Canada is known for having excellent maternity leave, especially in light of the recent extension to 18 months. However, many women do head back to work reluctantly when it’s over as they find their priorities have shifted, commutes may not easily line up with daycare hours, and the time away from little one begins to take its toll.
While being a new parent may seem like a terrible time to start your own business, for many women, it was the kick start they needed to make a career change. Here’s a few of the top reasons that have inspired moms to start their own business.

Flexibility

Many employers today are working hard at being more flexible, but for most you are still expected to sit at a desk roughly between 9 to 5. Running your own business means that you can (somewhat) be in control of your hours. From sick days to doctor’s appointments, after school sports to parent-teacher meetings, flexibility is the number one factor moms cite for leaving the 9 to 5 world.

Time Management

“Babies are little efficiency makers,” says mompreneur Marie Hunter. “I spent so much time before I was mom thinking that I was “working” when I really wasn’t. When Jayden showed up I really had to double down and focus and do the uncomfortable things that would make the most impact on the business.”
When you work in the 9 to 5 world you are often judged on the hours you put in, not just your outputs. When you work for yourself, you decide how long that project needs to take and what hours you need to get it done.

Finding Meaning in Your Work

“When I went back to work after my first maternity leave, everything was different. I couldn’t work late anymore and I hated constantly being in meetings. It made me wonder, “What’s the point?” shares mompreneur Jacqueline Fisch.
For many moms, having your first baby makes you question what’s important in your life. You may have been toughing it out in a job for a while waiting for that next promotion, but now it may not be worth the wait anymore.

Setting an Example for your Children

There’s no better way to instil a good work ethic in your children then by demonstrating it first hand for them. “My daughter has given me so much inspiration” says mompreneur Patrice Mousseau. “She sees her mom out there doing it and wants to be an entrepreneur now herself.”
If you’ve been toying with the idea of starting your own business and have recently welcomed a child into your life, let it be the kick you need to take the first steps. Just like you’re never 100% ready to be a parent, you’ll never be 100% ready to start your own business either.