Overcoming Challenges when Working From Home

Are you a busy working from home mom who needs some tips on balancing work and home life? In this episode, Cara talks with Shannon Davis, founder of Thrive Remotely. They discuss the challenges of being a work-at-home mom, including feelings of isolation and the need for boundaries. 

Creating Boundaries

Shannon shares her struggles of being a working from home mom who owns a business. Many moms wear multiple hats and there are never enough hours in the day to get everything done. She talks about the various struggles, including feeling isolated from others while being at home and not being able to create a boundary between work and home. 

This applies to everyone who works from home, especially in this post-COVID 19 world. Most times, your personal life mixes in with your work life. It is important to create these boundaries so you stay on track to getting all of your tasks done. An example is letting your kids know when you have a meeting, so they are able to settle down and keep quiet.

Creating a Workspace at Home

Shannon and Cara talk about the ways to create an at home workspace that is unique to each person. This truly helps with creating that boundary between work and home because it can be designed to feel like you are in an actual office. Shannon speaks to including aromatherapy in her subscription boxes which can help set the mood for an office space. Having something as simple as a candle can really transform your space. Get a candle that smells like you are at a spa, that way you can imagine yourself somewhere else!

Work Identity Crisis

It is important to ensure you do not make your business or this “working mom” persona your identity. Cara shares her experience of being a teacher and making it her identity, where she began questioning herself when she left the field. Boundaries play a part in this as well. Careers can become the identity of people if they live to work. Many people who have a “9-5” job might find themselves sending emails after dinner or reading a report before bed. It is important to determine where the line is so you can close the laptop and put down the phone to relax and enjoy time with the family. This ensures a great work-life balance.

Working and Mom Guilt 

Cara speaks to the guilt many moms feel when they have their kids home for the summer or holidays but need to work at the same time. There are ways to ensure you are spending time with your family while getting work done. For example, Cara shares how when her kids were home for the summer, she would set up her laptop in the backyard while her kids played. It’s not “perfect” but it will look different and that is okay!

Take a listen for all the tips and conversation about creating a home workspace!

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