Keeping Positive when Trying to Earn MONEY [smile]

[LartyLaura]

Hello all fellow freelancers

I'm just (properly) returning to work now after having two awesome children: DS who is 4 and DD who is nearly 2. I'm working from home 3 days a week and I'm trying to stay positive about keeping going and earning money, but it's hard. I'm finding it quite terrifying as well, to get myself back out there at networking etc...I used to love working from home but now I just find it quite lonely.

I'd be really grateful for any tips/experiences people can offer to help me stay upbeat and not want to tear my hair out.

THANK YOU

[mummyfox1984]

Hi there!
I can't really offer any tips but just to say I'm in the same boat! I have a 14 month old and started back a few months ago working freelance from home 3 days a week while my DS goes to a childminder (can't feasibly work with him at home with me!). I used to love working from home too, but now I feel quite lonely... I think I just got so used to having him around all the time and now the house feels really quiet. I used to love the flexibility of working from home as I could just take a few hours off in the day if I needed to, but now if I do that I feel guilty, like I shouldn't be enjoying 'me' time while my DS is at the childminders!
I think it's important to remember why you started working from home in the first place, and that it is such a good option when you have children. Do try and get out of the house too - we have a dog which makes me get out! Or just a trip out for a coffee/gym etc.
Keep going, it will be worth it!

[LartyLaura]

Thank you mummyfox! It's really good to know that it's not just me who feels like this sometimes. Like you say, it's good to remember why we are doing this and flexibility is a key part of that. I do love being my own boss and I'm trying to get out of the house more now. I already feel like I've been at home a bit too much after my second maternity leave lol.

Try not to feel guild about having 'me' time. It is massively important to be good to yourself and luxuriate in something you really like doing - something for you and no one else. It really does give you a boost. I find getting my hair cut or watching a film really works, but it's different for everyone...

[MrsMargoLeadbetter]

I often work in a coffee shop. I find too much time at home is difficult too.

Can you do the same? I have a 4G dongal so can work places as long as my laptop battery lasts.

And try to get out networking.

[LartyLaura]

Thank you for the tip! I've been meaning to look into getting a 4G stick so I've got no excuse not to investigate now..

[ChammyIRL]

I find the occasional morning in McDonalds after the school run with my laptop and a latte can help (it also helps that I know some of the staff in the local one though). You are surrounded by people even if you aren't interacting with them - it feels out of the housey which is often enough to shake the in home funk :D They also have free wifi so no need for a dongle.

I'm also trying to find a couple of days a month to have a coffee morning with a friend. Last week I met up with a friend (to give her an order) and spent the morning chatting and wondering around town which was nice. I'm meeting up with an old work friend tomorrow who contacted me out of the blue, since she had her little one she feels a little isolated so wants a coffee and a chat :D

Working from home has so many upsides but the isolation and loneliness certainly isn't one of them :(