The flexibility of working for myself was a huge part of why I decided to become self-employed. Usually for school holidays, I try to cut work down to a minimum so I can remove as much of the pressure of the juggle as possible, but sometimes it isn’t that easy! For some previous school holidays I’ve had projects that I have to keep working on over the holidays so I’ve had to attempt to juggle work with entertaining two kids, and also hopefully getting to spend some quality time with them. I know there are a lot of parents in the same boat so here’s how I approach it:
1. Look at your list and identify what is a non-negotiable. Anything that can possibly wait until the kids are back at school will have to wait. If this impacts anyone else, just communicate with them and most people will be happy with that.
2. Make a list of fun things to do with the kids. Before every school holidays, we make a list of things we want to do. Some of these are days out and some are things to do at home, either with me or by themselves. Whilst they’re doing something that doesn’t need your involvement, grab a few minutes to tick any quick jobs off the list or to reply to some emails.
3. Set some time aside to work when the kids are in bed. Some people like to do this first thing in the morning, but for me, one of the best things about the holidays is not having to get up early in the morning so I choose to do this in the evening. I always make sure I set myself a time when I will stop work so I can watch an episode of something or read my book so that I do get some enjoyable time to myself at some point!
4. Make the most of any help you have. This might be a partner, family, holiday clubs, or whatever is an option for you and your circumstances. During that time I do the work that I definitely can’t do with the kids around e.g. recording podcast intros, writing blog posts, anything that involves decent headspace.
5. Don’t be too hard on yourself. We do have to accept that in the school holidays, if you have kids, there are only so many hours in the day. Just do the best you can, communicate with people, and in a few weeks’ time they’ll be back at school and normal service can resume. Try and make the most of the time you have together and enjoy it.
Good luck everyone! We’ve got this…..haven’t we?
