I am a young woman. Can I have it all?

Dear Aunty B,

I am in my early 30s and have just found out that I am pregnant with my first child. That is good news though a bit unexpected!

I was planning to start my own business and have it running for a few years before I had a baby. The business I have planned can be run from home and, in the early stages at least, just run by my business partner and myself. But I am wondering if I should put that on hold and return to my job at the bank after the birth? What I want to know is what will be easier? Having a child, work part-time at the bank and watch my career prospects go on hold or take the plunge now and set up my business.

One of the reasons I wanted to start the business was to give myself more flexibility!

KT
Vic

Dear KT,

Go for it. You are obviously an intelligent woman who has done your numbers. You say you planned to start the business when you have a two year old. I can’t see much difference if you start your business now and at least have it up and running before the baby or starting it when your child is still young and you are likely to have a second one on the way.

Most business owners who have babies do say that they slowed the growth of the business for a few years when they started families, so the business will probably not grow as fast as you would like it to because of course you will have split focus in the early days.

But keep this in mind: there is never a perfect time to have a baby or start a business.

You deal with the cards you draw!

Good luck!
Your Aunty B

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