
The topic of balance is one that I have struggled with since I was in high school. When I became a college student, I worked three jobs while trying to maintain a full load of classes. While I managed I can honestly say it was always just the bare minimum. At the age of thirty-three, I certainly do not have it all figured out, but, I am getting better with it as time goes on and that is what is most important.
In a productivity-driven society, the need to accomplish ‘more’ can easily override the desire to take time off to spend time with family or take time for yourself. When it comes to working from home the line between ‘work hours’ and ‘home life’ become even more blurred as you try to find a balance to complete the simplest of tasks. Finding ways to adequately fulfill your role in the workplace and at home when both places are the same can become a daunting task-there is always one that is given more priority over the other.
The word ‘balance’ would cause a great amount of stress because it felt like an unattainable dream that I would never be able to accomplish. Even worse when stress would be followed by guilt. You know the type of guilt I am talking about. When you are working but would rather spend time with the kids doing something fun. When you are home you feel guilty for not working, but when you are working you feel guilty for not being 100% in the moment with your family. It then becomes a never ending 24-hour cycle of guilt.
One way to break this guilt cycle is to remember that you will never be able to do it all. And that’s OK! So, rather than constantly feel guilty and completely stressed in your never ending pursuit of balance, try to turn your focus toward doing the very best you can with the time you have.
- Know your limits
- Outsource what you can/schedule downtime
- Remember self-care
Establishing Limits and Boundaries
It is important to create a boundary between your work life and family life. This line of protection keeps you in check and prevents a number of dysfunctional outcomes such as strained marital relationships, inefficiency at work and poor mental/physical health. I have heard many stories (and even know a few personally) of photographers whose marriages ended due to their never ending work schedule. There are a lot of sacrifices to be made when you are trying to reach a certain level of clientele.
Particularly in the photography industry, it’s so easy to tell yourself you can respond ‘quickly’ to every email or inquiry that comes through. Even if it’s just for a second, your wasting valuable time with your family responding to emails. While it may seem harmless and you feel that your customer service will appeal to the client more, what about your family? Does your spouse enjoy seeing your face buried in your phone screen every five seconds? Probably not.
When I first decided I would work from home versus renting an office or joining a co-op like so many other photographers, I knew I needed to schedule my work hours accordingly.
Keep in mind, I also have a little one at home with me during the day, so that presented its own challenges. Entertaining small children during the day while also trying to be productive with work is not impossible, you just have to get creative with your solutions. Set the expectation that “Mommy has to work, but she can also have fun with you”. I also had to tell myself that working long stretches would not be possible. I would have to take ‘kid breaks’ every 45 minutes or so just to make sure she wasn’t feeling neglected or tearing up the house.
This is one of the reasons I will wake up a little bit earlier so that I can get the most important things done prior to her getting up for the day. I will also add one additional hour of work after both children have gone to bed and before my husband gets home so that I am able to get everything I had planned that day completed. Both my husband and I have unusual working hours, so unlike many families, the standard 9-5, Monday through Friday doesn’t apply to us, so we have to adjust accordingly.
Once you decide to become a business owner, you must set reasonable work hours for yourself. Especially when you are working from home. Setting the expectations with clients that you aren’t available all hours of the night will help them respect not only your time but also allows them to see the ‘human’ side of you. It lets them know you take this just as serious as they take their own jobs. If the client doesn’t expect their boss to text them all hours of the night, why should they do it to you? Once you allow clients to blur the line of reasonable communication to whenever they feel, you quickly establish the notion that you are available all hours. Unless you’re a doctor I would say you probably don’t want that.
OUTSOURCE/SCHEDULE YOUR DOWN TIME
I know a lot of photographers recommend outsourcing. If you want to do it great!! If not, don’t! I personally do not outsource my work, because the best part of photography is editing. I love editing so I will always have to find a way to fit editing into my schedule. For those who outsource, well, it’s just one less thing you will have to worry about. Outsourcing your work, especially if you are high volume can free up a huge amount of time in your schedule. But if it’s not in your budget or you simply can not bring yourself to relinquish control, utilize a calendar and schedule your family time well in advance. The most important thing to remember is that you treat your family as if they matter just as much as the most important client and that you don’t miss your scheduled time with them.
This is just a sample of my calendar and some of the things I have scheduled. I consider myself a chronic lister so I keep everything color coded on my calendar. Running three blogs, two businesses in addition to having a family and trying to maintain a personal life is very difficult. If it weren’t for my calendars and planners I would be lost.
SELF-CARE
Another critical area often was forgotten? You. The most important part of achieving work-life balance is remembering self-care. As a mother and a business owner, the very first thing that goes is you. It is all too common to place a higher value on everything else around you that you forget about yourself. Everyone needs a little time for themselves. My day starts about two hours earlier than my husband and children. I make sure that I am up first before everyone else.
