By: Lisa Thompson
Date: Feb. 18, 2023
My little one has heard me say “Mommy’s busy” so often that he’s started using it himself, even on days when I’m not swamped. While I often manage my work from my phone, he knows I’m truly focused when I pull out the laptop. It breaks my heart when I have to prioritize work over him, especially when I’m under pressure with deadlines. He didn’t choose to be part of my whirlwind life, but he’s also the reason I strive for the flexibility of working from home—be it the park, library, or anywhere else. My primary goal has always been to be present for his upbringing.
As a single mom, my journey has its own complexities, but I realized I had options. Initially, I started as a babysitter, which I still do. I brought my son along with me, so while I wasn’t technically working from home, I considered myself a work-from-home mom. My motivations were twofold: I wanted to raise my son myself and, let’s be honest, childcare is outrageously expensive.
The financial burden of childcare prompted me to seriously consider work-from-home opportunities. When my son was born, his father and I were still together, but he had a demanding job. I knew I needed to contribute financially, but after crunching the numbers, it was clear that I would be earning just enough to pay someone else to care for my son. That made no sense.
That’s when I discovered online writing jobs. While I had always considered freelance writing an option, I never thought it would be a fit for me. Learning about freelance opportunities opened up an entirely new world. As a babysitter, my schedule was rigid to ensure I earned enough, which often left little room for spontaneous adventures—like trips to the playground or children’s museum. Now, I can be more present for my son, and our routine is much less hectic. My smartphone has become a lifesaver; I can jot down ideas or even draft articles while we’re enjoying our time together. It’s been liberating for both of us.
However, there are times when I need to concentrate, really concentrate. When I’m facing a tight deadline or tackling a research-heavy piece, I have to get creative. I won’t shy away from admitting that I sometimes hand him a tablet or turn on a TV show to keep him occupied for a bit. He does spend a good chunk of the day playing independently, but he has an uncanny way of finding me, eager for attention, whether it’s to play trains or sing songs. Like all toddlers, he thrives on interaction. Occasionally, he understands when I say “Mommy’s busy,” but more often than not, he just wants my undivided attention.
Time management is the biggest challenge I face as a work-at-home mom. The work/life balance is tough for all parents, but working from home adds another layer of complexity that can feel overwhelming. There often never seems to be enough hours in the day. Sometimes I’m forced to prioritize my work over his needs because, let’s be real, we need money to pay the bills and sometimes work can’t wait for a trip to the playground.
One particularly beautiful day, my friend suggested I take my son to the park. While I wanted to, I was in the middle of a project with a looming deadline. “Can’t you just write later?” she asked. I had to explain, “My editor doesn’t take sunny days into account.”
I often find myself working during nap times or late into the night after my son has gone to bed, fueled by Cherry Coke and snacks to keep me awake. It’s not an easy path, and it’s not for everyone, but I am profoundly grateful for the chance to work this way. I cherish the time spent with my son, the memories we create, and the laughter we share. In a few years, when he’s off at school or hanging out with friends, I’ll look back fondly on these days when it was just the two of us against the world. I won’t regret those late nights spent typing or the moments when I had to say “Mommy’s busy.” The trade-off is absolutely worth it.
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In summary, being a work-at-home mom comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. Balancing work and motherhood is not always easy, but the memories made along the way are worth every late-night effort.