Does Flexibility Mean More Time?

It’s true that as a business owner you control your own schedule. Many women are taking the plunge in starting a business so that they can have the flexibility to balance their busy lives. Particularly if you have children, the idea of a flexible work schedule is very appealing. Just think, controlling your own work schedule, giving yourself flexibility will allow you to have more time for everything else on your busy To Do list. However, is this always true?

From my personal experience, my flexible work schedule often does not always result in more time. I have found that the key to a successful balance is prioritizing and organizing. As I care for the every need of my family’s daily lives, I also care for the every need of my growing business. Since I work from home, I can be creative with my schedule and my prioritizing. With two young children at home, I often use the wee morning hours and late evening hours to tackle work issues. The hours in between are so filled with my children’s busy lives and my scheduled work hours, that I have learned to let some things go by the wayside. Sometimes it is girlfriend time, time for me, or most often laundry.

For instance, as a work at home mom, it is a strange myth that the house must be perfectly kept up at all times. Or the laundry is always done and put away. Or better yet, as a work at home mom, you must be available at the drop of the hat for an afternoon phone chat or babysitting request. I can attest that this is not always the case. Flexibility is a wonderful thing and certainly a positive aspect of owning your own business, however boundaries must be set, and priorities must be followed. I continue to learn new tricks for balancing my work/family life with the ultimate goal of having more time. I do think it can be achieved; I am still working on it…..