Working from home can provide a flexibility and freedom that isn’t always possible with a traditional 9-5 job. However it can be something of a challenge when you have children at home with you. Young kids just don’t understand that mummy has to concentrate! However it is possible. I have three children and I have finally managed a way to successfully work from home AND still be there for the kids. Here’s what works for me.
Writing a to-do list can be massively helpful when it comes to efficiency. You can organise what needs to be done as a priority and what can wait until a later date. I personally find I need to be able to concentrate fully when it comes to writing blog posts. I simply can’t write a blog post and give the kids the attention they need and deserve. I therefore focus on other areas when I have the kids. Responding to emails and posting social media posts don’t require quite the same level of concentration. I can also plan and jot down ideas that can be looked at again when I have more time.
Utilise any child-free time you may have. Nap times for example are a great time to really concentrate and focus. If your children don’t wake up too early, make the most of the mornings. Get up early, grab a coffee and make the most of those glorious moments before the peace is shattered! I would much rather get up early and write than work through my evenings. However you may be the complete opposite and be the most productive in the evenings. Do whatever works for you.
Planning ahead is definitely one of the strategies that has really worked for me. Having a blog planner where I can see what tasks need completing on what day really stops things from becoming too overwhelming.
I have six daytime hours a week where I don’t have the children and I use that time to get myself organised. I write (or at the very least plan) my blog posts for the upcoming week. This gives me a head start and gives me a sense of control of the tasks I’m yet to tackle.
Having a space where you can really concentrate is so important. My husband also works from home a couple of days a week and so when we moved house we knew we wanted to be able to create a space dedicated to our work. We knew we wanted a space away from the children where we could concentrate and keep essential paperwork away from sticky fingers! My husband ideally wanted the room to be as close to his work office as possible with two desks, meeting chairs, and cupboards so we could both work simultaneously. We eventually settled for a smaller space that we could fit all the essentials.
Having that space that’s dedicated to work really helps me focus and get in the writing zone. However if don’t have the room, check out these 3 tips for working from home when you don’t have an office.
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. If you’re setting yourself unrealistic goals you’re never going to meet them. Manage your own expectations but also manage those of the people you work with/for. Don’t be afraid to say no if the request is unreasonable. We’re only human!
Do you work from home? Do you have any tips to share? Let me know in the comments!
Disclaimer : this is a sponsored post.
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