No snazzy intro day, let’s just get into the list. (That should tell you where my head is at. LOL)
1) The interruptions. I do not, under any circumstances, want to go back to my old job, but you know what I miss? Being able to do into my office, shut my door, AND THEN GET WORK DONE. I could be in there two, maybe three hours some days without anyone walking in and asking me what I’m doing or asking for my assistance on something. Now? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!! The only long stretches I get are a) if I get up before everyone or b) if I keep working after everyone else is asleep. And I’ve done both.
How I’m solving it: Both kids will be in school full-time in the fall at least three days a week. I am praying with all my might that I can keep up this juggling act until then.
2) I’m gaining weight. When you work where all your food is, it’s hard not to be like, “Ooh, cupcakes that I bought last night are right here on the counter. Let me snack on one,” when you know a cupcake is NOT a snack. It’s a dessert and why am I eating dessert at 10:32 am?
How I’m solving it: I started running and I quit working at the dining room table. I also started drinking more water in an attempt to curb those cravings.
3) The urge to do housewife stuff when I’m supposed to be working. It’s like I can feel the dishes in the sink staring at me, or the clothes in the laundry room getting impatient.
How I’m solving it: I ignore it. My house is in shambles. Oh well. Keep hustling long enough and I’ll be able to afford a maid. *shrug*
4) The urge to act like a stay-at-home mom while at my kids’ school. My schedule is flexible, but I usually put in anywhere from 35-50 hours a week. So if I spend three hours at the school volunteering, that just pushes my bedtime back three hours so I can make up the work I could have gotten done.
How I’m solving it: Reminding myself that I am a businesswoman with a fledgling business. These first three years are crucial for me to be on my game and establish my business properly. I’m already halfway through year two (wow).
5) My marriage took a beating. 2011 was a beast on my marriage. Ooh wee. Straight up killed our sex life. Date night wasn’t as fun because I was constantly on the computer (oops). My being close to a breakdown on any given day didn’t get my husband all hot and bothered and happy to see me when he got home from work.
How I solved it: So glad that this one is basically solved. We definitely have hiccups here and there but it’s been evened out by the fact that I am working less hours yet making more money, so I’m a bit happier and less stressed. We have date nights and I made a new rule that I DO NOT WORK ON SATURDAYS. Giving myself one day off a week has been marvelous and keeps me grinding without complaint on the other six days of the week.
6) There is no ceiling. Like LaShanda Henry said in a recent interview I did with her, when you work for yourself, there is no cap on your salary. If you work hard, you will make a certain amount. Work a little harder or do something a bit differently and then you can make more. As a result, your ambition can spiral out of control. I know mine has.
How I solved it: I reached the point this year where I’ve been able to save—a lot. So I know my family is comfortable. We’re not scraping by anymore, but I actually have a few bucks left over at the end of the month. I’ve set personal goals for myself (X amount each quarter) and I’m meeting them. It’s important to remember not to push yourself too hard, to get your rest and for all that is good and holy, please take a day off!
Tara, my admiration for you is endless. I can only hope that I can manage to accomplish half as much as you are.
I agree with Annie!
Wow! Thanks for the confirmation. At least I know I’m not going crazy lol. Everything you’ve listed are things I’m figuring out solutions too as well! Number three is the hardest one yet!!!
You are not crazy Nicole. I too work at home and it is driving me nuts because it is so seemingly impossible! This post was a confirmation to me too that I am still in my right mind!
For the gaining weight part: I don’t keep junk food in my house. So my go to snacks are fresh fruits, veggies and granola. This is very helpful yet frustrating when you’re craving nothing but junk food.
Tara! Well said! Too often blog posts are filled with one complaint after another. You’ve come up with solutions that work best for you and your family. I particularly love items 2 and 3!