When starting a business, every path comes with its own set of advantages and challenges. What are the specific pros and cons of entrepreneurship for single mothers? Let’s explore them.

The Advantages (Pros)

• No Need to Ask for Time Off When a Child is Sick This is a major benefit. Many mothers have shared that they chose entrepreneurship so they wouldn’t have to feel guilty toward an employer when receiving that sudden “please come pick up your child” call from a nursery or elementary school.
• Easier to Balance Work and Parenting Since you can set your own schedule and often work from home, you can spend more quality time with your children. This flexibility is a huge plus for family well-being.
• Income Reflects Your Hard Work This is perhaps the biggest draw. While a salaried employee usually has a fixed monthly income, an entrepreneur has no ceiling. Reaching a monthly income of 1 million yen or more is no longer just a dream—it’s a tangible goal.

The Disadvantages (Cons)

• The Risk of Failure Regardless of the business type, things won’t run smoothly until your client base or order flow stabilizes. You must be prepared for the possibility of slow periods where your reach is limited or orders aren’t coming in.
• Total Self-Management When you start a business on your own, the responsibility rests entirely on your shoulders. You must handle everything yourself—from schedule and client management to email correspondence and daily operations.
• Potential Difficulty with Loans and Credit As a sole proprietor, even if you are working hard, you may find that your “social credit” (financial credibility) is viewed more strictly by institutions. This can sometimes make it difficult to get approved for credit cards or loans.

Summary

Building a life and a business as a single mother is no small feat. It is demanding both mentally and physically. However, by performing a thorough simulation before you launch and staying focused on your goals, success is within your reach.