Looking for those who have multiple businesses

[supercoach]

First, let me say, if this is in the wrong section, I apologize. As it's not advertising (I'm not selling anything) and it's not a business opportunity, I thought this is where it should go. If not and you need to move it to another section, please do.

I know there are a lot of us out there that do and I am definitely one of them. I'm looking for as many as possible to take part in a 3 part survey for a commissioned book. I will be honest and tell you that some, but not all will be mentioned in the book, depending on how far in depth I go with you through the 3 parts of the survey.

What I really want here are honest, heart to heart answers for a true picture of home-based businesses and WAHM's lives, emotions, motivation and sacrafices.

I will start here on the board with the first section.

The confusing part may be why would we do it if the reason for a home-based business is so we can stay home with the kids. But, if all you time is spent managing anywhere from 3 to 5 businesses (yes I know some who have 5!), are we really achieving our goals of spending more time with the kids and family?

I would like to hear from others who have multiple businesses.

Why?
Does it really leave enough quality time?
Does having multiple businesses actually defeat the purpose we chose to be a home-based business in the first place?
Would a 9-5 job with set hours and pay actually, in the end be more beneficial?
Is the fact that you are managing a business by yourself adding to your stress, or in the end, taking away from your family?
Is it self-satisfaction that you've accomplished something?
Is it just you or have other family members had to sacrafice because you are an entrepreneur?

There are other questions, and this is just the first round. I would genuinely like to hear people's heart-felt answers. As I want you to be as honest as possible, if answering here makes you feel uncomfortable, just send me a private message.

Thanks to all participants, I great appreciate it.

[KrispysKingdom]

Why?
Well the first and foremost reason is that I get to be at home. I get to be with my children all day and night without having to rush out for someone else. It does take up a lot of my time, but because I get to pick what I do with my time every day, it makes it worth it.

Does it really leave enough quality time?
Of course! I don't have to spend time everyday on each of my three businesses. We have set a schedule for time with the family and for my time on the computer. We don't have to fit it in between driving to and from work, running errandds after work, day care, or any of the other rigidly scheduled daily activities that come along with working out of the home.

Does having multiple businesses actually defeat the purpose we chose to be a home-based business in the first place?
I think that depends on each individual's reason why they decided to work from home. I decided to work from home so I don't have to put my children in daycare. I get to help my 10 year old with his homework and spend the summer with him. I get to play with my 2 year old throughout the day.

Would a 9-5 job with set hours and pay actually, in the end be more beneficial?
Not for me. Both of my children have special needs, so I am not comfortable being away from them. I used to work the 9-5 scene. I hated it. I never got to do what I wanted to, never got to work during the part of the day (or in my case the night) that I wanted to, my lunch hour was too short and plenty of days I had to work through lunch. Doing what I love at home has rewarded me in so many ways that working outside the home never did.

Is the fact that you are managing a business by yourself adding to your stress, or in the end, taking away from your family?
There is always going to be stress no matter what you are doing with your life. I get frustrated when things are going slow, or I'm feeling overloaded. But the benefit of being the "boss" is that I can take a break, walk out the door, and re-energize to get the job done. There are days when I have to work more than usual to meet deadlines, but it is rare and my family is accommodating.

Is it self-satisfaction that you've accomplished something?
Definitely! When I get emails from clients who are happy with the job I have done I want to go out to celebrate their happiness in me. Imagine doing what you love and succeeding. What can be more rewarding than that!

Is it just you or have other family members had to sacrafice because you are an entrepreneur?
If you were to ask my family if they have had to sacrifice because of my work, they would say yes. My husband doesn't want to share my time with anyone when he gets home from work. Of course the kids never want to share their mom with anyone or anything that takes up their time with me. But they are adjusting and willing to accept that I need uninterrupted time to work because they are reaping the rewards of our new income from my businesses.

[supercoach]

Great answers Kris!

Thanks for your input.

[supercoach]

Thanks for everyone who has participated so far. Most of you have answered privately, which is perfectly fine, whatever you are most comfortable with. I've received some really great feedback!

Anyone who still wishes to participate, it's not too late as I'll be working on the feedback this weekend. So, give me a shout, the more the better!