In May of 2006, Salary.com released an annual market valuation of a mother’s work. After interviewing hundreds of stay-at-home and working mothers, they calculated the 10 most common tasks mothers do and the market valuation for those tasks. According to their findings, the average “SAHM” (Stay at Home Mom) would earn $130,000 plus per year for working more than ninety hours per week.
More recently Salary.com valuated the “earnings” of a working mother which was over $80,000 annually for the “mom job” portion of their work. That’s in addition to their actual “work job” salary.
So, considering these findings, wouldn’t it make sense that a “WAHM” Work at Home Mom would earn over $200k per year if they were actually paid for the “mommy” portion of their jobs?
Trust me; I have no plans to start another “mommy war” by suggesting that “WAHMS” are somehow more valuable than working moms or stay-at-home moms. I simply think that the calculations show how complex it working from home can be.
Here are some things to consider…
Salary.com determined that the average SAHM puts in over 90 hours per week performing her “mom-job”. How many hours do you spend on your home based business? If you add the hours together, most WAHMS probably only get a few hours of “vacation” each week.
The mom “job description” that was factored into this report included such things as; CEO, Cook, Daycare Operator, Psychologist, Housekeeper, Facilities Manager…and more. Now, add on your WAHM job description. Pretty impressive resume, huh?
While I don’t plan to camp out next to my mailbox waiting for my “mom-paycheck”, I am going to give myself a quick pat on the back…and indulge in a 15 minute mini-vacation in my bathtub tonight.
I hope you’ll also take some time to honor yourself and your hard work. You’ve clearly earned it!