Productivity at Home is Dependent on Balance

My husband and I both work from home, which we know is a really great thing. I usually have flexibility to go the doctor without finding a babysitter, and because he puts in long hours on his travels, Jason can every now and then, blow off an afternoon to hit the Zoo or the Magic House with us.

There are a couple of downsides, though. We don’t always see eye-to-eye on where our workplaces begin and end. He likes the living room over his basement office, which can be a challenge for an introvert like me, and I like to work in our comfy bedroom away from the noise, where my writing fuel often causes him massive irritation when he’s brushing my pretzel salt out of his side of the bed. 

Then there are the kids. We’ve had a laptop launched off the dining room table, grape juice spilled on the keyboard of a different laptop, and lots of times when Jason dashes out of the room when his phone rings, muttering about the kids’ noise, I yell after him that he’s actually invading our office. Try not to be jealous of our office romance.

To be honest, though, Jason and I think we have it made, getting to spend so much time together. But like any mom who has a few balls in the air, those of us who work from home have to keep things in balance with work, home and family. 

While I can work with my older kids up and running, I try to avoid it when my 18-month-old is awake. So I do most of my work during naptime and after bedtime. 

That said, kids don’t always sleep when they are supposed to, so I’ve also made some serious effort toward giving up procrastination. I usually try to get writing assignments started as soon as I have them so that an unsuccessful nap is a good excuse to go to the park instead of becoming a major stressor. 

In a pinch, I can sometimes find something that my youngest will play with independently. My older kids often develop elaborate Playmobil scenes and games and a sure bet for keeping my youngest busy is to let her explore the pieces that are left in the big containers. Painting with water on construction paper can also keep her entertained if I need to make a phone call and the mess is less than if I just left her to her own devices. 

One tool that has helped me with balancing work and housework is a cleaning check-off list. I started using one when I was still working full-time, because housework would nag at me while I sat at my computer. The check-off list helps me limit cleaning to one or two weekly tasks every day and the normal maintenance like dishes and making the bed. 

Sometimes a work-from-home mom needs to get out of the house with work and kids. When a full workspace is needed, the McDonald’s at Telegraph and Interstate 255 is great at non-mealtimes. Kids can run and play after a small snack and work can be done in an environment that is usually not so noisy that phone calls can’t be made. 

I’ve also found the same places that are great for meeting friends for a chat while kids play, are also great for getting a bit done away from home. , the kids’ play area at Westfield Shoppingtown South County and Whittle Shortline Railroad in Fenton are each a location that definitely require some supervision, but you can read through materials or perform similar tasks while keeping an eye on the kids. I also love to sit with my laptop on our deck while my kids explore our big backyard. 

Finally, a few quick tips:

• Working on your bed will probably not only be comfy, but will also ensure you get a nap. Warning: later, you will have to delete three pages of SSSSS on your Word file.
• Your coffee pot may make 12 cups, but just remember there are no coworkers helping you out with that and your kids may wonder why you are talking so fast and your eyes are bulging.
• If you are new to working from home, you will learn to justify everything by that fact. For instance, that third afternoon snack is probably not so bad since you’re missing all those office parties, right? And all that online shopping is okay, because you’re saving so much on gas and lunches out, not to mention the money saved on a professional wardrobe, since you live in sweats and pajamas (mostly because of your three afternoon snacks).

Working from home is, without a doubt, better than a long commute to a place where cubicles force close relationships with coworkers. With a few good time-management tricks, you might even get something done.