With one child getting close to the six months mark and another on the way, I could easily be a stay-at-home-mom, while we get by as a one income family, and justify giving up on everything that I’ve worked towards. It would be easy to explain. What isn’t (as) easy to explain, is why I’ve kept working after my first child was born.
Time is pockets now, little bits of here-and-there moments to write an email or *try* (laughs) to catch up on some never ending projects for work.
I could just savor these moments, instead of running myself ragged and sleepless… but always wonder what could have been.
Why I Kept Working
Money is always an easy answer for working, but in this case it’s a cop out answer.
Being a writer is a dream I’ve chased since I was in grade school, and I already gave up once. My business still hasn’t recovered from that year.
Every time I think about giving up, I remember that year, and how much further behind everything will be if I wait until my child (soon to be children) get(s) older.
Want to read more about why I kept working? Read Becoming a Hybrid Mama (and What It Is) to learn more about the crossover between working from home and being a stay at home mom. .
The Lesson
Time is precious.
That time might be found with your children, or at your job, or with your spouse… maybe it’s a mixture for you, too. But as the old saying goes, “the best time to plant a tree was ten years ago. The second best time is NOW.” If you wait to plant the tree, the harvest will be severely delayed, or never come… because sometimes, “not now” means “not ever”.
It’s not just a question of getting your priorities straight… because most people have more than one thing that is important to them. Decide what is important to YOU, and find a way to make it work, even if you only have a few spare minutes each day.
“Spare” Moments to Consider
Each day, no matter how busy, tends to have a few spare moments. It’s up to you how you use them. Consider these popular activities that can be changed to “spare” moments instead:
- Surfing social media
- Playing games on your phone
- Watching television
What activities do you engage in that could be substituted for “spare” moments? Let me know in the comments below!
Christian, wife, “hybrid” mama, I run the site All Behind A Smile to help others like me.
Leave a Reply