I used to be a teacher. I worked from about 8 -3 and it was hectic. When I came home I had my children to think of or should I say child because I just had my eldest then. Of course, it did help that I had my parents to take care of her while I worked.
Nowadays I am a mum and a freelancer/blogger. Being a mum is a full time job and though blogging is part time, it seems to slowly be consuming my life so I very often find myself with two full time jobs. Which is impossible!
While the children are at school I try and complete as much as I can but there is the housework and cooking to see to as well.
It’s great being your own boss and most people think that it’s a breeze as you can work as you like. But there are still deadlines to meet and I often (read everyday) find myself staying up late to complete work. It also means that I work whenever there is a free moment and on the weekend when I am not out working at blog event or reviews. Well, not really. It has been known to happen in the past but I have now tried to get organized and balance life and work.
My primary role is being a mum so I have made it a rule that I don’t blog between 4 – 9 pm unless extremely urgent which thank goodness I’ve not encountered to date.
Here are my top tips to be a mum and freelancer –
- Have a schedule in place – it makes it easier to know which task you need to perform when and you have time put aside for yourself and family
- Cut some time out for yourself – you need the break and it will help you work more effeciently when you are back.
- Try and complete one task at a time.
- Set up a work place – you will get more work done and have more time to relax.
- Only take on how much you think will be realistic for you to complete.
- Dress for work – working in pyjamas while being comfortable will not help in keeping you awake. You don’t have to deck up but I have found that dressing for the day helps me to be more efficient.
- Make time for family – children remain children only for so long. Take time to enjoy them, share in their growing up and be childlike yourself.
- Most of all – choose the type of work that you enjoy doing. Since you work for yourself, you have the privilege of choice.
Being a freelancer also means that I need to hunt for work. I was recently introduced to Hiive and I found it to be a really good platform for job opportunities and career resourses. You can check the latest job openings and browse competitions open to pursue your creative streak.
I enjoy being my own boss and managing my own time and I find that platforms like Hiive help me to achieve my career goals.
Disclaimer: Written in collaboration with Hiive
