I’ve been easing back into a regular routine for the past three months, ever since the birth of my daughter.
I’m finding it exceedingly difficult.
Here’s my question: Can there be a balance between working from home and taking care of a baby?
I wish I knew the answer.
I have found that baby care threatens to overshadow working at home. Try as I might to find balance during the day, the fact remains that I am her primary caregiver and her needs must be met.
But just because there’s no 50-50 balance doesn’t mean it’s impossible. It IS possible to do both if you finagle things just a bit. Here’s what I’m trying to do:
- Ask for help
I used to find this really hard, but over time I’ve grown up. A LOT. And I’ve realized that everyone needs help now and then, even those of us who have a strong urge to go it alone. I need help getting everything done, and I’m really fortunate that I have a supportive family and friends. So I lean on that support network for watching baby when I have meetings or deadlines to hit. - Rethink working hours
I would absolutely LOVE to put in my work hours between 9 and 5, but that just isn’t going to happen at this stage in baby’s life. I can do some, but not all. So I try to think creatively. When the kids are awake and active — household chores! But I work on projects at night, early in the morning and on the weekends when the kids are asleep or otherwise occupied with Dad. It’s quiet. It lets me think. Yes, I do lose out on a little sleep, but not so much that I suffer. - Email is a mom’s best friend
I try to do most of my communication via email, when it doesn’t matter if you answer at 2am. Also, clients can’t hear the baby crying through email. It’s awesome! If I have to take calls, I try to schedule them when there’s little chance the baby will wake and start crying.
It’s not easy having a baby and trying to run a business, let alone work. But I’m managing. In the end, I love both of my jobs (mom and business owner), and I can’t imagine giving up either.
