Sometimes the question “How to organize work at home” worries young mothers much more than the search for this job. Finding a paid activity is not as difficult as coping with it later with a small child in your arms. Working at home is difficult – there are so many distractions and very good self-discipline is required. How can mom deal with all this?
The advantages of remote working
- You can work without stressing your child with separation from mom.
- You won’t need sick leave in case of a baby’s illness.
- You can independently plan your work schedule. You have access to your work 24 hours a day.
- You do not need to spend time and money on the road, on meals and snacks. No need to buy a lot of office clothes, waste time washing and ironing them.
- You yourself are responsible for the level of your income. You may not make anything this month, and next month you will make a double profit.
Disadvantages and difficulties
- At home, it is easier to be lazy and put off work for later. You will need a good deal of self-motivation and discipline. In addition, your family will also have to get used to not interrupting you endlessly, interfering with concentration.
- You may lack communication, being all the time within four walls.
Where to find the time
So, if you decide to work remotely, the question is: when to find time for it? Let’s look at the main options.
- While the child is sleeping. Great time – the baby is asleep and does not distract you. You can fully concentrate on your work. If you work in the same room with a child, turn off the sound on the work devices. Prevent the keyboard from making noise when you type on it. Be prepared for the fact that your baby may wake up earlier than usual sometimes, and you will not finish the work you have begun.
- Early morning. Also, a wonderful time, while everyone is asleep, and you can get to work with a fresh head and clear thoughts. But if the child sleeps with you, he may wake up after his mother, feeling that she is not there.
- When the child is playing. If the baby is already a little older, you can work while he is busy with toys or watching a cartoon on a tablet. Teach your child to be independent, do not get angry if he is not doing well. First, try to spend quality time with him before work – play 30 minutes, read a book, without being distracted or interrupted.
- Look for helpers. This is extremely important for a working mother. If finances permit, hire a nanny for two to three hours while you work. You can also ask for help from grandmothers, other relatives, or a good friend.
It is best to send a helper with your baby for a walk. This will make it easier for you, there will be peace and quiet in the house, and the baby will be in the fresh air. If the weather does not allow walking, prepare toys and books for the arrival of the nanny. After all, you know better what your child likes to do.
How to organize work from home
To work as efficiently as it is possible, try to adhere to the following rules:
- Plan time for work and always have a backup.
- Take your time for a detailed step-by-step plan of your actions.
- Make sure that your workplace is always ready for use (batteries charged, detailed plan in a visible place).
- Organize files, documents, notebooks. You should always have quick access to all the information you need.
- Turn off all notifications and pop-up windows, set the phone to silent mode. Most remote employees use a special employee engagement platform that makes it easier for them to communicate with colleagues and organize work. Other notifications and applications will only distract you.
- Give up perfectionism. Remember that nothing can be ideal, and do everything normally, not perfect. For start, reduce chores to the bare minimum.
- The most important thing is to rest. Make it a rule that you don’t work after six and on weekends. Even if you didn’t manage to do something. On weekends try to relax outside the home, in nature, or visit friends. Fill yourself, enjoy motherhood, spoil and love yourself. Remember what’s the top priority in your life – you and your family.
Conclusion
Being a mother is not the easiest task. Working on your career alongside is even more challenging, but double. Follow our advice, try different options, and we are sure that you will find your sweet spot and balance. Enjoy the process. We wish you all the luck and success.
About the Author
Morgan Rose Elliott is an aromatherapist, yoga instructor, animal lover, a happily married mother of three. She enjoys reading biographies and writing poems, sunny days on the beach and any shape and form of vanilla. Crazy about the ’80s, her favorite band is Duran Duran (although kids prefer Franz Ferdinand, and the husband Blink182) and she is obsessed with Netflix original Stranger things.
