A Mom's Guide to Working From Home

Part One: Balancing Family and Career Under One Roof

By Jacqueline Rupp

Read books on your subject. Talk to people who are doing what you want to do. Take a night class if needed. Taliercio suggests using online message boards to share tips and tricks. After seven months of struggling to draw visitors to her Web site, Strumbel considered ending her business. Like many moms, she was trying to manage home, business and family while still having a little time left for herself. She found strength in the online community of working moms, joined forums and message boards and learned from moms just like herself.

In the beginning, you may feel that you lack experience. When speaking with someone, act like you know what you're doing (if you've completed step No. 7, you probably do). Don't be scared to say you don't know something, though, because it's a sign of honesty, not inexperience. Be prepared for criticism, but don't be discouraged by it. "I had support from half my family," says Kelso. "There were still a few that would give me the classic line: 'Get a real job.' I'm glad I tuned them out!"

Nothing is a better motivator than doing something you love and believe in.

When it all seems like too much or you feel like you haven't gotten anything done all day, remember why you chose to stay at home. "Sure I love being a successful business woman from home," says Strumbel. "But I wouldn't be working from home if it wasn't for my kids. I'd still be in the corporate world working 60 hours a week. As long as I keep in mind that my kids are the most important thing, I figure out how to do the rest."