Home Business Tips

How to juggle work and family

More and more women these days are choosing to work from their homes. Although the reasons why are many, there seems to be a common thread, namely having more flexibility and more time with their children. Unfortunately, many of these women are disappointed when they realize that working at home requires just as much time, if not more, in order to be successful. All the “free-time” they thought they’d have quickly becomes a fantasy and frustration sets in. So, the following are some tips to finding harmony in your household while balancing your business and familial obligations.

• Set clear boundaries
  If you haven’t done so already, create a designated office space. Whether it’s an entire room or just a corner that has been partitioned off, it is imperative that you have a “kid free” zone. This will avoid having you look unprofessional on a business call while your two-year old is yelling in your ear. If your child is insistent about being near you, set up a desk of his own, complete with paper and pens and other office supplies. If this doesn’t work, consider hiring a babysitter for at least a couple of hours a day to ensure that you get some solid work done.
• Structure your time
  One of the good things about working from home is flexibility. However, you‘ll still want to set up some semblance of a routine. Just remember, when working in a place of business we have set hours and often a set schedule for ourselves. Don’t give that up just because you are working at home. You will find that structure will become your best friend. So, designate specific working hours and make it clear to your children and your spouse that during this time you are not to be disturbed. Make sure that this timeframe works for everyone. If possible, schedule your working hours during your children’s naptime or in the evening when your spouse can be used as a resource. Also, don’t forget to build room in your schedule for family time. Schedule a 10-minute “coffee break” to read your child a story or schedule an “appointment” to do lunch with your spouse. A helpful tool is a big calendar where not only you can keep track of your daily routine, but your family will be able to read it as well. Believe me, developing a set work schedule will benefit everyone and save you a lot of headaches in the long run.
• Invest in an answering machine
  Because you are home, sometimes emergencies do occur. An answering machine or voice mail service will be a lifesaver when you can’t get to the phone because your son just threw up. Just be sure to return all phone calls in a prompt and professional manner.
• Network with other moms
  Other women can be a tremendous resource for the work at home mom. Whether they provide moral support or ideas on strategies they have used themselves, most women are more than happy to lend a helping hand.
• Don’t aspire to be “Superwoman”
  No matter how hard you try, you’re never going to be able to please everyone all the time. Atone point or another, someone is going to feel shortchanged, whether that be your kids, your spouse, or yourself. Just remember, all you can do is your best. Try t strike a healthy balance between devoting time to your family, your business and don’t forget to devote some time to yourself as well.

Working at home can be a wonderful option for many mothers. If done successfully, it can allow the best of both worlds, spending more quality time with your children and earning an income to boot. So embrace your entrepreneurial spirit and consider the work at home option for yourself.

Our guest writer today is, Lauri Nawrot, from Albany, NY

Small/Home Business Tips 2005-12-13 Home Business Tips