Zen and the Art of Working From Home
Ok, I don’t know shit about Zen, but I’ve got the working part down pat.
I don’t know if this plan would work for all types of wahm jobs, but it works well for my situation. I need to be available to work some during normal business hours, but there’s a lot I can do after hours and on the weekends.
On a typical day, Maddie’s up between 7:00 and 7:30 and then down for a nap between 9:00 and 10:00. As soon as she’s in bed, I take a shower and get dressed. Then, I work until she gets up. We play and run whatever errands we need to take care of and then she’s usually ready for a nap again around 2:00. I work until she gets up or Gerald gets home, whichever happens first. Then, it’s time to make dinner. After dinner, we play for about an hour and around 7:00, she gets a bath and goes to bed. I check on the work load and if necessary, I work some more. If things are ok, then I watch TV or read. I’m usually in bed by 10:00. Luckily, my schedule is my own. If something comes up and I have to move it around, I do.
I don’t work on Friday evenings or Saturdays. I do get in there on Sunday evening and take care of as much as possible so that Monday morning’s a little easier on the folks I work with.
My situation is unique in that I was prepared to retire. Gerald and I had already decided that whatever sacrifices we had to make were worth it. I went into this whole thing with the mindset that Maddie was my number one priority. If the working from home thing was interfering with that at all, then I was going back to “retired.” This really cuts down on the work related stress level. I just don’t stress about work. I do as much as I can, and that’s it. Of course, I do my best and try to get as much work done as a I can, but it’s not my number one priority.
If you’re looking for an emotional response, I can tell you that I’ve honestly never been happier in my life. I adore being home with Maddie every day. I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world.
The way you explain it makes it sound like a well-oiled machine. Yet, if I did it, I can pretty much guarantee that Mistakes Would Be Made.
I think I would be resentful and even PISSY that I had to work during naps/at night. You should have that time OFF when you are taking care of her alone all day.
But, who cares about my inadequacies! This sounds great, and I am so happy for you! (Seriously).
I’ll admit, I’m extremely jealous.
I’ve tried and tried to get my schedule re-arranged here but it’s not happenin’. The option for me hasn’t been offered to work at home, work flex-time—-nada. But don’t get me wrong I’m VERY happy for you. I just wish it were like this for all moms, even those who have more than one baby-I think it could be doable!
I’ll just enjoy reading your blogs and hope for a miracle, some lee-way or a new job-who knows… Have fun with her, she is so precious!
Ditto Tessie word for word. I’m going to try out your schedule tomorrow as I have to make some truffles for a party on Friday. If it works, you’ll be my hero for life.
P.S. Thanks for voting *and* commenting this morning.
I’m glad that this is working out so well for you. As a mom who takes her son to work for a few hours every day, I understand what you’re saying mostly. it’s great when you get a schedule worked out like that. We’re just getting back into our fall schedule right now, but it’s working out. So glad you’re happy at home! It IS great! I agree, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
I am also WAH, and loved it…until I had a lot of deadlines and daycare disappeared. Now: hell. But the hell is ending soon, and then it’ll be back to manageable.
When manageable, I always wish every mom had this opportunity. When hellish, I wish I were back in a freaking office or else completely out of work.
I loved it! LOVED IT! Glad you do too!