Why three quarters of working mums want to start their own business
If you’ve ever dreamed of giving up work and starting your own business, you’re not alone. In fact, a survey by the Swedish clothing company me&i shows that you’re in very good company, with almost three quarters of working mums dreaming of being their own boss.
The survey was conducted by One Poll, and involved 1,500 working mums. It found that 64% of women had taken steps to improve their work-life balance after starting a family, and over half chose part time work to give them more time at home.
However, many mums still find working in a traditional office environment stressful, especially when their children fall ill, and long for the freedom to be home more. Which is why 73% of the women questioned said that, given the opportunity, they would leave the financial security of their current job for a more entrepreneurial life.
The results of the survey don’t come as a surprise to business journalist and author Rachel Bridge, as she explains:
“The challenges faced by women returning to work after maternity leave are well-documented. However, what we are now seeing is a shift towards working mums taking control of their situation and setting their own employment agenda for the benefits offered by an improved work-life balance.”
Bridge believes that the internet has helped fuel this shift, by enabling working mums to earn a living by buying and selling items on auction sites, or indirectly through the increased knowledge and options it opens up to them. As she says:
“With just a few clicks, mums looking to make a change in the way they work, can see what options are available to them, from examples of how to use their office-gained experience in a consultative or freelance capacity, to being able to research new ways of working and the companies who are offering a different, more mum-friendly approach.”
Are you one of the 73% of working mums dreaming of setting up your own business? You’ll find plenty of practical advice on how to get started here.