During this time I may get in a little bit of exercise, some editing if I feel like or I will sit quietly and read a book. The point of this time early in the morning is to prepare me for the day. One thing I could not stand growing up were chaotic mornings. They are unhealthy for you and especially children. By allowing myself this time first thing in the morning I am better prepared for the day ahead.
The dilemma of work-life-balance will never have a one size fits all solution. Each person must find solutions that fit their family and their specific needs. Remember it’s not about doing it all, it’s about doing the best with what you’ve got.
How do you achieve work-life balance? What tips do you have for others?
The post was originally on The Fit Fotographer here.
Love of impromptu dance parties, 80’s cartoons, and horizontal life pauses (aka naps); Natasha Brown is a stay at home mom of 4 kids, and wife to one lucky guy! In her spare time, she is co-editor of Grits & Grace, as well as editor for The Mother Hustler Blog and Creative Director for the Mother Hustler podcast.
I found this post very informative and helpful. Thank you so very much for sharing your thoughts and your calendar snippit to give a suggestion!
Very insightful. Sometimes I like to think of balance more as a teeter-totter, which wobbles in extremes and balances out in the end, rather than a balance beam where you have to be so tight and rigid and any mistake means a fall. I notice that the pace of motherhood and my creative life means some times are just unavoidably busy, but I achieve balance by protecting the times that aren’t. Trying to make every single day in perfect balance drives me crazy and isn’t realistic. Gosh, this is an essay, but you really provoked some thought. 😉
You give food for thought. Very inspiring and helpful.
I am always looking for work from home opportunities. I appreciate your insight to give me more things to consider. Great post.
I really struggle with this so thank you for the great tips. Sometimes it’s hard juggling everything!
Sophie x
http://www.sophobsessed.com
I sometimes beat myself up about not getting as much done as I want, but if I don’t finish something on my To-do list I move it to #1 priority the next day and my guilt is gone. haha
I think that working for home is the best, and yes you have to be a self starter and motivated otherwise you won’t get anything done.
I try to achieve work/life balance by scheduling time for myself every single day. Even if its just for an hour. Doing something for yourself on a daily helps so much with your overall well being. Wether its taking walk, reading a book or just drinking my tea in silence. It’s glorious!
http://www.flashesofdelight.com
As someone that just moved to Costa Rica to pursue the digital nomad life, work/life balance is something I’ve really been struggling with and honestly I haven’t achieved it too well yet. My challenges are a bit different since so much of my work includes travel and I find myself working long hours for a few weeks and then traveling for a few weeks to balance it all out. Even so, it’s still a struggle sometimes.
Time management is key for me. I schedule everything and try not to take on too much!
These are really great tips! It’s important to stay organized!
Ha Ha! That is true, Ha! I think I’d be much more motivated with the payout she gets, lol! Real chat though, these are great tips!
Chelsea || http://www.binkiesandbaubles.com
One of my biggest challenges is time management! I want to do so much but cant seem to get it all done. I am for sure working on setting and knowing my limits.
YES! This! I do a lot of these things because I balance a business, a blog, staying home with my kids – it’s a lot! I love that you added boundaries to this because I’m not sure many people really think of that as a life-management tool.
Really great tips for time management. Its always a struggle!!
I just started a new job and part of it I do from home so thank youuuuuu for this post!
Work life balance is definitely hard, especially if you work from home! I have to admit I’m not the best at it, but these are all great tips ? I think what has helped me the most is making manageable to-do lists each day, so I make sure to prioritize and get everything done! xx
http://hollyhabeck.com
Having work/life balance is extremely important. It not only means we’ll have more free time to relax and take care of ourselves, but it means the world to children and spouses too. Life is far too short – we need to be present in the lives of those we love and enjoy every moment to the fullest!
I work from home on occasion and have the worst time concentrating! Definitely some great tips for me to use next time I do!
3 really great tips for work-life balance! They’re often some of the first things we forget or ignore, yet they’re so important
Work life balance when you work from home is so important.
This is so important! I find setting limits is so helpful. The older I get, I realize it’s ok to occasionally say “no” when someone asks me to commit to something. Very freeing!
I am working on self care and it is a work in progress. Sometimes I have to schedule it so I don’t fill up all of my time elsewhere.
Ohmygoodness! Such great tips/suggestions. This week I actually let go of a few things that I’m normally working to accomplish on a weekly basis. It was nothing that would be detrimental to my work, but letting it go made such a difference in “recharging” me! Thanks again!
Great tips! Finding balance when working from home can be very hard!
Lauren
http://www.basicbabelauren.com
Time management is huge, I love working at home but definitely need to get out sometimes and mix it up. Overall wouldn’t change it for the world!
I definitely do find myself scheduling my downtime these days. Working from home and balancing a social life can be very difficult!
This has been something I have definitely been struggling with since I am easily distracted. Great post, thank you!