By Tricia Morris

I had been working for a villa wholesaler for several years. As a matter of fact I got pregnant and had my son in June of 1998. He came to work with me every day for two years until February 2000.

Since I worked directly for the owner and our office was in his basement it worked out quite well. In February my family moved into a new home and my boss moved on the other side of town so it was agreed upon that I could have my office at my house. What a blessing since I had found out that I was pregnant with my second child.

A week before I was to deliver my baby I was laid off. Perfect timing, huh? After freaking out and letting my hormones get the best of me I immediately went into full gear. Since I was familiar with the rental business I thought why not start my own company. I already had a few owners that would allow me to book their properties so I was already ahead of the game.

My first priorities were to come up with a company name and then get a domain name registered. I started working on a web page and signed on with an internet search engine company. Then I began searching for other properties to add to my page. I contacted each homeowner individually and told them about myself. It was a great opportunity for them because it cost them nothing except a commission if I booked their house.

I have to tell there are many ups and downs. Being a small company I get squashed by larger ones or beat to the punch. Almost daily a challenge arises and I have to figure out how to come out ahead. I'm constantly trying to keep one step ahead of my competitors. It can be trying at times but rewarding when I make that booking and see a commossion check or simply to hear that the group had a good time and appreciated my help.

How is it working with children in the house? Well it gets trying at times. I have a 2 1/2 year old son who is into that terrible two stage. You don't realize how demanding children can be until you're on the phone with a client and your child is screaming in the background for some juice. Sometimes I have to pay homage to Elmo's World and Blues Clues they have been a savior at times. My little boy has taken to walking around with anything that fits to his ear like a phone and saying "hello, uh huh." He also likes to hit the keys on the keyboard and play with the mouse so I have learned the hard way that saving documents every so often is imperative. I also have an 11 week old daughter who although right now is a little less demanding can still be a hand full when she's not sure what she wants and neither do I.

Sometimes I apologize for the crying child in the background. Some people are very okay with it and others politely get to the point that they would rather hear me than the crying. When that happens you have to just deal with situation and continue on and realize that not everyone understands a working mom at home.

Tricia Morris
Costa Rica Vacation Rentals
www.crvacationrentals.com
email: crvr@mindspring.com