Children whose mums work are likely to earn more money in the future than the offspring of non-working mothers. For most mums, going self-employed is ideal as it allows them to flexibly work from home. Research even shows that self-employed mothers choose to work for themselves for family-related reasons. But how do you ensure that you succeed as a mum at the same time as making a success of your work-from-home business?
Be flexible
As a mum, things pop up when you least expect them to. For example, your child may fall ill and not be able to attend school. The non-attendance rate in Irish schools is around 5.8%. You have to be flexible so you can deal with issues like these and ensure the smooth running of your work-from-home business. This means you need to be prepared to work early in the morning, in the evenings after the kids have gone to bed, and on the weekends. It’s also worth having reliable childcare on hand who can help when you have meetings or important deadlines to meet.
Make the most of your time
The average woman completes 59 tasks in a day, according to the Daily Mail. With so much to do in one day, it’s essential you use as many time-saving hacks as possible. This can include bulk making lunches at the start of the month, freezing, and taking them out the night before you need them. Batch cooking is also recommended as is prepping the kids’ school uniform for the week ahead at the weekend. When it comes to work, use simple time-saving tricks to make yourself look professional for online meetings. A neat top knot will ensure your hair looks neat and tidy. Having multiple structured tops in bold colours in your wardrobe means you haven’t got to worry about what to wear before every video call.
Prioritise your workspace
The Irish Times says it’s important not to work from your kitchen table. This is because you run the risk of being distracted by chores such as washing the dishes and cleaning the worktops. When you work-from-home it’s essential you have your own dedicated workspace, free from piles of washing and your kids’ homework. This workspace could be a dedicated office in your spare room. Or you may need to think about building an office in your back garden so you can work in peace.
Being a self-employed work-from-home mum means you’ll always be busy with one thing or another. But to keep all the cogs turning you need to ensure you get the balance of the two just right.
