I often hear people say that they want
to work from home to spend more time with their children, then when
they do they are discouraged as the “extra” time they have at
home doesn't always turn into more family time. I know there are
quite a few out there that will relate to this.
Before we get into my typical day let
me tell you a bit about me first. I am a working VA that started with
one part-time client 11 years ago while working a full-time job. I
have now been working from my house for the past 9 years full time. I
have three darling daughters aged 9, 6 and 2. While the elder two are
at school in Grade 3 and 1 respectively, I have the 2-year-old at
home with me (I must be nuts).
My general day starts with getting my
daughters up and ready for school. During which time if I’m lucky I
manage to get that most important first cup of coffee for the day in.
After the school run its home and down to work. With the help of
Disney Junior and Dora the Explorer I usually manage to get a couple
of hours of work done between playtime with my 2-year-old (enforced
playtime as deemed appropriate by my daughter if she thinks I'm
working too hard). Depending on the day of the week depends on the
afternoon school collection routine but its usually fun as school
doesn't finish at the same time for my daughters. So I stop work to
go fetch my Grade 1, then its home and time for lunch. After lunch
its usually time to go and fetch my Grade 3. Then home again, and
homework and playtime. This obviously includes reading for both of my
school going children so work time in the afternoon is often
interrupted unless its urgent. Then its time to get supper ready,
which means the help of at least one of my children as my two eldest
have cooking classes once a fortnight at school and so are always
very keen to help. After supper, its time to sit and relax and watch
some TV before the bath and bed routine. Finally when all my girls
are asleep, usually by 8, its time for a quick and quiet cup of
coffee before tackling any of the work that is outstanding from the
day and getting ready for the next day.
There are some days when I try and work
out how I have achieved so little on my To Do List but then those are
usually the days when school commitments are high.
Deadlines are deadlines and its not the
clients problem if you have an issues or problems so if necessary
late nights or early mornings can be called for.
For those that think working at home
compared to working in an office is a piece of cake I do beg to
differ. I find I now work harder and longer by the time I throw the
school commitments into the mix. Having said that though I wouldn't
change any of it for all the tea in China. I love my work and I love
my family.
