Over the weekend, I came across an article stating that being a work-from-home parent is the worst of both worlds. Sure, working from home is difficult, but I wouldn’t say it’s the worst thing that’s ever happened to me.
I won’t deny everything the writer said in the article. It’s true, sometimes I also have to ask the minis to give me some time to work. But that’s just sometimes. “Sometimes” being the end of the month wherein I have to submit reports. Most of the time, though, I have my work schedule planned out so that I work while they are asleep or while The Princess is in school and The Little Man is busy with his worksheets.
I’m disappointed that the writer made it sound like working from home is hell because it’s not. It’s really a matter of knowing how much work load you can accommodate and managing your time wisely. If you find yourself telling your kids to leave you alone or skipping parents’ conferences because of your work-from-home job, then you better re-evaluate your priorities.
READ: I Was Offered A Regular Job And I Didn’t Take It – What Was I Thinking?!
Maybe you took on too much work load? Maybe you’re not managing your time well? Or maybe you’re not asking your partner for help?
Mind you, although I have a 30-hour work week, I still manage to cook for my family, prepare The Princess for school (then drive her there and pick her up after!), play with the minis in the afternoon, and have an in-house movie date with the hubby at night. I am able to do these because I know my top priority – and that’s my family.
They are, anyway, why I decided to work from home.
Since I am well aware that family is priority, I learned to create a work schedule that will allow me to be with them. So although I could take up to 60 hours worth of work per week, I made a promise to myself that my weekly cap is 40 hours (flexi time). It has really helped, too, that I have become extra picky with clients I work with.
I once worked with a client who treated me like a slave (as in over, over, overtime to the highest level without extra pay) so I’ve avoided those kinds like the plague! Now, I only work with clients who treat me like a human being (not a robot), respect my time, and appreciate the work I render.
So yes. For me, working from home is the best decision I’ve made for my family and I. Why? Because it gives me a chance to contribute to the family income while still being able to spend most of my time with my husband and kids.
What do you think about working-from-home? Is it the best or worst of both worlds? Let me know!