SAHM of 2 trying to make a small business - how to get the right balance?

[Littlerayofsunshine]

I am a SAHM of 2 raising them alone right now trying to continue to make a successful photography business (very early days)

In between entertaining my toddler, feeding my 6week old and the everyday things a mum has to do. whilst having very little time. i#m finding it hard to getthe time to do my work and edits...

and also wanting people to understand that i AM trying to make a business and is not just a hobby. it takes a lot of work!

It's tough. The thing is, you're not really a SAHM as you are working as well. I am similarly a SAHM with a small business and it really is full on, as you are trying to do lots of things at once. People just don't get it sometimes.

I've being trying for 4 years now and sadly I've had to resort to 'just not caring so much' in order to cope. My customers continue to get top service, but my manufacturer/designer of the goods I sell don't get as much from me.

Simply put - it would be much easier if I could afford more childcare....

I really do believe that you need to ring-fence your work time in order to make it work. Plus, have adequate support from partner/family etc. You can't do it all. By establishing clear times of the day/week when you are working, you are sending out the message that you're serious about your business and not just playing at it.

When are you actually working? I can't see how you can do quallity work while entertaining your toddler! Do you have someone who can look after your toddler at least a few times a week so that you can sling your baby and work while baby naps in sling?

I wouldn't have a company at all, small as it is, if I didn't have childcare. When my child is home ill or has a day off for some reason, work just doesn't happen.

Oh maybe I answer an email or two, but I'm a graphic artist and I can't concentrate with a 3 year old at my feet.

If you're serious about it, find some childcare.

Or work after they are in bed. Which is exhausting.

The worse thing about working in the evening is feeling like you should be working all the time. Never switching off and never feeling on top of it (as there's always more to do, right?).

From experience its near impossible the two dont mix.

I have always had to use nursery from a young age plus very ad-hoc family help.

I do a lot at night - including risk assessments etc and sometimes its very late. You can get run down and ill before you know it.

If you want to come across professional then you cant have children in tow or throw excuses why yr late, why you look like poo.

I know many photographers and wonder if you can make a good business from it unless you are very sucessful, flexiable and go down the commercial route. A few of them mix other business to make ends meet. Have you done your figures, worked on realistic goals, read the market, seen the competition? Surely a good photographer travels loads too?

I've read from a few people in the same situation as me, and are making it work with small children. I just take my hat off to them as at this time I find it hard to find the time for myself let alone to put into a future business. Raising them alone at the moment too until DP is home.

I have the determination to make it work, whether its a year or 10 years. My children will always come first, however it is something I want to persevere with as I enjoy it and I also want to have a successful business which will eventually enable me to have the right work/life balance and also earn a better wage for my family.

I do bits & bobs in the evenings when DD1 is in bed and DD2 is asleep. otherwise when they nap in the day i get an hour or so done. (along with the blasting housework!)