There are so many things I love about being a WAHM:
- Being able to work flexible hours.
- Not having to delegate the rearing of my kids to a maid. (Too many horror stories there.)
- Being able to spend time with my kids the whole day (when they’re not in school).
- Having control over my time and my workload.
- Not having to deal with office politics. (Believe me, this is one thing I don’t miss!)
- Getting cuddles and kisses from my kids any time during the day.
I can go on and on! It’s really wonderful, and although it might not be for everyone ( you have to have the ability to tune out distractions in order to get any work done, and resist the calling of your bed, the tv, your library, etc.), it’s a really great way to make a living while making a home, as my friend Martine says.
The real challenge for me, is drawing the line between work and family life. I’m a workaholic. I would be working from 8am to way past midnight every single day if I could. It doesn’t help that I love what I do so much that I even dream about work. It’s exciting every time I see a project go live. It’s like giving birth all over again! (Without the agonizing pain.) So the challenge for me is when to stop.
Early last year, I decided to make it a point to unplug and disconnect during weekends. I don’t check emails, I don’t tweet, I don’t post on my facebook page. And for my family, the weekend starts on Friday night. I spend quiet time reading, going out with the family, taking photos, going to church, and basically re-charging. As Rivka Caroline says, it’s not some cutsie idea, it is vital for my sanity. I know I will eventually burn out if I were to work nonstop every single day as I am wont to do. That has happened to me before, and I don’t want it to happen again.
Disconnecting during weekends has really changed things for me. On a personal level, it allows me to recharge, take stock, and focus on what matters to me most – my family. I also get much-needed sleep and rest. Taking a complete break during weekends has also helped me become more productive, and more eager to greet every Monday with a fresh enthusiasm for the work week ahead. (Even if it means being greeted with 58 messages on my inbox, none of them spam.) It’s definitely a win-win.
Have a great week everyone!
