Walt Disney for all the success he has achieved in the entertainment business believes balancing time spent at work or managing your business and being with the family is the right recipe for a happy family.
It is easier said than done, but ask yourself this question, what is really more important to you – your family or your work? It is impossible to have both, as one is sacrificed over the other.
Let’s admit it. Usually when one is just starting to get the business going and the focus is aimed at making a profit, the time spent with family becomes a second priority. After all, if the business becomes successful, the family will benefit along with it. Your goal is to become financially successful to support the family, but the more time you devote to becoming rich, the less time you spend with people who really matters the most in your life.
Love you family and your work, too.
Some think that you would never get to balance work and family life especially if you are working from home.
Wrong. Finding the right balance between family and working from home is not impossible. How?
Have a Fixed Schedule. Make a schedule when to start working and when to stop, then, follow it with no excuses. Adjust only when there are really big projects or tough deadlines to beat, however, keep your family in the loop so they know what’s happening. Get their cooperation to let you finish your project on time by allowing you to work undisturbed. In exchange for their cooperation, reward them with their favorite food and let them watch some movies for letting you get your work done.
Communicate with your family. By letting your family understands that this is your work and how it helps provide for everyone’s needs: food, clothing, housing and schooling – life becomes easier. Let them know your long-term goals and what you want to achieve.
Have your own workspace at home. Let everyone know that this is your work space. No one should mess with the stuff you have in your work space. This area should be for work only. With the schedule you set up for work, once it is time for you to log off, you should stop working. Never bring work to the family room. Your family deserves your complete attention when you are with them. When you’re working, don’t worry about the children. When you’re with your children, don’t stress about work. If you are stressed at work, never take it out on your family.
Change out of your PJs. You will get more motivated to work when you do not look like you just got out of bed. Your “home office attire” should make you feel like you are really working in an office and helps you accomplish more during your “office hours.”
Do not put off work. If you take work too leisurely, chances are you will be harassed at the last minute. You snap at your spouse and kids to let you get work done when in reality it was your fault for waiting at the last minute to finish your project.
Get a hobby. Hobbies are relaxing. Find something that interests you to help you relax and enjoy.
Keep your promises. Not only with your clients should you keep your appointments. The promises you made with your family is equally important. When you say you will take the kids to a treat, then do so as promised. Your date night with your spouse should proceed as planned. There might be few occasions when you cancel the treat with the kids or the date night you’re your spouse due to an emergency, just as long as you do not make a habit of it. Doing so would make them feel they are less important and not your priority.
As you can see, working from home and keeping the balance between work and family life is doable. You need to see the bigger picture to help you tackle the smallest details. You get the best of both worlds if you succeed at making this work.
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