Nix9to5

The Work at Home Reality

// August 27th, 2010 // Balance, Time Management, Work at Home

 

My dedicated readers have noticed that, once again, I have been missing in action.  My husband returned to work two weeks ago when teachers reported for the beginning of school.  Since that time, the reality of being a work at home mom has set in.  I am so happy to stay home with my Bear all day, and I don’t regret my decision for a second.  I went up to my old school yesterday to have lunch with a friend, and while it was good seeing them, and I miss my friends, being there for even the short time I was there just really helped solidify that I made the best decision for myself and my family.

However, the reality of being a WAHM is more difficult than I anticipated.  I told myself that I knew that I would be every bit as busy as a WAHM as I was as a mother who worked outside the home.  I told myself that, but I am not sure I fully grasped it.

Here is the reality:

I have to work during naptime and after bedtime every day.   A big problem is tha since the Bear went to a toddler bed, his naps have been cut nearly in half.  Since he isn’t trapped in the crib, as soon as he starts to wake up, he gets out of bed (if anyone has any suggestions short of tying him to the mattress, I’d love t hear them).  This means that my ability to work in the daytime has been seriously restricted.

I cannot blow off work.  Every article, every minute counts.  If I procrastinate, everything snowballs so that I quickly become buried.  If even one client decides he isn’t happy with my turnaround time, we’re in big trouble.

Everytime I think I am caught up, I get a new load of work.  This is actually a VERY good problem to have, but it does keep me from ever feeling like I’m caught up–or even, miraculously, a little ahead.  Working ahead is my goal, but it never seems to happen.

I have exchanged a steady paycheck for small, inconsistent, and not guaranteed checks.  This is scary and stressful.  What if something were to happen to my husband?  What if I lose a client?  I’m sure it would all work out in the end, but it would be painful and difficult, and would mean that I could not provide for Bear in the way I want.

I could not do this alone.  At all.  I am very lucky that I have family nearby to support me.  Bear spent all day Monday with his grandma and grandpa, and he will do so again today.  I know that I could take him to Auntastic and Uncle Awesome anytime I needed to.  Without that support, without that time to work, I think being a work at home mom might be impossible for me.

However, I am certain that I have made the right choice.  The difficulties and sacrifices don’t even come close to outweighing the rewards.  If you are considering working at home, my advice is to do whatever you can to make it happen.  Just be prepared.

Now.  I really have to go do the work that pays the bills.  You may not hear from me again until the first of September, when I’ve finished all of August’s projects and sent my invoices.  Trust me, though.  I’ll be back soon.  You’ve stuck with me for the first part of my journey, and as I continue on this path, I want to share it with you.

Hi-ho, hi-ho.  It’s off to work-at-home I go!