Sleep

I have been soooo tired this week...or maybe just a bit lazy. But everyday so far this week I have gone back to bed once I put the kids on the bus. I always think, "Just one more hour." But after that hour its clear I could sleep another hour or two. Wouldn't that be nice?

Unfortunately, this week has been very busy. The end of the month always is particularly in home business. Most my income runs month to month so the end of the month there is usually big push to get things done.

Of course, I never get everything done. I have finally learned the rule, "There is more to do than can ever be done." That's from Lion King and its true. I have been reading a book called Leave the Office Early by Laura Stack which helps with productivity and efficiency in a very easy baby-step manner. I work at home but it all applies. One section does report that we need enough sleep. In fact, I read that lack of sleep is bad for health. So...going back to bed is the best thing I can do to stay healthly!

Leslie

Money, Money, Money

I would love to be a stay-at-home mom but I can't afford it without also working at home.
The thing about working at home is that the money doesn't always come when you most want it to. Paychecks are not necessarily sent the 1st and 16th of every month. That's why good money management is a must. The first two weeks of this month things got really tight. Thank goodness for savings accounts. But this second half of the month I'm expecting at least 5 paychecks. The real challenge then becomes not spending it all because it may be needed during the first two weeks of next month.

Nevertheless, you should always be careful about counting your money before it comes. I still haven't figured out the payment schedule for my contract job. I submitted my billing three weeks ago. The company has merged with another and its the new company that sends the checks. But my billing goes to the first company. I have this feeling my billing sits on a desk for a few days. And there may be a billing schedule such as checks are cut the 15th of the month. But no one has been able to let me know about this. UGH!

Also, affiliate programs have been problematic. Those through ClickBank and Commission Junction have been great. They do pay regularly...on time. But other programs that have their own system can be problem. I work with one affiliate program that has NEVER paid, NEVER responded to emails, and who's phone number appears to be inaccurate...and get this...its a consumer protection program that owes me over $200! Go figure. Another affiliate also didn't pay and didn't respond to email. However, in a WHOIS search I found the phone number, called the company, and am assured my check is now in the mail. We'll see.

There is definitely more security in getting regular paychecks as offered by a job... as long as the job is secure. But, I'd rather learn to manage my money and stay home.

Leslie

Confessions of an Organizationally Challenged Mom

Hi I'm Leslie and I'm organizationally challenged. Its not from a lack of trying. I have files, folders, holders, boxes and all the office gizmos. I have read some great books... I really like Julie Morgenstern's Organizing from the Inside Out. I watch the home decor shows for ideas. I particularly like Clean Sweep because it often organizes an office.

The problem I have is that the systems don't seem to fit my organizational style and I can't seem to make them fit. I bought a special file box that could sit right next to my desk to I could file reciepts and other things right then (the touch 1 time rule of paper management). But right now there is a bunch of stuff on top of the box so I can't get to the files.

I synthesized the binder/one place systems by Julie Morgenstern and the Fly Lady. But I've got papers and junk piled on top of those.

I was talking to a business partner today who told me that her dream job would be to be a corporate organizer. I told her that when I have enough money, I'm going to hire her to help me. Its been my dream to be able to hire someone who can watch me work for a day and then organize my office in a way that fits the way I work.

Until then, I'm on a quest to find the top of my desk because I'm pretty sure that my son's fieldtip permission slip is somewhere in the heap.

Leslie

Advantages of not having a job outside the home

Today I was reminded of why it advantageous to not work outside the home. My daughter is home sick with a 101.6 fever. With a job, I'd have to call in and use up a sick day allocated by the job (how do they decide that stuff anyway?)

There was a time when I found a work-at-home job... highly coveted I know. But I hated it because after years of working for myself, I had a boss to report to. I didn't like that. When my family wanted to go out of town for a few days, I had to ask permission. I quickly requested to be put in a contract position instead. This worked really well until the company merged and got a new director. Out of courtesy I emailed and said I'd be out on vacation and I got a note back saying it was "approved". Huh? I wasn't asking permission.

I had a talk with the company and said I was feeling like an employee and I didn't want that. I was actually calling to quit but they said they wanted me to stay and said they'd work it out. Well...alright.

For me, the flexibility to come and go and work when I want to is the best part of working at home. That doesn't mean I slack off. I know that I use 100% more mental energy working at home than I did for a boss. And I don't get paid unless I do work so I can't slack off. But I can set my own schedule, be available to my children, and work when its most convenient to me.

Leslie

The Battle of MOMS

I finished my work early yesterday and decided to turn Dr. Phil on. I know many people don't like this guy. But ever since he started on Oprah, I have thought he was one of the better tv psychologists. My background is in social work so I do have some insight into psychology, counseling and behavior. One of my gripes with talk show psychologists is that they never explained behavior or solutions in ways people could actually translate into action. What is "better communication" etc. Dr. Phil on the other hand is able to take psycho-babble and translate it so people can actually make change.

However, yesterday, I had to turn it off. Yesterday was a show about stay-at-home vs working moms. While I think its good to discuss the various issues of stay and work at home moms so people can make the choice that is best for them, I don't think it should be presented as one being better than the other. And while Dr. Phil may not have intended that, that's what seemed to be happening.

