WAHM Forums

Ikes!


I'm sooo lost!


OK, DT is sending me as an MVP All Star to Vegas Jan. 9 - 11.


Now, I've been invited to an upper manager meeting that I didn't qualify for, but our Diamond Director opened it up since I sent her an email about a month ago. I really wanted to go to this and think it's a great opportunity. But, it's Jan. 13 -15. That would be almost a whole week away from the kids, if my DH would say go.


I"ve already committed to All Stars, but really want to go to MUM's.


Then, in February, I'll be gone from Feb. 11 - 15 in Bahamas.


And then the end of the month is our Home Show, so I'll be home in the mornings, but gone for 4 afternoons/evenings. I'm hoping my team will work a lot of that though. And my DH will be gone this last weekend as well.


Then I'll be a good mom and not leave my boys until July for convention.


What do you think? I really need to get DT to the next level, and MUM's would really help. But I'm not sure about leaving them.


Debbie

Debbie,

Ah, the age-old dilemma! What kind of support structure do you have
when you are gone? I can only speak from my experience, and I did have
lots of support. My kids loved going to Grandma's house, or to Aunt
Laura's house for a couple of days when dad had to work. Dad was the
main source of support, and hopefully your husband is seeng the
monetary rewards (that's what speaks loudly to men) that will ultimately
help your family's financial bottom line.

I was worse off than my kids! LOL!! Yes, you will be busy, and there will
be lots of fun and work to do, but they will always be in the forefront of
your mind. If the kids are old enough, sit them down ad explain the
situation to them, and hopefully they will understand a little about why
you wil be gonea lot in the next two months. Hope this helps a little.

Congratulations! You're doing a great job!

Nondy

If it were me I'd be in the same dilemma. But I've also learned that my kids survive without me too. (Although I've never been gone more than 5 days in a row). Personally the issue for me would be finances and strapping my parents into watching the kids for that time, but if you don't have to worry about the money and (as posted above) your support structure is good, I say go! You can make lots of calls home to make sure everyone is ok and just think how much more you'll appreciate your family when it's all over and done with. I always find when I go to things alone that my husband is amazing versus so many others who don't support their wives so that's a nice perk. Keep us posted on your decision!!

You basically have two things to consider.


On one hand, you are currently providing most of the financial security for your family. If it were your husband's work, and he had to travel on several business trip in order to get ahead, you'd probably force him to go. Putting the same importance on your career, you should probably go.


On the other hand, the reason why most of us get into this business is to be available when our family needs us. We didn't go out into the "real world" and get "real jobs" because we want to be able to set our own hours. So, from this angle, spending a lot of time at home is counter-intuitive to a direct sales job.


So, I would sit down and make a list of your goals for 2006, business and personal goals. Then, I would decide if it's in your best interest to stay home or go. What actions will help you acheive as many goals as you can? Perhaps you can attend the conference, but only for 2 days instead of all four. Sometimes the first day is just a "get to know you night" and the last is a farewell banquet. Cutting the trip short might still allow you to get a good amount of knowledge, while still being able to be at home.


Good luck with your decision!!


Melissa

On one hand, you are currently providing most of
the financial security for your family. If it were your husband's
work, and he had to travel on several business trip in order to get
ahead, you'd probably force him to go.



Melissa




Good point.




Deb I would weigh how much benefit the MUMS would really be.
If its just hype and excitement, I'd say to not do it. But if
they are really going to tell WAYS to build and support a team,
bookings, sales, etc...then it may be worth it. Can you see the
difference I am talking about?? I know it in my head but am nt
sure it came out right! lolsmileys/smiley36.gif

I think I need to go to MUM's because the subject is the one area I need to focus on, helping others become managers. And every year I have heard how amazing it was. I actually initiated the "let me come" because I wanted to go so bad. Then I got the invite to Vegas and figured I wouldn't be eligible for MUMS.


So, my mom said she'll help! smileys/smiley32.gifOnly because she knows I need this. My 2006 is going to be amazing. And my DH said "OK" too.


I'm going to spend 1 - 2hours a day the next 2 weeks making calls to book January and follow up on recruit leads so when I get back the momentum will already be there, I'll just need to put what I know in action.


I also talked to my 5 year old for his opinion who said "that's fine mom." smileys/smiley2.gifAnd he promised to help with his brother. Honestly if he would have said "no, I need you", I would have stayed.


Thanks for the support,


Debbie

Well......out of the mouths of babes.


That's awesome, Deb! Just awesome!

I think it's a small sacrifice to make if you want to get to the next level. You have a hubby and a mother to help, take advantage of it! plus you are not leaving your child with a stranger ;) good luck.





Vanessa

I agree with the others! Something that we work at home moms don't think about is that we are doing what we do to be there for our kids, but we also NEED to grow and develop as leaders and WOMEN too. Just because we're committed to being moms who do all we can to stay home, does NOT mean we cannot do occasionaly things for our business/personal/or spiritual growth. Going to something like this opportunity you have been given and feeling GUILTY the whole time is also counterproductive. Your mom sees your need to go, your husband is willing to take up some slack and your children are secure enough and well loved enough to be ok with you going, so you must be doing SOMETHING right!

I think it's SO important to teach kids that while we love them enough to do ALL we can to be home with them, that their parents can come and go and return and things can be just fine so that they grow up secure in being without mom or dad for periods of time and things are still OK. It empowers them as THEY grow to be loving and family oriented but to also follow their dreams and passions without guilt.

I attended a three day seminar/retreat with my company two months ago and it literally changed my life. It affected not just my business, but my life, my relationships with my kids and husband and made my business grow in such leaps that eventually it will CUT down the hours that I work. I had such a powerful experience that my first downline Director is right this moment attending the same seminar this weekend and I TOOK HER KIDS FOR HER!! Because I wanted her to experience the growth and leadership experience that I did. And while I already adore her kids and they love coming here, we've had some cranky, sibling quareling etc but other than that, they are FINE and they think THEY are the ones having the "weekend away".

GO...GROW...and allow yourself to become the leader/example/success that will only inspire your kids MORE!!!

We'll all want a full report when you get back!

LeAnn