WAHM Bam

I'm what they call a "work-at-home mom" - or a WAHM for those who are too lazy to type out the words "work-at-home mom." *

*Unlike me. I'm so super not-lazy that I typed out the words TWICE. Which, like, totally negates the fact that I will probably stay in my pajamas until I pick my son up from school.

I'm not gonna lie: there are definite advantages to being a WAHM. Like the ability to watch Jerry Springer while you work be there to care for your kids. Or the benefit of staying in your comfy clothes all day setting your own hours. I know there are tons of moms who would give their left boob to be able to work from the comfort of their own homes, and it really is a blessing.

BUT.

I'm irritated lately. I think WAHMs get a bad rap; people seem to be deaf to the "work" part and only hear the sweet sound of "at home." They envision their days at home, which are mostly days off, when they take a break. And although to those people, working from home may seem like a bon-bon-eating, couch-lounging, sweatpants-wearing ticket to Easy Street, it ain't no picnic. You know why? Because it's still WORK. Just like at an office. But since you're at home, you have to throw in the additional demands of the household and its unruly beasts occupants. You're doing regular work - just as you'd do from the comfort of some fluorescent-lit cubicle somewhere - but you're also doing the Mommy thing on top of everything else. And though it's been a few years since I've worked outside my house, I'm pretty sure that office settings don't look like this:

                                   

People who work in an office probably don't have to wait for their colleagues to nap before conducting a business call. And I bet they never have to clean up anyone else's cubicle ... or better yet, wipe anyone else's butt. They most likely get to sit and work without being interrupted every 2.5 seconds because heeeee's hitting meeeeeee! or I need some chocolate miiiiiiiilk! No one demands to sit on their lap and presses keys in the process, or accidentally turns off their computer mid-project with a kicking foot. And I doubt they have to worry that while they do their work, their officemates are making a huge mess in the next room.

So yeah - working from home is hard. Especially since some people seem to be under the impression that it's anything but.

Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to type up an invoice. With one hand. While someone crawls on my back. A WAHM's work is never done!