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The flexibility of working from home is appealing to many moms, but it comes with its own obstacles, too. One of the biggest is trying to work when the kids are home on summer break. Finding that balance between work responsibilities and mom duties can be tougher with the kids at home with you all day, but one mom is sharing her seven “rules for success.”
For the last three years, author and full-time ad agency CEO Mimi Nicklin has been working remotely and traveling the world with her family and she’s found these are the keys to making it work.
- Create a dedicated workspace - You need a spot that’s comfortable, well-lit and enclosed, so you have the emotional space, as well as the physical space to focus on work and show your family that you’re in “work mode.” Setting this clear boundary between work and home life helps both you and the kids see the division of mom’s roles during the day.
- Establish a routine - Following a consistent daily schedule helps you stay organized and manage your time efficiently. It may involve setting specific work hours, planning regular breaks and making time for family activities. Be open to adjusting it, especially during summer vacation, to accommodate everyone’s needs.
- Prioritize and set realistic goals - As great as you are at your job and being a mom, you have to keep in mind that you really can’t do everything. Some things may have to wait and that has to be okay.
- Stay connected with colleagues - Working from home can be isolating, but regular check-ins with your team can help you stay connected and boost job satisfaction.
- Ask for help - This is hard for some of us, but so is trying to do everything on your own. Asking for assistance from your partner, family, friends or coworkers is a sign of strength, not weakness.
- Celebrate your achievements - It’s easy to focus on the negatives and where you might be struggling, but it’s also important to acknowledge your successes. Celebrating your wins, with your family and work, helps you maintain a positive mindset and show up ready to do it all again tomorrow.
Read the article at Cafe Mom