Business or Job for Mums? Find Your Path to Freedom!

Business or Job? A Mum’s Guide to Choosing *Your* Path

Right, let’s talk about the age-old dilemma: Should I launch my own business or stick with the security of a job? It’s a question I get asked *a lot*, especially from women juggling the joys (&

x20;and beautiful chaos!) of motherhood &

x20;and the burning desire to create something meaningful. And guess what? There’s no simple, one-size-fits-all answer. Just like there’s no one right way to raise kids (trust me, I’m navigating that beautiful chaos with four of my own little humans, a teenager included – from navigating the complexities of GCSE choices to deciphering toddler tantrums, it’s a constant adventure!), there’s no single “correct” career path. &

x20;Honestly, it’s more like choosing your own adventure – a ‘create your own ending’ kinda deal.

So, how *do* you make this decision? Grab your favourite beverage (herbal tea, iced coffee, or something a little stronger – whatever helps you feel your best!), &

x20;and let’s have a chat.

Beyond the Binary: It’s a Spectrum, Not a Choice

First off, let’s ditch the idea that it’s a black-&

x20;and-white choice. It’s more like a spectrum. You could have a traditional 9-to-5, a side hustle that brings in extra income &

x20;and creative fulfillment, a full-blown online business empire, or a fulfilling blend of both worlds. &

x20;It’s your canvas; paint it however you like.

The key is figuring out what *you* truly want. What does freedom look like *for you*? Is it more time with your family, creating those precious memories that no amount of money can buy (like that time my six-year-old proudly presented me with a wonky, hand-painted pottery cup from school – priceless!)? &

x20;Is it financial independence, the power to choose how you spend your time &

x20;and resources? The ability to travel the world while working from your laptop, soaking up new cultures &

x20;and experiences with your loved ones? Or maybe it’s simply the satisfaction of building something from the ground up, leaving a legacy for your children that goes beyond financial security – a legacy of passion, purpose, &

x20;and resilience. The joy of building something that’s *yours*. &

x20;What sets your soul on fire?

Honest Reflections: The Pros & Cons

Let’s get real about the realities of both paths. No sugar-coating here; just honest, kitchen-table truth.

The Traditional Employment Route:

* **Pros:** Predictable income (which, let’s face it, is a big plus when you’re juggling bills, school fees, &

x20;and the ever-increasing cost of, well, everything! Remember when a block of cheese cost £2.50? &

x20;Pepperidge Farm remembers.), built-in structure (which can be a blessing or a curse, depending on your personality – I’ve always been a bit of a ‘question the system’ type, even as a kid; I didn’t just dig the hole I was told to, I wanted to know *why* that was the best spot for it!), potential benefits (healthcare, pension – important considerations, especially for mums who often shoulder the mental load for family well-being), &

x20;and the opportunity to specialize in a particular area. &

x20;You become the expert, the go-to person, which can be incredibly rewarding.

* **Cons:** Limited flexibility (remember the “12-13 weeks of school holidays” challenge? Seriously, who gets three months off?! &

x20;Try juggling conference calls with a toddler’s impromptu art project involving copious amounts of glitter – talk about a multitasking challenge!), potential for micromanagement (I’ve definitely been there, felt that! Remember that corporate job where leadership bluntly stated, “Yeah, you’re all replaceable”? Soul-crushing!), the feeling of being a “replaceable cog” (a feeling I know all too well from my corporate days – there’s stuff I’ve done for companies, entire campaigns even, &

x20;and my name wasn’t even associated with it!), &

x20;and often, a slower path to significant financial growth.

It can feel like you’re trading your precious time, those irreplaceable moments with your little ones, for a capped income. And for ambitious women, especially mums who often feel the societal pressure to “have it all,” that can be a tough pill to swallow. It’s not all doom &

x20;and gloom, but it’s definitely worth being aware of the potential drawbacks. &

x20;Because sometimes, a steady paycheck isn’t enough; sometimes, your soul craves more.

The Entrepreneurial Adventure:

* **Pros:** Flexibility to design your own schedule (goodbye, rigid 9-to-5! Hello, school pick-ups &

x20;and impromptu park trips!), unlimited income potential (yes, it’s absolutely possible!), the creative freedom to bring your unique vision to life (no more being a small cog in someone else’s machine – you *are* the machine!), direct control over your impact (you get to choose what you create &

x20;and who you serve, which, let’s be honest, is pretty amazing!), &

x20;and the deep satisfaction of building something from the ground up (it’s like watching your little ones learn to ride a bike – wobbly starts, a few falls, but the pure joy of those first independent pedals is *everything*).

