Some of the blogs I’ve been following touch on the work-family balance of a freelancer/worker-at-home every once in a while. Most of the “how-to” suggestions are pretty much the same. But that doesn’t make it any easier, as I’ve discovered.
I know I’ve touched on work-family balance in this blog, too. As I grow more accustomed to working at home, I’ve found the transition to working at home has become smoother, and I don’t have to rely so heavily on scheduling every little bit of my day. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a monkey wrench thrown in here and there.
This week has been one of the toughest of my new work-at-home life. The reason?
NO CAMP.
Yes, folks. Summer camp has been my secret to working at home thus far this summer, but the young one had a week off in between camps, and we’re in it.
Save me.
The work doesn’t stop, but regular hours working as a freelancer sure do. I’m working much earlier, much later, and staying more active during the day just trying to keep up with my son, who will turn 4 in a couple of weeks.
I knew this was coming, so I planned to spend much of the daytime hours doing activities — the zoo, the library, Children’s Day Art Park, etc…. My hope was that he would tire and nap in the afternoon so I could work.
No go.
There has been no napping this week, and my husband has come home to find me curled up on the couch each evening, trying to sneak in my own nap.
(That’s not me — that’s Lucky the Elephant at the San Antonio Zoo. But she looks comfy :))
Fortunately, the tough week will come to an end, and I have some time starting Friday afternoon that will allow me to catch up. Camp begins, and I am anxiously awaiting the start to school — the most wonderful time in a working parent’s life.
It helps to know I’m not alone in my struggles. If you’re interested in learning about balancing work and family life, check out these resources: