Having spent over a decade working from home as a writer, blogger, and podcaster, I’ve navigated the challenges of multiple pregnancies, new babies, evolving industries, and the occasional puppy. Here are three insights I’ve gained about managing a home-based business:
1. You Learn to Work Among Living Distractions
Working from home means adapting to the reality that your space is shared with others—be it children, pets, or even the neighbor tending to her garden. With kids around, you might find it jarring to tackle professional tasks while surrounded by cartoons blaring in the background. If you own a dog, there will be moments when you envy its peaceful nap in the sun. And if you have a cat, you might catch it snoozing right on your keyboard.
Even if you have neither kids nor pets, you could still find yourself daydreaming about your neighbor’s leisurely activities. When distractions become overwhelming, remember you can take a break to indulge in your own hobbies—whether that’s gardening, enjoying a show, or soaking up some sun on the floor. After all, you’re in charge of your own schedule.
2. The Traditional 9-to-5 Is No Longer Relevant
In a conventional office setting, there’s an unspoken agreement about pacing oneself to avoid burnout. However, after years of working from home, I’ve come to see schedules as flexible guidelines. Some days, I may accomplish a mountain of work by 2 PM, while other days might find me staring out the window, completely unproductive.
This newfound freedom comes with certain challenges. Since I work from home, I could easily find myself working late into the night, and I’ve been known to reschedule commitments just to reclaim my time. A mid-morning nap can only happen if I’ve completed my tasks the day before—or if unforeseen emergencies don’t arise (and they often do). The key takeaway? Running your own business offers incredible freedom, but it requires a knack for seizing opportunities to get things done while staying ready to tackle urgent tasks when they arise. I wouldn’t trade this freedom for a structured lunch break or paid vacation.
3. Unpredictable Challenges Are Part of the Package
Anyone who has been self-employed knows that the day you plan to work uninterrupted is often the day the Internet goes down, or a babysitter cancels, or your preschooler demands constant attention during a conference call. The unexpected can derail your plans at any moment, whether it’s a neighbor popping in to complain or a sudden furnace breakdown. When you’re your own boss, all responsibilities rest on your shoulders—there’s no one else to pass the buck to.
Over time, those of us suited for this chaotic lifestyle learn to discern urgent tasks from non-essentials. You get selective about who you let through the door when deadlines loom, and you become adept at tuning out distractions. You might shoo your partner out for some peace, or mute your conference call to cuddle with your child. You embrace this flexibility because it’s essential to your well-being.
And during those moments when you contemplate returning to a traditional job because of the stress of waiting for client payments, you quickly remind yourself: this unpredictable yet fulfilling life is the one you chose, and you wouldn’t have it any other way.
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Summary
Working from home as a parent comes with its unique challenges and perks. You must adapt to distractions, embrace a flexible schedule, and prepare for the unpredictable nature of self-employment. Ultimately, the freedom and chaos of this lifestyle are what make it rewarding.