It's HARD! Most home-based working moms and other
entrepreneurs are saying the same thing now, how do I do it
all? How can I run a business and balance a family at the
same time? The pressure of clients, busy schedules, snow
days, etc., can be daunting. I know, I've been working at
home since 1985 and although it gets easier, it is still a
challenge.
Here are some tips for finding balance. They have helped
me considerably through the years and I hope you enjoy them
as well.
1. Keep in mind that it's a learning process. No one is
perfect. One of the greatest gifts I did learn was to no
longer beat myself up so much. So what if I didn't do it
all today. So what if my house didn't pass a white glove
test today (or ever). I really enjoy my business. I
really enjoy my family. I feel as long as I set a good
example for my kids, and keep my clients happy the best I
can, I'm a winner today.
2. To be able to get it all done and enjoy your family,
create boundaries, both work-related and personal. You
don't want to have to do it all and once you start saying
no, you'll be amazed how truly awesome it feels. When you
keep in control, things run better. Plus, I believe both
your family and clients appreciate knowing what is expected
of them.
3. Have a schedule to follow and stick to it as much as
possible. Avoid unnecessary interruptions, including
constant e-mail checking. Set a timer for checking emails,
message boards, routine tasks. Think of time as money.
Avoid time robbers such as friends that IM all day just to
chat. This isn't to say you can't have fun and friends,
you want that, just keep control and don't let it interrupt
your day.
4. Get out of the office and do your work whenever
possible. I do a lot of writing and proofing as a
publicist and virtual assistant. Instead of sitting in the
office, I take it the local coffee shop, bookstore,
library, outside patio, beach, etc. It feels great to have
a change of pace. A good cup of java and I'm good to go.
Plus, find out if you can take your kids places and work.
I will often be able to take my kids to the beach where
they can play and I can catch up on some edits.
5. Multitask whenever possible. When I prepare dinner, I
will often do a crock-pot meal with the meat designated and
also prepare a meal in the oven as well so I'll get two
meals out of it. You feel like you have a day off on Day 2.
Also, I'll prepare my kid's lunches and my own lunch while
I prepare dinner. That way I can prepare a healthy lunch
and snack the night before for both of us. When I'm not in
a rush in the morning, I have more time to devote to
putting healthy things together. You'd be amazed how good
it feels to stop and eat a pre-made salad or sandwich while
working instead of grabbing for something else.
6. Take small vacations to get away. Plan a Friday,
Saturday, Sunday vacation. This really helps because we
don't feel like we are always working. Also, when you're
busy, don't let exercise and going to the gym be the things
you give up. You need those for energy.
7. Take weekends and evenings off. It's so easy to get
caught up working 24/7. But when you take this time off,
you feel so much more energized. And you get to connect
more with your children.
Working at home can be a challenge, but it can also be the
most rewarding journey ever. I believe that not only I
benefit from the experience, but my children as well. They
get to see a confident positive mom who loves going to work
every day. And that's priceless
----------------------------------------------------
Diana Ennen, Author/Publisher/Publicist, President of
Virtual Word Publishing,
http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com and
http://www.virtualassistantstartups.com . Virtual
marketing at its best. Stop by for free information on
starting your business or a sample busymom cookbook. Free
to print as long as bio remains intact.
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