* **Cons:** Inconsistent income in the early stages (hello, feast or famine! It’s like trying to predict a toddler’s mood swings – one minute they’re showering you with love, the next they’re having a meltdown over a missing sock. &

x20;Buckle up, buttercup, it’s a wild ride!), the responsibility of wearing *all* the hats (marketing, sales, customer service, tech support, chief snack provider, dog walker – honestly, the list is endless! &

x20;There are days I feel like a one-woman circus, but hey, at least the show is never boring!), the need for self-discipline &

x20;and motivation (no boss looking over your shoulder! Which can be both liberating &

x20;and terrifying, especially when you’re also trying to navigate the “beautiful chaos” of motherhood &

x20;and trying to fit in your PhD research – talk about a juggling act!), &

x20;and the sometimes-lonely nature of being your own captain (it’s like that Little Red Hen fable – everyone wants a piece of the pie once it’s baked, but who’s there to help with the planting, the harvesting, the grinding? &

x20;You feel me?).

And believe me, it *can* feel like you’re on a rollercoaster, but the upside is *you’re* the one holding the steering wheel! You’re in control of the direction, the speed, &

x20;and even the soundtrack (though sometimes, the soundtrack is “Dora the Explorer” on repeat, courtesy of your toddler’s musical preferences – &

x20;and that’s okay, too!).

Myth-Busting: Debunking Common Beliefs

Now, let’s tackle some of the myths surrounding both paths, because sometimes, what we *think* we know is holding us back.

Employment Myths:

* **Myth:** A job is the most secure option.

* **Reality:** Companies restructure, downsize, &

x20;and even fold. &

x20;My own experience at Apple taught me that even in a seemingly stable environment, internal politics &

x20;and changing priorities can make anyone feel “replaceable.” &

x20;Having multiple income streams, even a small side hustle, can create greater resilience &

x20;and peace of mind, giving you options &

x20;and the power to choose *your* path. Look at what’s happening in the world, too; layoffs are becoming increasingly common, &

x20;and job security is becoming a thing of the past! According to a recent study by [McKinsey](https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-&

x20;and-organizational-performance/our-insights/gone-for-now-or-gone-for-good-how-to-play-the-new-talent-game), the average tenure at a single company is now less than 5 years, highlighting the shifting nature of the modern workplace. &

x20;The days of “a job for life” are over; it’s about adaptability &

x20;and creating your own security.

Entrepreneurship Myths:

* **Myth:** You need loads of money to start.

* **Reality:** You absolutely *don’t* need a fortune to launch your entrepreneurial dream. You can start small &

x20;and scale up, using free or low-cost tools &

x20;and resources (Canva, anyone? It’s my go-to for quick, professional graphics). Focus on validating your idea – is there a real need for what you’re offering? – &

x20;and getting those first few, crucial clients before making big investments. My entrepreneurial spark ignited selling sweets in the playground; it doesn’t have to be fancy, just smart! It’s about resourcefulness, not resources. And that’s something I’m constantly exploring in my PhD research into Black female entrepreneurship – how women, especially mums, find creative ways to build businesses with limited resources &

x20;and support, often against significant systemic barriers. &

x20;It’s a testament to the resilience &

x20;and ingenuity of women who are determined to create a better future for themselves &

x20;and their families.

Your Unique Framework: It’s Personal, Not Prescriptive

So, back to the big question: Business or job? Here’s the truth: *It depends.* There’s no magic formula, no one-size-fits-all answer.

The best way to decide is to assess your own individual needs, deeply held values, &

x20;and available resources, considering your unique Business Flourish Framework pillars. &

x20;Remember, this framework isn’t just about building a thriving business; it’s about building a fulfilling *life*. &

x20;It’s about aligning your goals with *your* unique circumstances, your values, your dreams – not some generic prescription. It’s like finding the perfect pair of shoes: they need to fit *your* feet, not just look good on the shelf. Here’s a few crucial questions to ask yourself:

* **FOCUS (Mindset): What are your core, non-negotiable values?** Do you prioritize stability &

x20;and predictability, the comfort of a regular paycheck, or the freedom to create your own schedule &

x20;and work from anywhere, even if it means a bit of a rollercoaster ride? Do you thrive in structured environments, or does your heart crave the creative freedom to innovate &

x20;and build something truly unique? Do you yearn to make a direct impact on the world, seeing the tangible results of your efforts, or do you prefer to develop deep expertise in a specific area within a larger organization?

* **FLOW (Systems &

x20;and Productivity): What are your financial resources &

x20;and time constraints?** Be brutally honest about your current financial situation. &

x20;Are you relying on savings to fund your business launch, or do you have a steady income stream that allows for more gradual growth? How much time &

x20;and energy do you realistically have to invest, considering the demands of motherhood, family commitments, &

x20;and perhaps your own personal or academic pursuits (like my ongoing PhD research, which I’m juggling alongside four little humans – talk about a brain stretch!)? Remember, it’s okay if your path is slower or different than someone else’s; what matters is that *you* are in the driver’s seat, making conscious choices a
ligned with your current reality.

