Working From Home Full-Time

For almost five years, I stayed home to raise my kids. I did some freelance work from home which was very convenient and the extra cash was helpful.

Last year, I slowly eased in to working outside of the home, part-time. The boys jumped the separation anxiety hurdle smoothly and wished me a good day tear-free. I truly enjoyed the short time out of the house. I felt like a part of me that had been lost all those years of being a stay-at-home mom, was finally revived. Yes, I missed my kids but my ‘job’ was a welcomed break from the four walls of my house.

But just a few months later, I was back to working from home on a more full-time basis. Short-lived was getting dressed-up and feeling lady-like, taking breaks to window-browse or grab a latte. Interacting with other adults. Listening to the radio peacefully in the car on the drive home. Yes, I was back to working from my home office on the second floor of my house with a desk and computer on one side and a wallop of kids’ toys on the other.

I didn’t know whether to be relieved or to cry. How could I possibly be productive when the Destroyer was constantly trying to climb on top of me to slam on the keyboard? Or having the Boss constantly try to kick me off so he could play Starfall? I found myself pulling my hair out, exhausted by 6pm and reconsidering the whole work-downtown with a live-in nanny option.

Eventually, my contract was up and I was free again. But damn, I missed the money. But what I had missed more was the ability to give the kids my undivided attention.

Where am I at now? I’m back to doing some freelance work from home, back to one income. It’s been a challenge but it’s the choice I made. Since becoming a mom, it’s been an endless battle to strike a balance. I just wish there were more job-share opportunities or part-time work available to women with young children.

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Working From Home Full-Time

Is It Ever Possible To Achieve Balance