If you are a stay at home mom trying to venture into the world of working at home, your life is about to change.
And I mean that in a good way.
Stay at Home Moms Becoming a Work at Home Mom
One of the biggest myths about being a work at home mom is that you are basically a stay at home mom who makes money. I’m sorry to rain on the parade, but moms who work from home actually work. Stay at home moms work hard too, but it is a truly different type of work and many of the jobs for work at home moms are very labor intensive.
That means they need dedicated time to focus on their projects without tiny hands moving their notepad or reaching for the keyboard. That means stay at home moms who are becoming work at home moms need some quiet time when they can be on the phone with a client without a crying baby in the background.
Being a work at home mom is one of the hardest jobs on the planet.
But it can be the best option for a lot of moms. You truly have the best of both worlds by getting to be there for your children and have a flexible schedule, while still making money to support your family.
Some things to think about as you make that transition
Feeling pulled in different directions
Number 1 here – you will feel pulled in a million different directions and you will feel like you can’t give any one thing your very best. Know this ahead of time, so the mommy guilt doesn’t overwhelm. Stay at home moms are often already well-versed in juggling multiple tasks, so while it will be tough you are already prepared for this challenge.
Your new job is like a new baby
It may feel like adding a new pet or a new baby to the family. In the beginning, everything is new. You will be adding in a new set of responsibilities and calls on your time.
Work Life Balance
You will need to keep things balanced. Make sure you have enough you time, kids time and work time. Set alarms throughout the day to keep you on track.
Selective Screen Time
I’m just gonna come right out and say it … sometimes I get stuff done when the kids watch TV or the tablet. I know that’s not the best thing to do, but as a busy working mom – you do what you have to do sometimes.
BUT – here’s a tip if you’re afraid of YouTube (and you should be afraid of YouTube).
ABCMouse.com is a great alternative if you have toddlers up to 2nd graders. The kids still have the tablet, but they’re actually learning something (and you don’t have to be scared of really inappropriate content). Try a free month with this special link.
Office Hours
Schedule your work time and stick to it. Focus on one thing at a time, and give that all of your attention. If you try to do everything all the time, nothing will get done well.
Here are some tips on how to use your Google calendar effectively.
Changing Your Schedule
Your schedule as a work at home mom will be wildly different than that of stay at home moms. You will need to schedule things around your new work hours. You may not be able to do all the things you used to do.
Summer Time Blues – Try these hacks for a smooth summer vacation.
Work Early in the Morning, During Naptime, or at Night
It will be easiest to get most of your work done when the kids aren’t awake. I prefer early in the morning or at night – you never know how long a nap will last and I hate getting stopped in the middle of a project.
Give it time
Adjusting to a new way of life will take time! Give it the time it needs. You will be stressed out at first, but it will get easier as time goes on.
Stay at home moms everywhere are becoming online entrepreneurs and work at home moms every day. These tips will help maintain that focus and grow your business in no time!
Are you a work at home mom who used to be a stay at home mom? What other tips would you have? Let’s chat on Facebook.
Read the entire Work at Home Mom Series:
How To Be A Work At Home Mom – Book Review
Work Life Balance for the Work at Home Mom
For the Stay at Home Mom Becoming a Work at Home Mom
5 Places Work at Home Moms Can Work Outside the Home Office
5 Places To Tutor Elementary Students Online And Make Money
5 Work At Home Jobs That Offer Health Benefits
7 Tips For Working At Home With A Preschooler
Such wonderful and encouraging advice.
Your point about office time made me chuckle… it seems like there’s NEVER enough time!
Thanks for sharing and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop.
Wishing you a lovely weekend.
xoxo
Glad to have found you at The Weekend Brew. You’ve got some really good and practical tips here. Thanks.
Great advise. My DIL works from home and I keep that grandson one day and her Mom one day – her busiest days. i don’t know how you girls do it. When I have the toddler, I do nothing but play with him.
That sounds like a win-win situation. Grandma time for you and she gets to work worry free. Thanks for stopping by
Great tips! Thanks for linking up at the Thoughtful Spot Weekly Blog Hop! We hope you join us again next week!
Great ideas for all moms considering working at home. Thank you for linking up at The Weekend Brew.
Thanks!