It’s the start of the summer holidays. Which, for many parents, means more time spent with the kids. But… even more time spent trying to juggle work and childcare. It’s a tricky balance to get right, and sometimes I’m not sure it’s even possible to perfectly manage the tightrope act. If you know how, please send me your tips!
After the birth of my second child, I made the decision to launch my career as a freelancer. It felt like the right thing to do. My priorities had changed and I knew I wanted to focus on working for myself and choosing my own path. After 15+ years working in journalism and communications, I knew precisely what I wanted to focus on.
My previous job was fantastic and the people I worked with were wonderful. But I haven’t regretted the decision once. The truth is, nothing prepares you for how much you change after the birth of a child. I wanted a career that fitted flexibly around my family, and enabled me to pursue what I most cared about.
My ambition hasn’t changed. It has only got stronger. I won’t be slowing down on work or caring less. In fact, many parents I know are some of the hardest working people I’ve ever seen (whether they are stay at home parents or have a part-time/full-time career).
Since Covid hit two years ago, we all suddenly experienced a different world. Spending more time at home, working alongside looking after the kids full-time, and foregoing the daily commute. And, after the lockdowns ended, many of these changes stuck. I realised it suited me to work flexibly, and that I could always manage my own workload – even if it meant starting early in the morning, going for a long lunchtime walk, and then picking up work later in the evening again.
When you choose to work with me, you are working with someone who massively cares that they’ve done a good job with each and every piece of work. I am determined to meet all deadlines and expectations (and hopefully exceed them too!). But, I am also at my computer part-time. I work flexibly and often at random times!
I think it’s actually the future of working, we don’t all have set times (and the same moments) when we are at our most productive. I find it helps with my mental wellbeing to be able to head outside at different times in the day, as I’m sure it does most people.
I’d love to know, how are you planning to manage your time this summer?
