This Mum Means Business

Half-term is coming to an end, and as much as I love and adore my sons, I'll be glad when school starts up again on Monday.

Besides the usual sibling fighting, and the constant cries of hunger, even though they ate not 30 mins ago, and the consistent moans of "I'm bored" "Are we really staying home today?" I'm desperate to get back to my regular work schedule.

When you're self-employed or work from home, the school holidays can really mess with your schedule. If you don't have childcare during the holidays, you have to be mum during the day and then business owner often late into the night. My routine goes out the window, and I no longer try to convince myself that I will be able to carry on as normal and get all the usual work things done.

I love my children more than anything in this world, but the thought of not working on my business AT ALL throughout the whole school holiday, whether it be the one week half-term, or the six weeks summer holidays, fills me with a slight dread. The only time I completely switch off, is during the Christmas break. I feel a certain pressure to keep my business going, despite needing, and wanting, to spend time with the boys.

What I have found that works for me, is that once the boys are both entertained, fed, bathed and settled for the night, that is usually my time to power up the laptop and crack on with whatever tasks I have set myself for that week. I am totally realistic about what I will be able to achieve, so granted it's a more relaxed working week, but nonetheless, work still needs to be done. Emails are sent well after 6pm and I sneak in a few calls & texts when the boys are eating their lunch, or playing by themselves. Then I usually really get going any time after 6pm. My body is knackered and I am emotionally tired, but I keep pushing through, because this mum means business. I'm doing all this for them. They are worth the sacrifice. If a few late nights for me, mean I secure a better future for them, then no questions asked, I'm all in.

It's doable, but it's not easy running a business in the school holidays.

Go easy on yourself. Set realistic goals of what you will be able to achieve. Don't feel guilty if you don't get everything on your to-do-list completed. Spend time with your little ones and not so little ones and enjoy it.

Above all, find that happy balance between your work and your amazing family that works for you and only you.