Tell Us Your "What's Next" Moment

[Hybrid Mom]

Every mom we've ever known and all of us at Hybrid Mom have come to the stark realization that we have to be something other than just "mom". Some of us come to that realization sooner than others, but invariably we all eventually wonder what's next?

One mom told us "I had my "what's next" moment when I looked around my house and at my children and realized I was no longer using my brain or the skills I learned in college, so I started my own business."

What's your "what's next" moment?

[Angela Moore]

I had my moment when I was watching the Wiggles and I was silently debating who was the smartest one. Holy cow. I needed a break. I was working at the time, but it was not challenging. I'm now in an interactive marketing agency and I am challenged everyday!

[back2backboys]

I was a top Aesthetician (facialist) in a top L.A. spa before becoming a stay-at-home-mom and moving to NY. We are 45 minutes out of the city, so most women are buying their products at the cosmetic counter. While I feel completely lucky that I have the opportunity to stay home and raise my children, I have become a frustrated Aesthetician.

My favorite part of being an Aesthetician was the product / ingredient knowledge, and making over their skincare "closet". I would love to become a skincare consultant for those that don't have the time, energy or finances to get regular facials, but still need and want to know what products they really should be using. It makes my cringe when I hear someone say that they just bought something from a department store cosmetic counter when I know that they can do so much better with their money and time!

[KathyLikesPink]

It sounds to me as though you have a wonderful opportunity for starting your own business. I say, go for it!

[Linda Shapiro]

My moment came when my son was about 7 months old... I stared at myself in the mirror and looking back at me was a tired, grey velour sweat suit wearing, hair up in a knot new mom and WOW! It hit me like a ton of bricks. I used to be fun. I used to be sassy. Who was that girl looking back at me?? And where the hell did that fun and sassy girl go?? I wanted to shout to the world that I was back. I tossed the sweat suit soon after and started a business with my friend. This business of Hybrid Mom Consulting and Media... this mission of empowering moms to be whatever they want to be. We created a revolution!

[Mary Davis]

It's really interesting where life takes us! After 16 years as an entrepreneur, I finally wrote the VERY book that I could NOT find when starting my OWN business ............. a how-to book about the life balance skills needed to build a business AND raise a family at the same time. And just when I thought that being an author was one of the 'final' chapters for me.............. it turns out that becoming an author has only opened MORE doors for me...........and more business opportunities still! It keeps life interesting, that's for sure!

[Bethany]

It's crazy... I sat in front of my computer working from home as a consultant and my son started crying behind me (he was about 6 months old). I thought, "Do I want him to remember his mom this way? At a computer working for someone else, bending over backward and giving up myself in the process?"

Well, I started writing... my passion. Granted, it hasn't allowed me to stay home with him (and now his sister) full time and decide my own fate just yet. But I am sure working on it! :-)

[KathyLikesPink]

I had moments like that too. When Darling Daughter was young, I worked from home and was on the computer so much, I really felt guilty. However, I know being at home was a comfort to her. My guilt about working on the computer too much seems to have been for naught - she's 13 now and a great kid, and we have a great relationship. She's mature and responsible, and I'm very proud of her (can you tell?).

Your writing career seems to be flourishing! Congrats!

[Angela Moore]

Well done on the writing! There are so many things that I want to do and looking at my life I constantly wonder "When am I going to get to (fill in the blank)??" But, I recently made a decision: close the laptop at home. Granted, there are those nights that I cannot do that just yet (I also work in consulting) but I'm getting there. I was also able to switch my schedule from 9-5 to 7-3, and that has helped me spend more time with my kids and my husband. He is great reminding me when I've been online a little too much and need to step back into the real world. He is my rock.

What have you written? Anything published?

[Bethany]

I've written here and there... have some thing published by HyrbridMom.com, various places online, and I'm working on getting a couple of books published.

For my fiction, I write Mom Lit (some with a magical twist, others along the lines of Jennifer Weiner).

For my non-fiction, definitely personal essays that revolve around aspects of parenting.

Someday, my books will be on the shelves! ;-)

[Bethany]

I am not sure it is flourishing... but at least I am still out there trying! ;-)

[Linda Shapiro]

happy to hear that there is hope for my two boys turning out just fine... actually sitting here with my five year old, working on the laptop and watching Little Bill!! Thanks for sharing.

[Mary Davis]

Good for you, Bethany! Stick with it! (Fourteen percent of American women turn their own passion into a thriving business!) Good Luck!