The digital age has proven wondrous for many reasons. We can see and speak to friends, family and loved ones all over the planet without having to pay ridiculous long-distance call charges. We can open lines of communication all over the planet with just a few simple hand gestures. We can get virtually anything we want from a pizza to a 4K TV (and a whole lotta other weird stuff in between) delivered to our door in a matter of minutes.
But the exponential rise in digital technologies has also empowered a lot of women (especially Moms) to shatter the glass ceiling and create their own opportunities in a landscape which has historically slammed doors shut in their faces. When women want to give themselves the gift of flexibility that few employers will afford them they can take their talents to the freelance market becoming entrepreneurs and showing the world that they can have it all.
But if you want to make it as a freelancing Mom, you’ll need to follow these tips for success…
Make Sure You Have a Space for Work… and Nothing Else
Freelancers need to be able to compartmentalize their thought processes and dedicate their mental acuity to their work. And that means not worrying about the mess in the kitchen or how dangerously low you’re getting on clean underwear. These quotidian tasks can easily become distractions if you don’t have your very own home office. A space that’s outfitted and decorated with work in mind… and nothing else.
Establish Your Working Hours… and Keep to Them!
Let’s face it Moms are, by nature, obliging and proactive people. If they can help someone out, they will… especially if that someone is a new client whom they’re trying to impress with their work ethic and diligence.
However noble, this impulse can lead to endless working days, heightened stress and less time spent with the people who matter most to you. This is why it’s so important to have set working hours and to stick to them.
Know How to Handle Stress
Speaking of stress, freelancers (like their salaried counterparts) deal with stress on a daily basis. The difference, however, is that they’re free to handle it in whatever way they choose. Let’s be honest, few employers would let you take off your shoes and take a 5 minute mindfulness meditation at your desk when your workflow gets a bit too much.
You know what measures alleviate stress best for you. Whether you choose to load your e-cigarette with Vape Juice and take a long puff, grab yourself a cup of herbal tea, have a few moments of mindfulness meditation or go for a power nap… it’s entirely your call.
Take Meaningful Breaks
It’s all too common, especially among nascent freelancers, to power on through their work without taking breaks. But while this may be working hard… it’s most certainly not working smart.
Build the time to take meaningful breaks into your daily schedule. Step outside your office and read a book, play a video game, snuggle your kids or just stare out the window. Whatever it takes to stop thinking about work for a few minutes.
Make Sure You Always Have a Picture of Your Kids Close to Hand
Finally, make sure you can always see a picture of your children from your desk. When you start to get stressed or the demands of work seem too much, just remind yourself that it’s all for them. You’ll find that it brings a sense of instant perspective… Not to mention reminding you that you’re a darned great Mom!
Leave a Reply