The Truth Behind Mommy Myths: Debunking Misconceptions About the Work-From-Home Life

Okay, moms, brace yourselves. We’re about to turn the page on some of the internet’s favorite stories about us. You know, the ones where working from home means we’re always in PJs, shirking the snot-nosed, door-slamming world of the office.

But are these tales just comforting fiction invented by someone who didn’t see yesterday’s peanut butter stains? Let’s get into it.

Myth 1: Working from Home Isn’t “Real” Work

Myth Busted, and Here’s Why

The Misconception:

You’ve probably heard it before – “She’s just working from home. It’s not like she has a real job or anything.”

The Reality:

That’s a narrative a lot of us can bust without even trying. Whether you’re crunching numbers for a software company, managing a team from the comfort of your kitchen table, or juggling freelance gigs like a web design superhero, your work is just as impactful and demanding as anyone else’s.

I can personally attest to this. When I was the new mom at the girls’ school, I wasn’t even sure how to approach and feel comfortable saying I was working from home. When you start your own business, it’s all in all the time, and usually, the payout is very little.

For me, blogging always felt like a hobby in the first couple of years because I based it on the money I was making. It changed my perspective as soon as I reached that six-figure blogger amount.

The Takeaway

The value of your work isn’t defined by your distance from the office or the amount of money you make.

Myth 2: Working from Home Means You Have Unlimited Free Time

Myth Busted, and Here’s Why

( First, for my long-time followers, I loved using an older image here because it is challenging when your kids are younger and you are working from home)

The Misconception:

“But you’re at home all day. Can’t you just pick up the kids from school, bake a cake, and write a novel before dinner?”

The Reality:

Free time? What’s that? Working from home means the office never really closes. Juggling work duties with everyday life is an art form—one we’ve mastered.

Part of the reason I wanted to get back out into the workforce was because when you work from home and have your own business, you are always thinking about it, and when an idea or something comes to mind, you can easily do it.

This creates a habit of constantly working, which, if you are starting your own business, is necessary in the beginning, but it can also create unhealthy work boundaries.

My Mom-Win Solution

I swear by my lists—digital, paper, you name it. My favorite way to stay organized is using Trello. think of it like a digital Post-it note but organized. It’s free, so save that to your phone now.

Seeing my tasks laid out is a visual cue that my time is my own, and I need to manage it like a boss. I’m the CEO of my own chaos.

I also set work hours. I tried to keep to a schedule of 9 am – 2 pm. I would even allow myself an hour lunch to break those habits. Of course, you want to keep a little flexibility. The beauty of working from home is that if you make a mistake on something, you can usually fix it quickly.

The Takeaway

Setting boundaries and curating your own schedule is the key to avoiding burnout and keeping that creative cake-mixing energy alive.

Myth 3: Working-from-Home Moms Neglect Their Families

Myth Busted, and Here’s Why

The Misconception:

How often have you heard, “She’s too busy working to care about her family”? It’s enough to make any rainbow cake crumble.

The Reality:

The work-from-home mom stereotype is just that—a stereotype, not the standard. Moms are mothers first, whatever our workflow looks like. We multitask better than any laptop could manage. When you are an entrepreneur, or you love the work you are doing, it energizes you. I love working and trying new things, and the constant change in blogging allows me never to be bored.

BUT that means I could work nonstop if I wanted, but that’s not going to happen. Being able to work from home allows you to be near your kids in a way that leaves your heart a little empty when you work at the office. No, I’m not knocking working out of the home, as I currently do that. This is why I can tell you my heart misses them differently.

Mom guilt will always exist, whether you are working from home or away from home. Ideally, we all wish there was more time.

A Heartfelt Note

I’ll admit, I’ve felt the tug of this myth’s undertow. The guilt can be crushing. But showing my kids my work and the dedication I put into it has been a source of pride for us all.

The Takeaway

Setting aside and actively scheduling dedicated family time is magic for easing misunderstandings about priorities.

Myth 4: Working from Home Moms are Less Productive

Myth Busted, and Here’s Why

The Misconception:

“Sure, she’s at home, but nothing’s getting done. The laundry’s piling high, and her email’s a ghost town.”

The Reality:

Research shows that remote workers are often more productive. You can cultivate the perfect productivity oasis when you’re in charge of your environment. For example, you could throw in a load of laundry and put it in the dryer, never folding it, because who has time for that anyway?

The truth is those chatting breaks, or 15-minute breaks, can be a quick clean-up or starting the dishwasher.

Unleashing My Productivity

Over the years, I’ve discovered a few hacks, like the magic of the Pomodoro Technique for focus and the power of my playlist to push through those tough afternoon slumps.

Finding what works for you isn’t just an option. It’s a necessity for remote moms to thrive and show the naysayers the truth of their daily output.

Myth 5: Working from Home is a Lonely Lifestyle

Myth Busted, and Here’s Why

The Misconception:

Friends and (some of the less considerate) family might assume that your work life is a solitary confinement, void of human interaction.

The Reality:

Thanks to modern technology, from virtual water cooler chats to Zoom meetings, loneliness is as avoidable as an unscheduled conference call.

I do believe this is true if you don’t make a point about building connections. It’s easy to get caught up in our routines for years and then one day realize we miss talking with others and meeting new people. This is another reason I decided to get back into the workforce!

Creating My Community

I’ve never felt more connected than when I’m trading tips with other remote mamas. It’s like we have our own little hive mind buzzing with mutual support and understanding. I also have the huge advantage that my bestie is an influencer and can understand the whole crazy side of my blog’s social media.

The Takeaway

Intentionally fostering a network, whether in your industry or of the local PTA variety, ensures that your workday isn’t just a spot on the family calendar but a shared experience.

Your Turn to Share

I’ve shared my experiences; now it’s your turn. What has your work-from-home mom life taught you? How do you combat the myths that plague us? Sharing your wisdom supports our fellow moms out there and strengthens the remote work landscape for everyone.

So, keep on busting those myths. Keep making beautiful work-from-home magic that changes perceptions and, quite possibly, changes the world. After all, who runs the (home) office? Moms. And we run it like a dream. Keep it up, superhero moms. Your cape looks great, by the way.