Celebrating My One Year WAHM Anniversary

I’m on the eve of what I consider to be my first anniversary as a WAHM. I had been working from home on and off over the past several years so I never really thought of myself as a WAHM officially until last year.

 
Last year, hubby and I made the decision that the best option was for me to officially, seriously start working from home. We had been struggling with finding responsible, trustworthy household help since Ziggy was born. There would be months and months that we would have no help at all. So, even if I wanted to work full time I really couldn’t.

The thing was, I didn’t really want to go back to working out of the house. I didn’t like the thought of leaving my baby to a nanny. I had already experienced that with my two girls and have had my share of nanny horror stories. Also, the thought of going back to the rat race was already exhausting. So, the most logical thing to do was really to earn from home. That way, I can have the best of both worlds – stay home with my family and have a career as well.

This desk has been my office now for the past year. This desk bore witness to the struggles and triumphs I’ve had. Being a WAHM was certainly a roller coaster ride! The day when my WAHM dreams came true started when my WAHM and writing mentor, Martine, took a chance on me and hired me to do some writing jobs. (Super thanks, Marts! This is all because you believed in me.) She made me believe that I am a good writer and that I can earn by doing what I love most, which is writing. Her belief in me gave me the push I needed to pursue other writing projects. Soon enough I was writing articles for other websites. As a writer, it felt so good to finally see my byline. Soon after that, I started getting clients who wanted to hire me as a copywriter on a retainer basis.

It was all so exciting. Before I knew it, I became a virtual assistant too because the opportunity presented itself to me and I couldn’t pass it up. I started handling administrative tasks and social media accounts for clients. But I have to admit, the most exciting accomplishment so far, has been being accepted as a contributing writer for Smart Parenting magazine online. That has been my goal this year and I was able to achieve it already!

But just like any roller coaster ride, it wasn’t all ups. There were a lot of downs too. I’ve made mistakes. I’ve dealt with horror clients (those who are difficult to work with and those who make very late payments). I’ve experienced being so busy I forgot to take care of my health. I’ve been so busy that I lost track of why I wanted to be a WAHM in the first place. I’ve experienced lean seasons (like now!). However, I consider these as just part of the territory, something to learn from. I sure have learned a lot in my first year of WAHM-ing.

For sure, I’m still growing as a WAHM. There are a lot of things I still have to learn, a lot to experience still. It makes me anxious but it also makes me feel excited. I cannot wait to explore what the WAHM world has out there for me.

I am so grateful for all the blessings. I am so thankful to all the people who have enriched my WAHM life. I’ve met so many inspiring WAHMs in our group and from the WAHM workshops I’ve attended, who have been great resources for my articles. Some of them have become great friends of mine too.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the following people: to Jenn and Marge (my VA guides), to Tina (one of my most supportive writing idols), to Patty (my closest WAHM friend, confidante and sister from another mother, haha!). Of course, huge thanks also go to my girls, Zoe and Ziya (who help a lot with the chores so that mommy can work), to my baby boy, Ziggy (who has been the ultimate reason why I decided to be a WAHM) and to my hubby, Kai (who has been the wind beneath my wings, my number one supporter and partner in crime). Thanks to all of you!

Special thanks also go to all of you readers who have joined me on my WAHM journey. Some of you have said that my journey has inspired you. I hope that’s true and that I continue to inspire you more so that you too can have the life you want for yourself and your family. Thank you for cheering me on. I would be honored to have you continue following my journey.