Being a mum is probably the toughest job in the world. It’s underpaid, it has long hours and there’s never a decent enough break. When you add a job on top of your duties as a mother, you’ve just about broken the mould on how much you can stretch yourself as a person. As a woman, the working world is a dog fight. You’re constantly fighting to stay on top, better yourself in business and stay balanced with your home life. This is where working from home is a Godsend.
Photo credit: David Mulder
So much of the world is turning to technology, as it’s open 24/7. This encourages more flexible working and remote opportunities for working around your family. Working from home gives you a freedom that the four walls of the office do not. If you have a family and you want to switch to freelancing, you may find that you need to get yourself further educated to be able to do so. Having young children can be unpredictable, but the yearning for a career, earnings and a sense of self is so strong for some women.
Before you make the decision to change careers, or further yourself in the job you already do, think about the steps you need to take to get there. If your current job doesn’t offer you the opportunity to further your knowledge or work from home, you need to take your destiny into your own hands. Go online with Maryville University and top up your qualifications. Take that refresher into the working world and pad your CV with everything you’ve learned. Then, find the role you always dreamed of and make it what you can from home. It doesn’t have to be difficult to leave your new baby, when you can work from your own home.
Motivation is the biggest stickler when you don’t have to turn up at an office. You still need to earn a wage, so while the office hours aren’t as fixed, you still need to carve out time in your day that you dedicate purely for your job. Just because you work from your dining room, doesn’t mean you should pretend that you have a day off. Staying motivated is more than just clocking in and out remotely with your boss. It’s getting up and getting dressed so you feel ready for your day. Dress as you would for work, albeit a little more casually, so that you can feel empowered to complete your tasks efficiently.
If you are able to, use a spare room as an office. You may not have a long commute, but you still need to separate your home life with your work life. The two may blend occasionally but if you can avoid it, do so. You’re a working mother, and there will be some moments when you’re balancing a baby while trying to send an email, but this shouldn’t be a very regular occurrence. Having a separate space can give you a concentration you wouldn’t find on the couch.
Being a Mumpreneur is all about staying motivated and while it isn’t always plain sailing, you can make it happen.