Let's hear what Sue has to say!
Work From Home Momma: What made you decide to start a home business?
Sue: I got tired of the 9-5 corporate world. I did Admininstrative Assistant work and there was always office politics, toxic personalities and layoff threats to worry about, and as much as the "advancement opportunities" were hyped, there really weren't any. After I got let go from two jobs in 2 years I decided enough was enough. I have always been a writer first and making a living at it was my dream. Thankfully my wonderful husband agreed and fully supported my decision to go into business for myself.
Work From Home Home Momma: What got you interested in writing as a business?
Sue: Writing has been my first love since the age of 7. My elementary school had an essay contest. We had to write about why we felt drugs were bad. I didn't win, but I was hooked-by the time I was in high school I won the school writing contest every year and even got a "Writing Excellence" award when I graduated.
Work From Home Momma: As a writer, what is your biggest challenge?
Sue: Time managment and discipline! You never know just how long a particular project may take and the challenge is to find the right balance so that everything meets deadline and you still have time for living life!
Work From Home Momma: What business accomplishment are you most proud of?
Sue: In November I got MTV as a client! It's not strictly writing work - I perform administrative duties on several of their websites, but I am still so proud-especially since I had to do a phone interview at 8am - I am neither a morning person nor good on the phone! But I did it and it was worth it!
Work From Home Momma: As a writer, how do you schedule your time each day?
Sue: The mornings are pretty relaxed, then once I get my husband off to work I sit down and get to work myself. My PDA is my best friend. I have all my projects and deadlines in it and it lets me know when a deadline is near. This helps me set up my schedule for each day. Aside from that it's mostly the BICHOK method - butt in chair, hands on keyboard and just get it done! I love what I do and I type pretty fast (65 WPM) so it usually doesn't take me more than 4-5 hours to get the days projects done. Once a month I set a side a day to send invoices and do recordkeeping. I have certain projects that must be done each day, like blog entries, and some with weekly deadlines - mostly articles. I love the flexibility that gives me! We don't have kids yet, but hope to soon. I'm glad I got started now, having a schedule set down will make it that much easier once a little one does arrive! One thing I have learned is you just can't wait for that creative spark to ignite, or you'd never get much done. The true mark of being a professional writer is writing even when you don't feel like it.
Work From Home Momma: What is unique about your business?
Sue: I don't know that my business is unique, honestly. I am a freelance writer specializing in garden writing and technology, loving what I do. I'm the only self-employed person I know though, so I guess that makes me unique around here!
Work From Home Momma: What advice do you have for future work-at-home moms?
Sue: Follow your dreams the best you can.If it seems overwhelming at first, set small goals and strive for to reach them, one at a time. You'll get there! If finances are an issue, start your business on a part time basis and work up to being able to do it full time. It helps to have a supportive spouse, which I am fortunate to have. He complete supports my dreams and often tells me he's proud of me! Most mportantly, don't ever let anyone tell you you can't or you're not good enough. You can do whatever you put your mind to, and that's a fact. Getting to the point of actually making a profit takes time. Don't get discouraged and never ever put yourself down Most people are far stronger than they realize!
Work From Home Momma: Do you have any projects online that you would like to share with the readers?
Sue: I am the Gardening Editor for Bellaonline, the Houseplants Writer for Suite101, and am a Blog Editor for Creative Weblogging. I write the spam and virus blog and the home business blog. I am also a writer for Dabbledoo Media where I write about technology and gadgets.
Work From Home Momma: What are your business goals for the next few years?
Sue: I'd like to continue growing and adding more clients. My goal is to reach $50,000 a year in income by the time I'm 40, and I'm getting there! I'd also like to branch out into other markets beyond gardening and technology, including parenting, God willing! I'd also like to get back into essay writing, which I used to love. My ultimate goal is to write a book. I have a WIP now, fiction.
Work From Home Momma: Is there anything else about your business that you'd like to tell the readers of Work From Home Momma?
Sue: Just that there is nothing as rewarding as being able to make a living doing something you love. It's true what they say, work to live, don't live to work! Life is out there waiting! Thanks to my business I am able to enjoy both my work and my life!
Do you work at home? Would you like to share your story on Work From Home Momma? Contact me at Laura [at symbol] workfromhomemomma.com
Great Interview! However, I think it's a little lofty to think that having a schedule in place now will work once kids come along! Any wahm knows that kids and infants don't work around your schedule, you work around theirs. Sure it's possible for some of the old schedule to stick but be ready to throw it out and start from scratch when it doesn't.
Posted by: Nikki | March 6, 2008 8:07 PM | Permalink to Comment