Writing and Parenting Go Hand In Hand
November 6, 2007 by Bridget Wright
Filed under Business
Being a parent who has a flexible schedule can be rewarding, yet very taxing. When you work for yourself, you can do anything (almost) that you want to do. This weekend I had a ton of work to do; writing deadlines, blogging deadlines and paperwork to catch up on. For me to stay ahead of my game, I needed to work some long hours just to start my week off at ease. But, that didn’t happen for me this weekend.
My daughter had a cheerleader competition that she had to go to on Sunday afternoon…and my deadlines were looming. I knew I had to be there for my daughter but I also knew I had commitments to keep. So, I chose my daughter.
I agree totally with Eric over at Common Sense PR where he talks about putting family first and making time for family and friends. We will always have work to do, deadlines to meet, reports to write. And, we should honor our commitments and live up to our responsibilities. But does all of this have to come at a sacrifice? No! We just need to be able to prioritize and schedule, schedule, schedule.
I decided Saturday afternoon that I would get up early on Sunday morning, work on my writing deadlines and still be available to be with my daughter at her cheerleader competition on that afternoon. I was able to get about 95% of everything done and planned on doing the rest after we got home from the competition.
When you are an entrepreneur, sure you have a flexible schedule and it is wonderful. But to live the wonderful life as an entrepreneur, we must understand that we work when everyone else is sleeping. We work when our girlfriends are at the mall catching the latest sale. We even work when our kids are playing outside, playing at the park and even sleeping in their cribs. As busy as I am, would I trade my life? No. I love it just the way it is, fatigue and all.
And guess what? My daughter’s squad won the competition with First Place!! So it’s good after all to sacrifice, prioritize and adjust your schedule. If I hadn’t, I would have missed the event of (my) lifetime in seeing my daughter’s face light up when their names were called.
I’m glad I put my family first.
Good for you! I make the same kinds of scheduling sacrifices (mostly giving up sleep) so that I can be a good mom to my three kiddos. It drives me nuts to hear folks say that I have it “easy” because I work for myself. Those people have no idea!
And cheers for your daughter’s squad!
You know, when we decide to be entrepreneurs, I think we typically do it for the ‘dreamed’ lifestyle.
I know I did it to have a flexible schedule so I could be there for my twins. And it’s certainly paid off for them.
But for me, I sometimes need a nap!
It’s worth it in the end- even if I am up at 5 am!
That’s why my email is ‘writingallnight’. It’s great you wrote about choosing your daughter over everything else in line. It’s something we do as mothers quite a bit, but most employers/clients fail to notice we’re working our tails off at home along with meeting our deadlines.
I chose to work at home to be with my children. One is autistic and needs her father or I around at all times. It’s not the bunny slippers and bon bons everyone dreams of, but it is rewarding.
I think everyone has to find their own rhythm when it comes to balancing work and home. I think it’s harder for women because we carry baggage with us – we think about everyone else but ourselves. I am glad that we think make our children a priority, but my husband is fond of reminding me that it doesn’t do our kids any good to have a stressed out, over-tired mom.