It has been a little over three months working from home. Our routines have changed a bit, but for the most part things are going smoothly. Today, I’m spilling on what it has been like — what has worked, what hasn’t and how we’re all doing with this new change:
We have some new routines but I’m still figuring out my routine…
The very beginning was trying to figure out what works and what doesn’t. I was doing work at 2AM because I hadn’t carved out time during the day to do so. A couple days in, I did not know how I was going to do it — take care of the boys, the house, and myself while working in the middle of the night. It seemed impossible.
I soon realized I simply needed to make a new routine. I now try to wake up, check emails, serve the boys their breakfasts, feed them, and get back to work while they eat and play. I take little work breaks throughout the day to catch up on work so I am done by bed time.
And though I hate to admit it, there are some days when I still do my work at 2AM …or 5AM or other odd hours. There are still times, I work in bed at night. I think this is okay though. On days when I’m flying solo with the boys or they’re sick or extra needy for whatever reason, work waits until the late hours or bedtime or even weekends.
All that being said, I think I work more odd hours now but also more efficiently. Motherhood has certainly helped teach me how to do so.
It can be overwhelming.
A big part of working from home can feel like stay-at-home motherhood plus the added work. I miss adult interaction. I do not get much time in my home office to get work done on my own. Instead the kitchen island has become my desk.
It can be especially stressful when the boys are fighting or throwing tantrums or just want me to give them my time and attention. Focusing on work during those moments is nearly impossible so I just have to prioritize their needs above my work — being able to do so is the best part of working from home.
Thankfully, I do not have to be by a computer for a set number of hours or during set times. I just have to be available somehow (cell is fine, usually); arrange in advance for video meetings or phone calls; and do my work in a timely manner. I have also had to discuss my capabilities, and what I need help with around the house with my husband, who is now mostly home, too.
I can’t do it all.
The biggest thing I have learned in this process is that as much as I want to do it “all,” I simply can’t. It’s impossible. I started out thinking I could work from home, take care of the house, care for the boys, and teach my older son preschool. I quickly realized I could not teach him the way he deserved to be taught and that he was missing out on socialization with other kids.
So, we enrolled S in preschool. It gives us some time to spend with R, get things done around the house and possibly get some work done if R naps. S absolutely loves school and I know it was a great decision. I also realized that I need help with house work and taking care of the boys. I’ve had to ask my husband to help out more but I think we have a good groove now.
It has been the best decision of my career thus far.
From what I’ve learned, the early years of motherhood are very busy chaotic. Some Many days, motherhood trumps all and takes most of my time and attention. This happens more often than not, in a ll honestly. Working from home enables me to shift my work priorities to prioritize my most important role – being their mom. My position also still challenges me, fosters interaction with co-workers, and one of the best parts is that I do not have a resume or income gap.
I am forever grateful that I have achieved as close to a balance as it gets in my career, and I can only hope it will continue this way while still being able to grow professionally.
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