How To Change An American Nightmare into the Dreams of Tomorrow

Entrepreneurship is not just a philosophical dream; it is the vehicle to accomplish dreams. This trillion-dollar enterprise is the American Dream in action. America was built on the concept of entrepreneurship. The first settlers came for the opportunity to live a life that would never be possible in their native country. The American West was the uncharted territory that promised adventure, opportunity and wealth. Men were not alone in this venture; women were right by their sides facing the same hardships, rejoicing in the same triumphs.

While trailblazing has opened up the world of opportunity for women, being part of the traditional workforce has, however, exacted a heavy price from these women. Despite the reward of increasing earning potential, many women face the challenge of balancing work and family. They often find themselves in a dilemma: pressure to work longer hours, increased commute time, and rising childcare costs all take their toll.

In addition, the structure of the American family looks nothing like it did when women were leaving the home and entering the work force. In a report to the Women’s Bureau of the U.S. Department of Labor, The Economist reported that “in 1950, single mothers were less than three percent of families; today they make up more than 12 percent of family households. Between 1970 and 1998, the ratio of divorces shot up by more than half, and the rate of out-of-marriage births more than tripled.” These statistics clearly indicate the burden that working women who are also mothers must bare. The American Dream seems just that: a dream with no hope of fulfillment.

Marie is a young single mother of four children who sometimes finds herself having to choose between her job and caring for her children. Unfortunately, her story is not unique.

Earlier in the week, Marie’s two-year old daughter, Abby, was running a fever. She had a sleepless night and kept Marie up all night. Marie knew she couldn’t take her to daycare, and her only option was to stay home from work, lose a day’s pay and take Abby to the doctor. Her boss was not going to be happy, but she had no other option. The medicine was more than she could afford to spend, but Abby had to have something that would help her get over the ear infection that was making everyone’s life a misery.

After a day on the medicine, Abby was much improved, but life has a way of throwing things off track. Marie got up at the usual time 5:30 am and was preparing to get the children up to get ready for school when the news report announced that all schools were closed because of the heavy snow. This would include all daycare centers in the city. This news could not be worse. Marie, however, was expected to be on the job regardless of the weather. Clearly, this was a no-win situation that might result in Marie losing her job.

Research relates the sad fact that for the last 20 years, the number of single mothers in bankruptcy has increased more than 600 percent; if this trend continues, more than one of every six single mothers will go bankrupt by the end of the decade” (Report to the Women’s Bureau of Dept. of Labor).

Single mothers, however, are not the only ones who have challenges regarding balancing family responsibilities and work. Pam is a woman whose family situation is the antithesis of Marie’s. Pam has a supportive husband who has a wonderful job. This allows Pam the luxury of staying home with her children and living a life free from worries regarding finances. Once again, however, life can throw a curve and change the situation.

In an attempt to cut costs, the company Chuck worked for went through restructuring, and Chuck was laid off from his high salaried position. Pam and Chuck lost their only source of income. Pam knew she could no longer live the life she was accustomed to living. She must actively help with the family financial situation, but leaving her children in daycare was not an option she was willing to consider. Pam also knows what it’s like to work in the corporate world. The long hours, the stress and impact on her children left her with a burning pit in her stomach and a lump in her throat.

Is the American Dream only an empty promise for Marie and a sad memory for Pam?

In the 21st century, women are finding another alternative to the traditional working conditions that Marie and Pam find themselves in. Women are discovering that the option of having a home-based business can solve many of the challenges they face trying to live a balanced life and do the best for themselves and their family.

In many ways, Marie and Pam are very fortunate. They live in a land where having a dream can become a reality. Opportunities are there waiting for the taking, and the opportunity in network marketing has never been better. Network marketing is open to everyone regardless of background, specialized skills or capital worth. It’s a level playing field for those who want to be in the game. Entrepreneurship is the game of a lifetime that makes dreams come true.

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