He had this militant stay at home mom who basically thought working moms should be ashamed of leaving their children. After the few moments I watched, I really worried about that woman's children. She basically said as a mother, all is sacrificed for the children. I totally disagree and I wonder what the heck will happen to her when her kids don't want to be around her and eventually leave home. I think we do our kids a disservice when we sacrifice ourselves for them. I think its important to see that we have other hobbies and interests. There was a Cosby show once where Clair (the mother) told Theo, "My name isn't Theo's mom." Of course, as a mom, it seems like that much of the time. And with all that's involved in keeping a family going, it's easy to get lost. But I think its important for kids to see other sides of their parents such as their hobbies and interests.

Try this, ask your kids if they know your favorite food or hobby. My kids (7 and 10) will tell you I like chocolate and Starbucks coffee, I like to read JD Robb, and work. They know I'm on a low carb diet and sometime tease me with goodies. I feel it helps kids see parents as people not just parents when they can recognize our personal differences.

I also agree with the working mother who said its not just being home all the time but the quality of time with kids. I think it probably harder for working parents who are gone all day dealing with work stuff and are tired when they get home. But kids aren't dumb. And they appreciate time with their parents even if its a little bit. I don't think any parent should spend 24/7 with their kids. If the parent didn't go nuts, certainly the kids would.

Finally, for me, staying and working at home is not just about being there for the kids. Its also what I prefer. I don't like the hassle that goes with working outside the home. I prefer to set my schedule and work under my own rules. The truth is, with my kids in school now, I could go to work and still be available to them when they got home. But I'd rather work at home. No boss. No asking for time off when the kids are sick or we want to take a trip. No working under someone else's rules. I love that.

I believe the issue of working or staying home is a personal one. I do feel kids need nurturing and structure and quality time with parents. But I don't think one is better than the other. And I think that a happy mom goes a long way to keeping a family happy. So if mom needs the challenge and contribution of work to feel more complete, I'm all for it. If she finds fulfillment staying with the kids and keeping house, that's great too. And I think all moms should support each other and individual choices on the issue.

Leslie

Sleeping in and bus schedules

Okay... I did it. After I put my kids on the bus, I went back to bed. Tuesday was the best sleep in day except there is a house being built next door. Its a crime how early construction workers go to work. It should be against the law to use a hammer outside before 8 am. Jeez at 6:30 these guys are hammering and throwing things into the big trash bin.

Of course, Wednesday, when I didn't have the luxury of sleeping in, they didn't show up until noon. Curses.

Today they were there but not hammering. So I decided to take a 1 hour snooze that after 1 hour I decided to extend to 2 hours. But I was up working by 9:45. I got my report done, talked to several people regarding Inspiring Parents (my home business), mentored a business colleague, and ate lunch. Not a bad day.

I had made an appointment for a phone conference at 4 today. Normally I don't work 3:30 to 7. That's my family time. But the time was most convenient for this lady so I set the appointment. Afterall...even when its late the bus drops my kids off by 3:45...plenty of time.

NOT! At 5 minutes to 4 the bus pulled up. By then I had walked home (she passes my house even though the stop is up the street) wondering if I missed it or if it was broken down. My daughter in particular doesn't transition very well. So here I was, maniac mom in the front yard..."hurry, hurry...yes great work today...get your homework out... I'll quiz you later...." And my daughter "but mommy look at this...but mommy I'm hungry...but mommy..."

Fortunately the call went well... new partner..yeah! The kids got their home work done and all was well.

Now we are on to the next crisis. Where's daddy? He has a class once a week and gets home late. But the kids worry if they go to bed and he isn't here. So my daughter is on my lap as I type, pining for daddy. I wonder if they pine for me when I'm gone? I don't get out much so I don't know. I may have to test that some time.

So now I'm off to put the kids to bed and then some R and R for myself.

Leslie

The Cush Life of a Stay/Work At Home Mom

Bon Bons. Oprah and Dr. Phil. Naps. Staying home...ain't it great. Of course if you are a stay/work-at-home mom you are probably wondering..."Huh? That's not my life." Well to be honest, its not mine either. Nor is cleaning my house or cooking fancy meals. I don't have time for that. I suppose if I stayed home without having to earn money, I might...maybe... keep up with housework.

But each day I start at 6:55, putting kids on the bus and getting to work. That work involves 1 telecommuting/contract position, 1 business, and 3 websites. I also teach at a gym a few days a week (the only way I'll exercise is to get paid for it!). For example, today I wrote a report from 8 to 10, taught a class from 10:30 to 12, stopped at the grocery for milk, soda and stamps, made a business call by 12:30, and I'm currently (while typing this) on a business conference call. At 2 I'll host a business call and at 3:30 its time to get the kids. That's a long day so far but there is much I didn't do. Website updates, phone calls, bills etc. And the day isn't over. After the kids are home its homework, start dinner, eat, kids soccer or other activity, and then I'll probably be back working on my business. I take my break at 10 pm (tonight its Law and Order...or maybe reading Visions in Death by JD Robb... I sure love Eve and Roarke). Then to bed. Who has time for cleaning?

After that, what will be left to say in the future in this blog? Well the "confessions" have to do with the wacky, crazy, challenging, silly, and sometimes boring things that happen. Here is one:

There is an idea that working at home, you can spend the day in your jammies. Well, I don't wear my jammies because I don't want to walk to the bus stop in my jammies. But, I do throw on shorts or sweats...no shower. And I go the whole day like that until about 4 pm when I think about my husband coming home from working and how scummy I look. My sister teases me about not getting dressed until 4 pm but I think she's jealous because she has to dress up and go to an office each day.

I do have some other very fun stories of life as a stay and work-at-home mom. Please come back to hear more "confessions".

Leslie