In recent weeks, I’ve taken on as much work as possible in preparation for the upcoming holidays. As a single parent, I want to ensure my kids have a wonderful Christmas while also allowing myself some time off during the festivities. My mornings are devoted to getting a substantial amount of work done before my children require assistance with their school assignments.
My work breaks often consist of tackling household chores like unloading the dishwasher, placing grocery orders, and baking the cookies my son has been longing for. Just last week, I had to abruptly pause during a conference call because my son injured his thumb and I thought he might need stitches. Meanwhile, my daughter spent several afternoons feeling down and crying in her room, prompting me to check on her frequently to offer support.
There are days when time blurs together, and I forget to stop for meals, which inevitably leads to me making up for it later. I understand that if I don’t stay focused and complete my tasks, I’ll be up late trying to catch up, and the next day will come with its own set of responsibilities.
In the past, I identified as a stay-at-home mom. When I began working from home part-time, I still referred to myself as a SAHM when asked about my occupation. If someone pointed out that I was a writer, I would downplay it by saying, “It’s just part-time.” However, after my divorce, I worked diligently to transition to a full-time career while managing a household and raising three young children alone. The distinction between being a stay-at-home mom and a work-from-home mom is vast, and it’s essential we acknowledge this difference without judgment.
Working from home has been rewarding, fulfilling, and (mostly) convenient, significantly boosting my self-esteem. I am incredibly fortunate to have this opportunity, especially in these challenging times. Yet, it’s undeniably more demanding than being a stay-at-home mom, particularly as many of us juggle distance learning and remote work at the same time.
This isn’t a competition; I’ve experienced both roles. Balancing kids and a career at home is often more challenging than solely parenting. When your home doubles as your office, everyday distractions become impossible to ignore. Dishes piled in the sink, overflowing trash, and laundry all vie for your attention, making it tough to compartmentalize your life.
Even if you set designated times for your kids to approach you or hire help to keep them safe and fed, the reality is that your presence is still felt. Kids know you’re there, and that can lead to them needing your attention no matter how busy you are with work.
Maximizing productive time is crucial (for me, it’s early mornings after my workout), but unexpected situations can easily disrupt this focus. Recently, my daughter fell ill, and prior to that, my son struggled with a finance assignment he needed help with.
Being a work-from-home mom requires mastering the art of juggling responsibilities. It’s not about achieving balance; life with kids doesn’t recognize that concept. Every day, you find yourself throwing all the balls into the air, doing your best to excel both at your job and in your role as a mother.
I cherish my work and wouldn’t trade my financial independence for anything. However, this lifestyle is tough, especially for single or divorced parents. Each day begins with uncertainty about how it will unfold, knowing you have a multitude of tasks to tackle, all while managing the demands of your loved ones.
Because that’s what work-from-home mothers do.
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In summary, transitioning from a stay-at-home mom to a work-from-home mom comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. The need to balance work responsibilities with parenting can be overwhelming, yet it offers flexibility and independence that many aspire to achieve.