Desk and chair. Check.
Laptop, keyboard and mouse. Check.
Access to food and drink. Check.
Ready to work. Yep.
Wait there’s one more on the list. Kids. Check.
Hang on a minute, kids too? Yep, this is no ordinary workplace and the hours aren’t exactly what you would call 9 to 5 either. I don’t even leave the house, well for work purposes anyway, daycare/kindy, groceries and other “fun” trips are another story.
I can be madly typing away on my keyboard and cries of “Mummmmmmy” fill the air. Or I have to stop mid-sentence to source snacks, deal with sibling squabbles or even kindy drop-off. Not to mention changing nappies and trips to the toilet.
It’s a fine balance but doable. It takes practice but it’s worth it.
Why?
Because then I get the fun of spending time with my kids and working as well. I don’t have to worry about missing out on anything.
There is probably a hint of sarcasm in there, if you know what I mean?!
Hats off to the awesome Mummas who manage to work full-time or part-time and then come home to their kids. You are more amazing than you know!
But to those of you, whose office also doubles as your family home, you are rocking it too.
We’re all mums (and many dads too) and we all work hard, no matter what. And don’t let anyone tell you any different!
Is there a downside to working from home? Always.
Some days you just can’t work because the kids won’t leave you alone, they’re really sick or tantrums ensue if you don’t play, feed them instantly or just give them attention.
Not to mention, there’s no stimulating or exciting adult conversation. I think anyone who knocks on the door must think I’m crazy with how much I talk to them.
And some days I eat more junk than I probably should. Hello chocolate, my best friend!
But the pros far outweigh the cons and when you throw in the chance to be back in the workforce again, it’s even better.
I’ll admit, there have been times when I’ve been tempted to give up on the work from home dream, it hasn’t always been easy and it’s not for everyone. But where there’s a will, there’s a way. My creative flair has often thrived better at my own home “desk”, sometimes more than it ever did in a crazy office environment.
So, even if you feel like it might be a difficult path to go down, know that you’re not alone. But it’s one that’s been well travelled before you and will continue to see many footsteps taking the same path. And if the prospect of “working” in your favourite comfy clothes, with a bowl of your favourite food at your disposable, entices you even more, why not try it?
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