WAHM: Juggling It All And Enjoying Life

I am asked all the time, "how do you do so much and how do you have any time leftover to enjoy the fruits of your efforts?" Well, it's not always easy (okay, it's never actually 'easy' but some days go more smoothly than others) but with practice, failures and persistence it is possible to work at home and raise a family without losing your mind.

#1: Practice
Practice makes perfect? Well, in our house, we like to say that practice makes better and practice gives you a clear picture of what you're good at and what you might want to consider moving on from. As Einstein put it (and I'm paraphrasing here), you cannot judge how smart a fish is by how well it climbs a tree. In other words, we all have our strengths and our challenges. Practicing our routines and abandoning what doesn't work can help us stregthen those things that are working. While some families can wake up early, have a fabulous breakfast and be off to carpool, school and back home to work; others are going to need to evaluate the reality of rolling out of bed to cook a big meal with no coffee and very little time. I'm not a morning person (ahem, check the blog name) and oatmeal and coffee get us through our morning and out the door on time. Every once and awhile my kids get a treat and wake up to pancakes. This is rare. Learn what works for you and then practice it like your life depends on it...because, in a way, it does.

#2: Failure
Try something new with your juggling act. Don't be a fraid to fail as these failures often teach us more about what we need to do then success really does. If a part of your daily, weekly or monthly routine feels like it could use a change then, by all means, change it! Maybe it will be exactly what you needed and maybe it won't. You won't know unless you try and without trying you will be stuck with what you already have (which we've already appraised isn't working for you and yours). Failing isn't the end of the road. Keep experimenting and know that you will find your mojo. And know that once that mojo is found, it will work for about two weeks and then everyone and everything will change and you'll need to once again attempt and fail a few times to find your new rhythm. Such is life, whether your a WAHM or a WOHM.

#3: Persistence
Ah, persistence. This is probably the most important attribute for a WAHM, second only to talent...scratch that, it's second to none. While plenty of talented writers, business owners and other entreprenuers attempt to plant themselves firmly in WAHM life, this place is reserved for those with persistence. The persistence to weather the great cashflow times and the famine times as well. Those who can persist when the routine is altered, because it will be, will be a driving force in the WAHM movement...or they'll at least find a perfect niche because they never gave up. Persist in setting routines and rhythms for your family. Once you find what works for you, like coffee and oatmeal, don't be persuaded to change it unless absolutley necessary. I love the comfort that comes from the stability of our routines. The ability to stick with it and persist are also great things to teach my kids. Lead by example and all that.

Okay, so now we have a firm grasp on the juggling part...now what about the enjoying life part? A well-juggled (my own phrase, like it?) career, family and social life can be it's own reward. Above that, it's important to look up. Be mindful as days pass and grow into years. Take time to walk a bit more slowly and watch your children play. Read a good book that doesn't relate to your business. Savor your drink of choice whether it be coffee, tea or a good red wine. And never take yourself to seriously.

Weekly Wrap-Up

What happened for you this week as a WAHP (P meaning person!)? We want to know! I'm always so inspired at others' work and I hope that each passing day finds you closer to where you want to be.

The freelance writing market has been good to me this week considering the cold shoulder I gave it for so long. I've written lots of (great!) content and landed a few private clients for the long-term. I invested the rest of my time and energy toward learning better SEO techniques, building networks with other freelancing mamas, and enjoying time off with my kids. I can confidently say it's been a tremendous week of growth for myself and my career.

Now share what made your week worth it or what went awry. What are your goals for the following weeks? Happy Spring, here's to new growth and opportunity!

Jessica

Goals and Schedules

So I'm sipping away on a grande latte (one of those mornings let me tell ya) and I've been reading a lot of other freelance writers' ideas about schedules and what your schedule needs to look like in order to meet your goals.
Finding a schedule as a freelancer can be tough. It is especially challenging when you add in a mix of kids, household duties, and plain old procrastination.
My goals are going to look a lot different than a full-time freelancer. I have full time committments outside of the house. But on school breaks things move at a rapid pace because I feel like I'm making up for lost time. Not only do I need to write but I also have to make meaningful contacts with other writers, network within the field, and search for new clients and work.
My schedule is a blend of housework and organization this Spring Break week. I want to find some well-paying jobs that I can continue into the rest of the school-year and summer. I want to get our home organized and functional. And (always an and...at the beginning of a sentence no less) I need to spend some time making memories with the kids and partner. Whew!
Yep, WAHMs do it all, my friends.
Here is a little restructuring of my schedule and goals for the year:

1. Keep up with writing online. Write at least an article per day, before or after work, for myself (as passive income) or for content sites (like Demand Studios) or private clients. Write a blog post per week here that offers up some good information to visitors.

2. Search for private clients on a daily basis. You never know who will be looking for writers. I found a job posting that was written for me yesterday (please keep your fingers crossed!) and it isn't a large load of work but it pays well. It is something that I could continue to do well into the remainder of the school year.

3. Build up my residual income. I am currently studying how to write more effective articles and content that will turn up search results. I just have such a hard time writing for passive income because it's so up-in-the-air. I love the security of upfront payment, really I do so much. However, it's better to build up this residual income now while I have a full time job that meets all of our bills. I don't *really* need the upfront payment at the moment.

Okay, so what are somethings you're working on? What is the hardest thing for you to focus on as a WAHM? I don't care if you are a freelancing mom, a crafty mom, a store-owning mama, or anything else. I just want to know what you do to meet your own goals! (and participate in our poll over there <-------, too!)
Enjoy!

We're Back to WAHMing!

Hi, everyone! We've been busy getting and losing jobs outside the home around these parts and it has left AMWC sorely neglected. Not so anymore. I will be working outside the home 8 hours a day but I will work school year only so WAH will be my work of choice when school's out.

We are getting a jump on the upcoming Spring and Summer breaks and already have lots of news and ideas to share. Keep tuned for some of the best tips and tricks.

Later today we will discuss how to set up a BLOG THAT EARNS YOU MONEY! No kidding. Have a good day and check with us for updates!