To ask those SAHM who are self-employed to tell us what they do?

[Dryjuice25]

I have seen posts of mums who work for themselves from home and always wondered just being nosey what they do and how they get their money.

I expected no posts so come on here and tell us if you don't mind.

I have to say that I'm looking for something to do at the moment as I have 3dcs, single and find it hard to get child-friendly jobs that don't involve travelling to London(1 and half hours drive!) Preferably something that only requires a small capital outlay.

Thanks in advance

[DolomitesDonkey]

Oh yes, helps if you don't have an aversion to working when everyone else is asleep. :)

Getting work done with the children around? Not going to happen!

[kerala]

Lovesherdog I live in a tourist city there are about 6 language schools I host their students. They stay between a week to 6 weeks, I give breakfast and dinner. They at school/outings all day and have a separate sitting room in the evening so basically I chat to them in English over dinner. The schools are supportive if there are problems. I only host girls who are in the main fine. My little girls love having glamorous "big girls" around! Almost all European mostly Italian and Spanish. Cost is £200 extra on house insurance bills and food though food bill usually not affected as I am canny! In summer it's £1600 PCM but I have 3 at a time.

Mumble chum very interested in will writing as ex solicitor am looking into that one...

[Dryjuice25]

Hi all.
Thank you for all your generous posts and advice. It just opens your eyes to the possibilities...

I take my hat off to you and I'm now just mulling over these ideas to see what might work for me. I'm feeling hopeful that I will get there in the end
piprabbit I would certainly do a bit of market research to see whether people might want to pay as I believe most libraries over basic skills for free. Good luck
Emma That would be my dream scenario re what you do.

Most of you seem to be doing what you enjoy, which I think is great.
mumblechum You are up at 4:30 am with work? Now that's dedication. When do you get to sleep?

[Dryjuice25]

*offer basic computer skills for free

[Sheshelob]

I am a writer and researcher. I do five hours in the morning while toddler is in nursery, another 2-3 while he naps at home and another 2-4 once he is in bed. And I still don't feel like I get enough done!

But I get to spend at least 2 hours a day playing with my 18 month old, which is priceless.

[InMySpareTime]

Dryjuice, could you offer basic computer skills in people's own homes, or at odd times to fit around their work patterns? That could be your USP perhaps, a reason they would pay.

[twirlyagogo]

I think it can be done OP because most of us have skills we don't even recognise, although it is also as much about confidence and putting on a front when you have to though. I ended up in my current job largely because I was pregnant again and wanted to be in control of my own hours, own commitments, but then actually became ill a few years ago so could never have worked in a 'traditional' work environment anyway. Everything has worked out well - I can be ill when I need to be, I can work when I need to, I can be with the kids when I want.

You do have to be quite strict with yourself though and that's where I fall down. I waste a lot of time - which is fine eventually as I work fast when I need to, and still write more than most people I know, but I do wonder just how much I would get done if I could focus.

It looks like some people on this thread have it cracked, so maybe they could help with some advice as to how they have managed that.

Good luck in whatever you decide!

[Kewcumber]

You do have to be quite strict with yourself though and that's where I fall down. I waste a lot of time

Join the club!

Confidence is the key. I too gave up "normal" work when I became ill but was lucky enough to get a temporary job with a local firm of accountants and they encouraged me to set up on my own as they are short of decent book-keepers/accountants to refer smaller clients to.

I don;t think I would have set up without their support.

[Dryjuice25]

Inmysparetime I suppose I could but will have to think about childcare as ds is only 9months atm. The other two go to school. Nice idea too.
twirly sorry about your illness. You seem to have risen above it and doing well whilst raising your dcs. You sound like a great individual.

Indeed I'd have to put on a front with something like self employment I guess as my confidence levels are very low. I'm quite disciplined though and I do get things done when required. Thanks for the support.

Kewcumber I'm so glad things worked out for you too after your illness.
I like to hear stories like these; so very inspiring.

Again thanks