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Working from home is often thought to be one of the best opportunities a person could have because of the freedom and flexibility of your schedule. Although this is true to an extent there is much more to it. Being in charge of your own business, how much you make, and how much work is coming your way can be challenging and stressful at times. Those that typically have a 9 to 5 job are the ones who believe the myths and untruths that surround this type of lifestyle of those that work from home. It’s important to dispel a few myths before jumping ship from your day job and taking on this new way of life.
Work Different Hours (Everyday)
If you start off by doing this you will quickly realize that you need a more routine schedule. Although creating your own schedule is one of the things that draws people to this opportunity it’s important to understand that routine is still necessary for success. You must have some sort of a set schedule so that you know when you are working each day and how much you can get done. If you go into each day not knowing this you set yourself up for failure. You don’t have to have a typical 8 hour day, however, setting up a block of time (at the same time) each day will make life much easier and more efficient in the long run.
The house will be clean and dinner will be cooked
This is something a work-at-home mom needs to know, understand, and forget about. It’s easy to think that because you are home you will have all the time in the world to clean, cook, take care of the kids, and work at the same time. However, unless you are a brilliant multi-tasker this will be nearly impossible. Studies show that multi-tasking backfires anyway and greatly reduces productivity (by up to 40%)! It will also increase your stress level 100% if you try to accomplish everything on a daily basis. Take it slow and do what you can. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Have other family members pitch in and help out so that you don’t feel as if it’s all on your shoulders to get done. Assigning chores to your children is beneficial for them and they need to learn basic household skills while they’re young. Focus on your business and why you started working from home in the first place and don’t worry about the other stuff.
Childcare isn’t needed
This is a huge misconception of those that are new to the work-at-home lifestyle. You think everything will just work itself out. You will be able to work when the kids are napping because of course, they will take 2 to 3 hours naps a day. Yeah right.
It’s hard for a work-at-home mom to come to terms with this but you may need to hire a babysitter for a few hours while you get some things done in your business. This is especially true if you have small children in the house. Naptime doesn’t always work out. Things happen. Work doesn’t get done. Do yourself a favor and have a babysitter on call to help out when needed. It doesn’t have to be an everyday thing but you will find that life and work are much easier when you do this.
The work from home lifestyle has several misconceptions that need to be broken. It’s not an easy thing to take on, in fact, it’s one of the hardest jobs a mom can have along with raising children (that goes double for homeschoolers). You are in charge of everything and that can be scary and frustrating at times. It can also be rewarding and one of the most beneficial decisions you will ever make. Make sure to do your research before jumping into a work from home opportunity. Don’t fall into the trap of believing that life will be a cakewalk when you do this. However, if you have what it takes to make it happen it will be one of the best choices for you and your family.
