Work and family: Benefits of working at home

I’ve discovered both expected and hidden benefits to my work and family in the 14 years I’ve been working at home.

When my girls were young, I could only picture the benefits of working at home that were immediately obvious. I didn’t know what it was going to be like once they were in their teens.

When I started out, I had anticipated that working at home meant I wouldn’t have to find care for the kids when they were sick or organise holiday programs or stayovers for them. I was aware of advantages such as having the flexibility to attend something important at school.

I found I was able to share in the things that my girls did each day – each afternoon after school they would come into the office to say hello and tell me what they’d been doing. I never experienced that when I was working a job – their day had moved on by the time I got home each night!

As my girls entered their teen years new challenges arose. Some had friends going through difficult times, friends who made unwise decisions. Often these were the teens with no parents at home. One would get locked out till mum or dad came home, so they came to our place to use the facilities and get something to eat whilst they waited.

I like to think that choosing to work at home all those years ago meant it wasn’t only my children who benefited from that decision, but also the many friends that chose to come home with them, too. It wasn’t unusual to have a parent say to me how much they appreciated that I opened my home to their children.

If you’re undecided about working at home, search for those added, hidden benefits to your work and family that you hadn’t considered. Talk to people you know who are already doing it and ask them questions. If you’re in two minds whether to take that plunge, I hope the above helps you to decide what you’re going to do. I’ve had my ups and downs – everyone in business does. But I know for sure that working from home means I’m better off… and so are my girls!

Kathie M. Thomas is the founder of A Clayton's Secretary, a Virtual Assistant Network with members in many countries. Dedicated to teaching others about business on the web, she is a multiple award winner, with 30 years' experience in her field.

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Thanks Kathy - for offering such great promise for WFB in the years ahead. I'm expecting my first child later this year, and very keen to hear from you and others about advice on how to manage a solo business during the leadup to and post-birth. Is it sensible to just shut-up shop and tell your clients you'll be back in touch when you're ready to start working again? Or do you just tell people you've got "other commitments" for a while and encourage them to keep in contact if they have work available? Obviously clients you know well would be thrilled to hear about the pregnancy/birth but I don't really feel the need to share with the entire world my personal/family situation. Very keen to hear how others have dealt with this situation and what has/hasn't worked. Chris from Melbourne
great article Kathie, thank you! Denise Johnson from Orange, New South Wales
Thanks Chris, I work from home with a 3 and 6 year old and have been for five years. It's definitely a juggling act, but for me the good outweighs the bad by far. You might want to check out our new category 'Work and family' with several other articles on this topic of working with kids. See http://www.flyingsolo.com.au/p254932692_Work-and-family.html Peter Crocker from Flying Solo
'Cats in the Cradle' by Harry Chapin! Grant Hyman from Sydney
Hi Chris, I never went through the baby stage during my business years but I do have some thoughts on the matter. I agree that your clients don't need to know your personal business and you choose who you do want to tell and who you don't. When I go on leave (and we're all entitled to take leave) I let my clients know several weeks in advance and then I organise for others in my field to look after my clients in my absence. I encourage you to consider that you are going to take some leave so you can have your baby and if you have others you can get to look after your clients, that would be the ideal thing to do. Perhaps subcontracting out to them or something? It's worth exploring! Kathie M Thomas, A Clayton's Secretary from Melbourne, Australia
Hi Kathie, What a great article. I have three boys and have also reaped the expected benefits of working from home. As the boys haven't yet reached the teenage years I hadn't considered the possibility that I might be able to offer solace to other troubled souls but the thought that I may be able to help in some way brings a smile on the inside. I only hope that our recent renovation expanded the pantry and fridge enough to cope with three teenage boys as well as their friends! In answer to Chris' question about having a new baby and running a business, there are many, many ways that you can still do both, depending on what type of business you run. In mid-March FS will publish one of my articles on exactly this subject. The best thing to remember is that it all comes down to personal choice and what works best for you, your baby, your partner and your business. Don't let others tell you what's possible and what isn't - anything's possible if it works for you. Good luck with the new bundle and continued FS sucess! Karen Morris - Inscriptions from Sydney

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