How to get started as a work at home mom

From the moment of birth every mom is a working mom. If a new mom wishes to work from home after baby is born by all means she should. There are just a few things families need to consider before taking the giant leap from working outside the home, to working from home.

Pre plan

Plan to pay down debt and live within your means prior to making the big change. Paying down debt will reduce costs and help you to learn to live within your means. Additionally, there will be less stress as you begin your business.

Set an area aside

Whether your job will be online or off, you need to have a designated work area. It doesn't have to take up an entire room but it should be a quiet area where you feel comfortable and can get your work done. Away from any hustle and bustle of the rest of the household. For some this may mean a corner in a far off room while others are perfectly content to work in the family room with the children all around. It all depends on the person and what conditions they can work under.

Schedule

Ideally you'll set specific working hours and be able to stick to them on a daily basis. Set a schedule but remember that things happen and be willing to be flexible. Children can fall and get hurt, other crisis can happen and even though you've set aside specific hours to work on your project you may well find that you are behind. Be willing to change your hours around if need be and prioritize your life without putting yourself on a guilt trip.

Schedule breaks, often interruptions can be turned into wonderful breaks if you just work with them. Everyone needs a break now and then. If you have to schedule errands during work hours turn them into breaks and enjoy them.

Child care

If you've got a new born baby at home, make the choice to work while baby is sleeping or get some part time help. Even if you only work for a few hours on and off you're still getting work accomplished. If you have older children have some things for them to do while you are working, and only while you are working. Color books and puzzles are inexpensive especially if you go to the dollar store and let them see you pick them out or allow them to pick them out, and then set them aside for “only when mommy is working”. This makes them more attractive and enticing to little ones.

Boundaries

Friends and family often don't respect working from home boundaries. In the beginning you have to set your boundaries very tight. Tell them you have specific hours and unless it's your boss or an emergency, screen your calls. The same goes with answering the door. Try to put your work space away from any doors or rooms that can see directly in. Don't answer the door unless it's urgent. Friends and family need to respect that you're working and they are interrupting you. Put a sign on the door to not disturb you during specific hours due to your work schedule. Leave a pen and paper for messages or ask them to drop by after a specific time. If you are firm with this friends and family will quickly learn to respect your boundaries.

Avoid burnout

Once you've put in the set amount of hours you strive for each day, or accomplished your tasks for the day, walk away from your work area and enjoy the rest of your day. For some this is easier than others but it's so important to strive for a work and life balance. Children need mommy time, husband's want wife time and you need some time for yourself as well.

Working from home can be a wonderful solution for many families. All it takes is some pre planning and sticking to your goals.

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