Imagine doubling up as a mom while pursuing your career all in the comfort of your home. Remote working is a dream for many, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. How do you juggle the two? If you are considering it or are already living the life but find it hectic to strike a balance, the following tips may help. These strategies range from setting up a dedicated workspace to mastering the art of time management and meal prepping. Each tip is designed to help you find a rhythm that blends professional productivity with personal fulfillment, ensuring that you can give your best to both your career and your family.
Create a Routine and Set a Schedule
One common aspect of successful working moms is that they have mastered the art of staying organized, establishing routines, and getting things done on strict schedules. You can plan your day ahead, make a to-do list, journal, exercise, or do any other task that gets you up early and ready for the day. With a strict routine for you and the babies, you can designate specific times for work while working around their eat, sleep, and play routines.
Dress for Comfort
You must have heard about the importance of dressing up for work, even when it’s remote. This establishes a routine mapping your entire day and makes it easy to schedule your time to work. Besides, you will be ready when you have to attend an impromptu video meeting. While dressing for success, remember to be comfortable. You don’t have to wear a tight suit and tie daily when working remotely. Equally important are your footwear choices; wear comfortable flat shoes that are both style and comfort, to make sure you're not just professionally ready from the waist up, but also comfortable and stylish.
Set Aside a Designated Place for Work
Juggling being a working mom can affect your productivity unless you know how to set clear boundaries to avoid distractions. You should consider investing in a designated office space or getting a lockable study where you can hide away when necessary. Your work-life balance will get back on track, and you will enjoy working remotely without affecting your productivity. Make this space your own by organizing it in a way that boosts your efficiency. Whether it’s a full room or just a corner of one, having a spot that’s specifically for work helps mentally separate professional tasks from household duties.
Stay Social
Unlike going to the office, where you can chat and hang out with colleagues during breaks and after work, remote working can be quite isolating. To avoid that, it may help to join local groups for working moms, work in shared spaces, or attend networking events where you can still maintain a connection with other people. You may realize you have much in common and even share some tips.
Set Boundaries
With a lot going on at home, it is easy to get distracted. You risk messing up your daily routine and productivity unless you set strict and clear boundaries. Have a schedule for when to work and when to attend to the kids while at the same time aligning with the schedules you set for them. Also, try to avoid distractions whenever you can and give yourself time to focus on getting work done.
Create Visibility at Your Company
As a stay-at-home mom, you must find a way to stay visible and have your efforts noticed. You may have to work extra hard by speaking up during meetings, often showing your face, and being available to assist when needed. This way, you can create a solid bond with your bosses and colleagues and get well-deserved recognition for your accomplishments. Use technology to your advantage. Be active in emails, instant messaging, and video calls. Show your work and achievements online where your team can see them. This helps keep you in the loop and ensures your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.
Take Time Off
Being a working mom can take a toll on you unless you find a proper work-life balance while doing other things you love. The plus with working remotely is that your flexible schedule allows you to pursue other hobbies and interests. When work is done, check out of your time tracking software and take a break, eat, take a walk, get your hair and nails done, or do anything that gives you peace and joy and takes your mind off the daily routine.
Start Meal Prepping
Meal prepping for work-from-home moms is like having a secret superpower. It's more than just organizing your food for the week; it creates little islands of serenity in a sea of endless to-dos and deadlines. By spending a bit of time planning and preparing meals in advance, you're not just feeding your family; you're giving yourself the gift of extra time—time that can be spent on a work project, a spontaneous game with your kids, or a rare moment of quiet with a cup of tea.
This practice brings a sense of control and peace to the kitchen, transforming it from a place of endless chores to a space where you can breathe easier, knowing you're ready for the week ahead. Meal prepping isn't just practical; it's a loving act of self-care and family care, making it truly invaluable for those handling the dual roles of mom and professional from home.
Don’t Be Afraid To Ask for Help
One of the most important tips any working mom should know is that it is okay to ask for help. When you feel overwhelmed and can’t quite strike a balance, you can hire a sitter for the kids or ask your partner, friend, or family member for assistance. When the deadlines are drawing near, and the kids' fussing is not making it any easier, you will appreciate an extra hand. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength and smart management, not a weakness. It takes a village not just to raise a child, but also to nurture a family where one or both parents work from home.
Conclusion
It is a relief to work and be an active mum simultaneously. You get the best of both worlds because you can care for your precious babies without putting your career and the job you love on hold. However, juggling the two is not always easy. While some moms are pros at it, especially after doing it before, others need some extra tips to make it work. The goal is to stay organized and set boundaries but remember that it is okay to ask for help if it gets too overwhelming. Incorporating meal prepping into your routine can significantly ease the daily rush, providing structured, healthy eating options and freeing up time for work and family. This strategy, along with others, reinforces the importance of self-care, ensuring that you're not only a devoted parent and a productive employee but also taking care of your well-being.