* **FUEL (Wellbeing): What support systems do you have in place?** Do you have a supportive partner, understanding family members, or a strong community (your own personal tribe) to lean on? (Trust me, it takes a village – or at least a really good tribe – to navigate this entrepreneurial adventure, especially as a mum). My own journey has taught me the profound importance of support, &

x20;and while I haven’t always had the local family help I envisioned, I’ve learned to create my own support networks &

x20;and systems. &

x20;And that’s what I’m passionate about sharing with you – strategies for not just building a business, but building a sustainable life that works *for you*, even amidst the beautiful chaos.

Speaking of support systems &

x20;and juggling all the things, I remember a time when I was deep in the throes of launching Cocoista, my afro hair &

x20;and beauty venture. It was just after my MBA (which, as you know, I did with a little one in tow!), and I was determined to create something that truly resonated with my community. I was pouring my heart and soul into this project, working all hours, balancing product development with marketing, social media, customer service – you name it, I was doing it! And let me tell you, it felt like I was constantly spinning plates, trying to keep everything from crashing down. My two-year-old at the time decided that my carefully crafted schedule was merely a suggestion, and my laptop became a canvas for her artistic explorations (thankfully, it was just a sticker, not permanent marker!). Add to that mix a puppy who had a penchant for chewing on anything within reach (including important documents – talk about a near heart attack!), &

x20;and you have a recipe for beautiful, chaotic overwhelm. I was starting to feel the familiar tug of burnout, that creeping sense of being stretched too thin. That’s when I realized, with a sinking feeling, that I hadn’t built in any real downtime, any moments for myself to recharge. It was all “go, go, go,” &

x20;and I was running on fumes. My well-being (my FUEL, as I now call it) was completely depleted, which meant my creativity, my FOCUS, and my ability to effectively manage the FLOW of my business were all suffering. That’s when I made a conscious decision to implement a non-negotiable self-care routine, even if it was just 15 minutes of yoga or a quick walk in nature to clear my head. It wasn’t a magic fix, but it was a start. And it taught me a crucial lesson: building a sustainable business *requires* prioritizing your own well-being. It’s not selfish; it’s essential. Juggler’s Shortcut: Schedule in “me time” like you would any other important appointment. Treat it as non-negotiable. Even 15 minutes a day can make a world of difference. It’s about refueling your tank so you can keep driving forward, not running on empty.

Your Empowerment Toolkit: Taking Ownership of Your Path

Remember this: whatever path you choose – employment, entrepreneurship, or a beautiful, messy blend of both – taking ownership of your progress is non-negotiable. You might stumble, you might face setbacks (trust me, I’ve twisted my ankle on this path more times than I care to admit! From the challenges of my early entrepreneurial venture, Nisbett &

x20;and George, to navigating corporate politics at Apple, it’s been a windy path, but always a learning experience.), but it’s *your* responsibility – no one else’s – to get back up, dust yourself off, learn from those experiences (because every setback is a feedback loop, a chance to course-correct &

x20;and refine your approach), &

x20;and keep moving forward, even if it’s at a tortoise pace. Remember, slow &

x20;and steady wins the race! &

x20;My own journey, especially with four kids &

x20;and a PhD, has shown me that while the path might be slower or different, taking ownership of my progress is crucial; If I don’t reach my goals, that’s on me, not on my circumstances. And that’s what true empowerment is all about – owning your journey, even the messy bits.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed &

x20;and unsure about how to balance your own personal commitments (kids, family, self-care – the whole shebang!) while also building a successful business, remember it’s all about having a system. &

x20;It’s about working smarter, not just harder, &

x20;and creating a business that energizes rather than drains you.

If you’re leaning towards entrepreneurship, &

x20;and your head is buzzing with ideas but you’re not sure where to start, our Spark Program might be just the thing to get your engine revving. It’s a four-week online group accelerator designed specifically for Foundation Builders – women just like you who are at the beginning stages of their entrepreneurial adventure. It will help you validate your brilliant idea, gain crystal clarity on your ideal client, carve out your unique niche, &

x20;and build a solid, actionable plan to get your business off the ground. It’s like having a supportive big sister (who also happens to have an MBA, a PhD in progress, &

x20;and years of entrepreneurial experience) guiding you through those first few, crucial steps, celebrating every small win along the way. Find out how the Spark Program can help you lay a strong foundation &

x20;and launch with confidence here. [Link to: Spark Program (https://www.femmeprenista.com/spark)]

Let’s Connect!

It can be so easy to feel alone on this journey, right? &

x20;It’s like you’re navigating uncharted territory, with all these new challenges &

x20;and questions popping up. &

x20;Share one big win you’ve had this week in the comments below! Honestly, I really wanna hear what’s been good. &

x20;Sometimes, just celebrating those small victories can give you the momentum you need to keep going.

P.S. Remember, it’s your journey. Own it. Make it yours.

Carlene Nisbett

Founder &

x20;and CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker)

(Femmeprenista Logo Placeholder)

Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5’0″ tall

Passionate Multitasker &

x20;and Wine Lover, You get the drift…

www.femmeprenista.com

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x20;and get more insights: Join Our Facebook Community Today.