What exactly is "it" about those of us moms (and dads) who work from home? I am in daily contact with other telecommuters and have long discovered that we are, without a doubt, a breed of our own. Many of us formerly held brick and mortar, *real* jobs at one time or another. What was it when our children began arriving that compelled us to find a way to stay home with our family while still attempting to carve out an income?

We all know it's a fact that the majority of us took a huge pay cut in order to be here with/ for our kids 24/7. Many of us start out with no salary while starting home businesses. Why? I am in no manner knocking women that work outside the home, but for myself, I knew that I couldn't back out of my driveway each day knowing it would be eight hours or longer before I was reunited with those faces staring out of the window.

I gave up a comfortable salary and all the conventional perks but I have gained so much from being a hands-on mom these past fourteen years. No longer am I frantic if one of the kids is sick- I know I can and will be here for them. I have never missed a day picking them up from school and hearing first-hand how their day was. They have never had to wait until I got home from work to ask my advice or share something that happened at school. I feel like a kid again during summer break: the pool, water parks, movies or just hanging out on a beautiful summer day.

I think the difference between those of us who have left the corporate ratrace and those that only daydream about it is that we telecommuters are risk-takers. We are willing to take that huge first step into the unknown. Without a doubt, it can be terrifying starting a new business and operating in the red for what seems an eternity but... I have stuck it our like so many others and am so glad that I did. I love my job, being able to stay home with my family and I am so appreciative that I have truly found the "perfect balance between work and family."