? Do you recruit others and sign them under you??

I LOVE children's books and I LOVE music and I LOVE the idea of being able to stay home and earn an income. How can I learn more about the compensation?? The prices look FANTASTIC!!

Permalink Reply by Christina Weber on February 23, 2010 at 9:00am

I'm not familiar with what MLM stands for. If you go to their website and click on Become an Ambassador if will give you all the information under the FAQ. They have just started organizing ambassadors into teams but you do not need to be on a team. All the info about that should be on the website or you can call them. They are so helpful.

I need to just do it. Like I said, I had been a fan of them for years and didn't realized they were using direct marketing. When I found out I was 6 months pregnant with my third and knew I couldn't take on a new venture. He is now 6 months and I am still concerned about starting something with three small children at home but I am talking about it to everyone and could probably be gaining referrals like you said.

I'm not sure it is a huge income maker but it does seem like a great opportunity. You can browse other ambassador profiles and their might be someone in your area you could talk to as well.

Off to care for the children. Will not be back on until tonight.

Take Care,
Christina