Why I Second Guess Hiring Moms

You’re a stay-at-home mom, whose children are growing more independent, and you want to reenter the workplace.

You don’t want to return to your former profession as a teacher, bank executives or lawyer because you left that life long ago. You just want a fun, little job that will provide some extra cash. But you want more than that.

You want a job to give you a sense of connection, of contributing, while actually getting a paycheck.

You want a job because you want to be reminded that you have half a brain, and are capable of using it.

You want a job because – and there’s no shame here – you’re bored, and tired of sharing everything with your family. At least you know, when you hang your coat in one of my employee lockers, you will not have to share it. Or clean it.

We sit down to chat and you immediately tell me, “I want a schedule that works for my family.”

I hear you. That’s my goal, too. I’m working 10- to 12-hour days now, until I can bring someone else on board.

You continue.

“I want to work only when my kids are in school. No evenings, no weekends. I’ll need a week off in the spring and another two weeks in the summer for family vacations. I cannot work Thursdays; I help in my kids’ classrooms. Every other Friday afternoon, I volunteer for the food pantry. But other than that, I’m totally free.”

You sit back, smile, and breathe in the aroma of freshly-baked bread.

As we talk, your voice becomes distant, fuzzy, and a new picture emerges in my mind. I’m getting home past 7 p.m. again. My teenagers are sprawled out in front of the television, with chips and bean dip for dinner again. They are older than your kids, but they still need me. At times, I think more than when they were little.

Oh, how I would love to hire you! And here’s why:

Moms are pros at customer service. My business is customer-driven. Moms have been on the other side of the counter enough to know how customers want and should be treated.

Moms are team players; you have each other’s backs. Just like you do on the playground. Or in your neighborhoods. Or in your community groups.

Moms are fierce. You have an amazing tolerance for pain, for dealing with less-than-ideal people and circumstances, and for pushing through tough situations. You are, after all, like me, a mom.

Moms can sell my product. Who better to sell a loaf of wholesome, preservative- and additive-free, whole grain bread to my target audience – other moms – than a mom?!

Moms, you’re phenomenal. I’d love to hire you.

If only you’d work with me – be willing to inconvenience your husband, your children, your in-laws, neighbors, and friends, not a lot, just sometimes – I’d hire you in a heartbeat.

Maybe then, we’d BOTH get what we want and need.