My son has become so accustomed to hearing the phrase “Mommy’s preoccupied” that it’s now a part of his vocabulary, even when I’m not truly busy. Most of my work is conducted on my phone, but he knows I’m serious when I pull out the laptop.
I genuinely feel guilty when I have to announce that “Mommy’s preoccupied” due to looming deadlines. He didn’t ask to be brought into my world of chaos, yet he is also the motivation behind my relentless pursuit of a work-from-home lifestyle. Being actively involved in his upbringing has always been my top priority.
As a single mother, my situation is complicated, but I recognized that I had choices. I began my journey as a babysitter, a role I still embrace. I often bring my son along, so while I don’t technically work from home, I see myself as a work-from-home mom. My reasoning was twofold: I wanted to be present during his formative years, and the staggering costs of childcare were daunting.
The cost of childcare initially inspired me to seriously consider remote work. When my son was born, his father and I were still together, but he worked long hours. I quickly realized that my earnings would essentially go towards someone else caring for my son, which seemed pointless.
This realization led me to explore work-from-home options, and I was pleasantly surprised to find freelance writing opportunities online. Although I had always thought writing wasn’t a viable option for me, diving into the freelance world opened new doors.
As a babysitter, maintaining a consistent schedule was essential for our finances, which left little room for spontaneity or fun activities like trips to the park or children’s museums. Now, I could be more available for my son, and our days felt less frantic. My smartphone became an invaluable tool, allowing me to jot down ideas or even write full articles while spending quality time together. This newfound freedom was exhilarating for both of us.
However, focusing on work can be challenging. When I face tight deadlines or intricate research, I sometimes resort to creative distractions, like handing him a tablet or turning on a TV show. While he often plays independently, he has an uncanny ability to find me and demand my attention, whether it’s for train play or singing. For toddlers, attention is everything. He occasionally grasps that “Mommy’s preoccupied,” but most times, he simply seeks my focus.
Time management is the most significant hurdle for me as a work-at-home mom. Achieving a work-life balance is tricky for any parent, but the added complexity of remote work can seem insurmountable. Sometimes, I must prioritize work over his immediate needs, as we have bills to pay and responsibilities to meet.
On one particularly lovely day, my mother suggested I take my son to the park. Although I longed to go, I was in the midst of a project with a firm deadline. “Why not just write later?” she asked. I had to explain, “My editor doesn’t care about the sunshine.”
I often write during nap times and into the night after my son has gone to bed or is finally settled down. I survive on Cherry Coke and snacks to stay awake.
It’s undoubtedly a tough balancing act, and it’s not for everyone, but I’m incredibly thankful for this opportunity. I cherish the moments I share with my son, the laughter, and the memories we create together. In a few years, when he is older and off with friends, I will fondly reminisce about our adventures together. I won’t regret those late-night writing sessions or needing a quiet moment because “Mommy’s preoccupied.” The tradeoff is undeniably worthwhile.
If you’re interested in more insights about home insemination, check out this link. For a comprehensive look at at-home insemination kits, visit this authority site. Additionally, if you want to understand the IVF process better, this resource is excellent.
Summary
Balancing motherhood and a professional career from home presents unique challenges, especially in managing time and attention. A single mom shares her journey of finding work-from-home opportunities, highlighting the importance of being present for her child while navigating the complexities of deadlines and distractions.