From stay-at-home mom to work-from-home mom – the challenges, the wins, and everything in between

I can still recall the day I received a call from Copylove about joining the team. Among other things, what I remember most vividly was that after getting the job, I dusted off my LinkedIn profile which had been dormant for nearly a decade. It was the beginning of something incredible, and I could feel the excitement building!

Becoming a work-from-home mom, who would’ve thought? Certainly not me! It’s been only a year at Copylove, but when I look back at my journey, I can’t help but be amazed at how it has transformed me, my family, and my relationship with my daughter. To say the days have been all smiles and sunshine would be far from the truth. I have had my fair share of doubts and difficult moments, but the path has been sprinkled with wins and a sense of independence that I had never anticipated. 

Some days were more overwhelming than others. My daughter – the precious light of my life – had conflicting feelings about my newfound commitment. There were days when she would give me that classic line: “Mom, why can’t you just leave your job? You’re no fun when you’re working!” She was used to my undivided attention, to me being glued to her side all the time, heedful of all her needs. And these sporadic tantrums reminded me of the delicate balance I was required to strike.

Also, there were also days when her words surprised me. “I can take care of myself while you work, mumma,” she’d say. Such small proclamations conveyed a sense of self-sufficiency that I hadn’t seen coming (Yes, self-sufficiency was the new buzzword in my house!).

Working from home was always the preference for me. I wanted to be there for her and celebrate the small and big moments. But as I started working beyond her school hours and couldn’t be at her beck and call, I’d find her sulking in her room, utterly frustrated, saying, “I don’t want you to work, just be free, please!” Yet gradually, I started to see how by embarking on this journey, I was not merely changing my own life but also setting an example for my daughter, shaping her perspective of what it means to be a woman and a mother. I see her adapting herself to the necessities of this setup.

Whether it’s dressing herself, going to the store, or arranging playdates, the tiny CEO of my world is now all about “I can do it myself, Mumma!” Besides, she has developed a closer bond with her father. They’ve discovered special activities that allow them to get along and spend quality time together.

More than anything, my journey from a stay-at-home mom to a work-from-home mom has boosted my self-confidence. It has helped me evolve into a woman who loves to take on challenges, knows the worth of her opinions, and above all, says no when needed – and does that confidently!

Working in an all-women organisation has only made it better. I see these fellow working moms juggling it all like a pro, and it inspires me to push beyond my comfort zone (there are only so many saas-bahu serials one can watch, no?). Yes, on many occasions, I find myself wondering if I could’ve prevented my girl’s tears if I hadn’t taken on this role, but I needed her to see me become my own person – strong, independent, and vibrant.

After all, you can’t preach what you don’t practice, right? 

It has been an exhilarating rollercoaster ride, full of obstacles and triumphs, but it’s a ride I wouldn’t trade for anything. The wins have been empowering, the challenges have been enlightening, and everything in between has contributed to my growth.

To all the moms out there making daring choices, remember: your story is unique and as extraordinary as you are. Savour every moment of your journey. You’ve got this!