Working from home

Chanequa - posted on 10/29/2008

Hi all! I was very glad to see this topic today. I've been working from home since Micah's birth and it's been very difficult. He's an easy baby, but he also loves to be engaged (plus I've got some supermom issues that I need to let go of). I was pretty overwhelmed today as I haven't been getting much work done. His sleep patterns are shifting so he's got long stretches of alertness during the day. I'd gotten used to entertaining and holding him while he was awake and then working when he was asleep (worked well when he was asleep within 45 minutes after eating).

Reading the posts helped me to take a different strategy. So I set up the office with his playmat and glider and brought a few toys up. He entertained himself for two solid hour-long stretches today. Maybe I'll buy another mat and set of toys to keep in the office so I'm not having to schlepp stuff back and forth everyday. I've got to find some good age-appropriate toys that he can manipulate on his own. Any suggestions?

Becka - posted on 10/29/2008

well, I have been a tutor, and then I became a teacher before patrick was born. I own a small film production company with my husband, and while I was teaching he was running it. So basically I quit teaching and am trying to get back some of my tutoring clients and then I'm running the business. it's flexible, but right now doesn't give me the dividends that I would like.... but when I tutored before it did take a few months to build a client base... I've only recently tried to renew that. (it's pretty lucrative once you get established and get good recomendations--something to look into if you have a versitile BA or BS or masters degree)

Jennifer - posted on 10/26/2008

ha becka! totally re the 20 minutes, I think Rowan's record is 15 minutes! I don't have as much flexibility with working when she naps/plays as I have to turn in a schedule and take phone calls during that time but they are flexible if she's just screaming/crying and I need to take a 5 min break or so. I would love to find something that is even more flexible (I'll work when she's sleeping/playing) but for now this is our best option! Do you work for a company Becka? or do you just do your old job from home?

Becka - posted on 10/25/2008

I'm starting to work from home. Right now I try to do thing's during Patrick's (june 2nd) naps. when he's awake and I REALLY have to get things done. I give him time on the floor with his toys. I've found that he's become a very strong (rolling, nearly crawling), and very focused boy because of it. (yesterday he played with a single toy for 20 minutes... that must be some sort of 4.5 month old record!) : )

Heather - posted on 10/24/2008

Congratulations on being able to work from home! There is nothing more challenging though, in my experience.

For now I have my desk right next to a bed in our office. My baby lies on it next to me and while I'm on the computer I can play with her and tickle her and she takes naps. That works for a while.

Good luck to you!