I'm an entrepreneur. I'm also a mother. Does that make me less qualified?

**cherilynwoodhouse** · 05-10-2010 04:55 PM

Just out of curiosity...

I know many female entrepreneurs are also moms. Whether we work inside or outside of the home, we have children. But for some reason, mentioning that you're a mother has a negative impact on your public image.

Why is that?

I'm a mother to be, with my first child to be born in August. Yes, I'll be taking some time off from my freelance business. Like I do every summer. But suddenly, because it is for maternity leave, I've become some sort of pariah to be avoided like the plague, because "who knows if I'm going to come back..." and "the baby will always take priority."

I've been in business for almost 6 years now. I've never once missed a deadline, or had an unsatisfied client.

But suddenly, because I may have to take a five minute break to change a dirty diaper, I'm not reliable.

Anyone with experience and insight on this topic? I'm quite confused, since I know the same thing doesn't happen when male freelancers mention that they're fathers... They talk about their children, client's respond in kind. If I talk about mine, I'm about to give an excuse about missing a deadline or something.

Strange, strange world...

**Dave89** · 05-10-2010 07:39 PM

I do not have any experience regarding the topic, but felt I should share my opinion anyways. Being a mother will not make you any less qualified. Your work will speak for itself. Being in business for 6 years and not missing a deadline, i'm sure has built a solid reputation for yourself as being reliable. Maybe, you might not be able to take on as many jobs as you did prior, but that doesn't make you any less qualified as long as you continue to deliver on-time, quality work. I would NEVER decide not to hire a woman because of the fact that she has children. Honestly, I would look at you as being more legitimate because I know you have a family to provide for and feed (which to me is the biggest motivation of all) and will do what it takes to deliver. I can tell you are a driven and passionate woman and this is not something you should worry about. The only regret you will have when everything is all said and done is if you feel you didn't enjoy the experience to the fullest and didn't pay your child the attention they deserve. Don't let this take away from the experience of having your first child and just enjoy it as much as you possibly can!

Dave

**akula** · 05-12-2010 09:50 AM

Yea, I'm not totally qualified to comment here, but in my community, most people I know are self employed and a lot of them are mothers. It's totally normal.

**kimsamui** · 05-12-2010 10:53 PM

being a mother is the best and noblest job in the world since sliced bread

**Sabina Hine** · 05-26-2010 07:36 AM

Not at all, I'd say more qualified!

Sabina

**twosenseconsulting** · 05-28-2010 08:35 PM

I dont think it does

**kbouw** · 05-31-2010 08:06 PM

Common sense would tell me that being a mother would make you more qualified because of the responsibilities you undertake as a mother of a child. Who knows though, tis' a crazy world we live in today.

**lucasprofessional** · 07-12-2010 06:35 PM

I hope not b/c that is absurd, though I must say I've felt the brunt of this as well. I feel it makes you MORE qualified due to the exceptional time management skills you must harvest to handle both being a mom and working, not to mention all of the other responsibilities.

**bensh06** · 07-27-2010 10:21 AM

Shame to those who think mother's are less qualified as entrepreneurs.

**avelina** · 08-09-2010 04:47 AM

If you can't take the leaves it means it is more like a job not a true entrepreneurship . I love to start my own business cuz your timings are not bound only the delivery date to the client is important. Client never bother what timings in a day you follow , he/she just need the order in time. That's it.

**lucygreenlucky** · 08-16-2010 09:59 PM

no, you are good. really! you have posted many threads about being a mother and being an entrepreneur problem. it seems that this really bothers you. don't worry, come on! wish you success in both fields!

**ServiceBizBoost** · 08-20-2010 09:59 AM

no way. I salute you. Being a mother and an entrepreneur I am proud too. Even I too. The qualification is not a big deal. As moms, we can overcome any odds. We are great multi-taskers.

Lorraine

**bannerstands** · 08-20-2010 06:07 PM

I'm a mother and used to run a business. It's really your mentally. If you keep feeling that being a mother will make you less qualify, people will feel it too. If you can be strong and stand your ground that you are able and qualify with your work while being a mother, people will see it and respect it. You can't convince those around you if you, yourself are doubting your own capabilities. It's like be a sales person, you can't sell the product if you don't believe in it. I'm not putting you down, people will come around once they see that nothing has changed after you have your child and that you believe in your capabilities.

**genevie** · 08-25-2010 08:50 PM

Hi,

You can be a best entrepreneur even though your a mother and it doesn't make you less qualified.

**theperkcard** · 10-20-2010 02:02 AM

DISCLAIMER: I am male

I would say that the people surrounding you are not of the highest quality and probably weren't hugged enough as children. Anybody who thinks that a woman is no longer reliable because she gives birth is either living in the 50's or is just plain ignorant. Hold your head up high and take these people with a grain of salt - there is nothing wrong with you.