Welcome back to Austen Promises and the Writer’s Journal!
Balancing work and home duties is never easy for anyone. I have worked from home for more than seven years now, first as a teacher in an online school, then as a full-time teacher and part-time writer, and now as a full-time writer. I had lots of experience with working from home before I changed careers, but working for myself is far different than working for someone else!
Thankfully, I’m good about sticking to a routine and a schedule…well, as long as no curveballs are thrown at me! What I have had trouble with is being too rigid about my workday. I went into full-time writing with the idea in my head that it was going to be a 9 to 5 job. Then, when I was not able to get everything housework related finished so I could start at nine, I got upset. I had to shift my mindset. Once I accepted that it’s okay to begin work at noon and finish at ten or so, I was able to start a routine that has worked very well.
On Memorial Day, I took a day off work to do yard work. There were projects that needed completing, and since I’m the only one who lives here, they fall on me. I had been thinking about these things for weeks, but I had to give myself permission to take that day off. To be honest, I still did some work. I promoted both my Austen Authors post and my new book. However, I did not write, or plot, or make graphics. I did not look at Twitter beyond sharing the link to the book. Same with Instagram.
It was while I was tossing a shovel over the gate to try to repair a hole the ever-energetic Jasper (my 8-month-old Boxer puppy) had made under the fence, that I thought about how I need to take these days to do yard work and stop whining about them. I need better balance in my life.
I honestly prefer to be parked in front of the computer in the Mistress’ Study in my house. I’d rather work, and write, than anything else. But, we were not made to do that. All of us need time to just do what needs to be done, around the house, with our families if we are blessed to have them, and with our health. Despite my preference, I must give myself permission to “miss work” to do what needs to be done. I still despise weeding the flower beds, but at least I no longer feel guilty for doing it! 😀
Come back next Wednesday for another peek into my journal! <3
Amazon Nook KOBO Apple Createspace Store
My Gumroad Store Me at Austen Authors My Patreon Page