At-home Mom Finds Career Support &
Friends on the Net
by Michele Johnson
My name is Michele and I live in Jackson, Tennessee.
I began using the Internet and the World Wide Web about two
years ago. My two children were ages 1 & newborn at that
time. I am a writer of romantic fiction, and prior to having
children, I had always been able to get out in the world,
network with people, spend my days writing and dreaming, then
suddenly, my life was turned upside down and my time was "no
longer".
Getting out became a hardship...finding baby sitters, impossible.
Quiet time was a thing of the past. I had now earned the title of
"MOM", and as joyous as that has been for me, it had a
tremendous impact on my once "free" lifestyle.
And then came the Internet. Suddenly, I was thrown into a
world of research, socializing, and opportunity that I hadn't had
since the birth of my first child. I could access a library right
from my computer screen! I could type in a place or a subject,
and pages of information appeared mystically on my PC!
I found on-line writers groups, where I could stay in contact with
other writers, keep up with the latest trends in the market, and
learn new techniques to improve my craft. And best of all, I
met others who were willing to exchange work with me and do
critiques.
I suddenly didn't feel so isolated. When I had a problem, I
knew where I could find the answer. On the Web! And the
people...there are so many nice people out there, willing to
answer questions, offer support, and put a smile on my face,
each and every day.
Most of my time now is spent on-line. All of my personal and
professional needs are realized right on-line. My husband and I
even send each other *surprise* e-mails and greeting cards on-
line...which helps keep the fire and the caring in our marriage.
The world wide web is a new world. A big world, where others
are willing to share and converse and exchange whatever it is
you need. And I needed that communication. Now I am a
much better mother and wife, because I don't feel so "tied-
down"...Any time I want to escape, I can. Without it affecting
my family and my home life, as well as my pocket-book! The
on-line world is fantastic, and I honestly could not live without
it!
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