Hi everyone,

I'm a brand new mother of one, a baby boy six weeks old and I'm hoping to connect with other moms across Canada as well as in my local area.

I'm undecided yet whether I will remain a stay at home mom, or whether I will go back to work at the end of my maternity leave or, find a way to work from home. Does anyone have any advice, based on their experiences ?

Hi.  Welcome to the group!  My son, Liam is 13 months old.  I work part time now at The Children's Place and I enjoy getting away for just few hours every couple days.  I'm going to open up a gift basket business soon, mostly as a hobby and see how it goes.  So based on my experience, I would say to get a part time job where they won't try to pressure you into working too many hours.  Feel free to talk about your son or anything else, anytime.  We'll be here.

Kristi

Hi Kristi,

Thanks for your message and for the advice. Yes I'd definitely like to find a way to spend as much time as possible with my son, but then have something to enjoy and to escape to for a few hours a week.

Before i had my son, I worked as a Professional Graphic Designer and designed T-shirts and catalogues for a few companies. So, I was thinking of maybe utilizing my skills to create my own line of Tshirts and greeting cards and things and sell them. That's a business that will take some time to get going, so I'll maybe get it started on the side, while I'm still on Maternity Leave and then work part time or from home if I can and do the Tshirt thing on the side. That's my plan so, we'll see how it goes.

I think your idea of a Gift Basket company is a great idea. I know you'll do very well with that. I once worked for a Hallmark store and made baskets for customers and found that people really love a personalized touch.

Anyway, thanks again for your tips. I'll keep you posted on my progress and hope you'll do the same.

Vanessa

Hi Vanessa.  Thank you for the incentive to get going on my gift basket business.  I'll start working on it during my quiet time after Liam goes to bed.  I think it'd be good for us to keep each other posted on each other's progress.  Talk to you, later.

Kristi