Are you at the point in your life where you are dealing with the empty nest syndrome? If you are, you, like many women, may be feeling a void in their life. Up to now, you have been a more active mom. You’ll always be “mom” but your role may not be quite so involved anymore. The house seems empty, and, especially, if you have been a stay-at-home mom, you may not be quite sure what to do with your time now.
Kids have a habit of growing up and moving away! They may be off to college, have gotten married, or have moved away to pursue a career opportunity. Whatever the reason, the result is the same – empty nest syndrome.
This phase of life can leave women feeling unfulfilled, depressed or bored. While this is normal and may last for a period of time, there are some things you can do to quicken its departure.
I remember having a conversation with my own wonderful mom one day out on the back step of the house I grew up in. She was feeling quite down because she, then being in her fifties, was at a loss of how to spend her time. She had always been a “stay at home mom.” She was always there for us – no matter what. Now, all of her four children were grown and out of the house, and she felt she was too old to go back into the workforce. She didn’t know how to fill all the hours in her day.
That conversation really left an impression on me, and it cautioned me to always stay involved in “something.” I left my job when I was pregnant with my first child and never looked back. I homeschooled my children for ten years, and in that last year of homeschooling my youngest, began to pray and ask God what I should do next. I felt He led me to start a home based business. The first business I started only lasted about a year, then I started my current business and have been doing it for close to three years now. I am so grateful God led me to this, as it has been challenging and given me purpose in my life, as well as a way to spend my time.
If you are experiencing the empty nest syndrome, it is important to get involved in something. Some women volunteer their time at a hospital or nursing home. Others may take a class, or join the Y or a gym. Still others begin a home based business.
I am partial to the home based business idea, as that is what I do, and I love it. I think it provides you with something to do that has purpose, as well as bringing in some income, but at the same time, allows you flexibility. You can still get together with friends and family, volunteer at church, or do what is important to you.
A home based business will keep you challenged, offer you new things to learn, and help you to cope with the empty nest. It is important that we keep growing. Learning everything involved in running a business can do that for you.
If you would like some help deciding on a business or getting it up and running, I am here to help. Visit my Small Business Consulting page.
Article by Laurie Neumann
