Starting a business is hard enough, add children to the mix and you feel like you’re on a rollercoaster. This is true for mums in the Philippines and it is reflected in working women everywhere around the world. Life as a working mum is tough and comes with unique challenges of its own.
As a working mother, you often have to juggle your work and home life. During a typical day, you have to deal with the hassles and strains of work then come home and deal with being a mother. This can take a toll if you don’t establish a healthy balance. Trying to stay on top of things can leave you frazzled, stressed and burnt out. This is not healthy for you and your family.
The same situation applies if you are a stay at home mum. Sometimes things can really get hectic. You have a business to run, orders to fulfill and suppliers, vendors, etc. to handle. At the same time, you have children who need your attention and housework that needs to be done.
Sometimes it can seem like too much. However, there are a few things that women here in the Philippines and the rest of the world have learnt to do to successfully manage their business ventures and families. Here are some of them:
- Accepting the situation.
Most working mothers and stay at home mums struggle with guilt. You feel that you’re either not doing well at work or are failing your children in some indefinable way. This has to stop. Learn to accept the situation as it is. Sometimes the dishes won’t get washed and sometimes projects will be handed in past their deadlines. Things won’t fall apart. - Getting organized.
That being said, you need to get a system in place to deal with the hundreds of tasks clamoring for your attention daily. Use your diary, calendar phone, etc. to schedule all tasks that need to be done. Be ruthless about how you spend your time and learn to fully concentrate on the task at hand before moving to something else. - Networking.
You have lots of networking opportunities as a working mum. You can meet different professionals at the playgrounds, during school meetings and even at children’s birthday parties. These meetings present the best opportunities for both your business and motherhood. You can market your business as well as get support and tips from other mums in similar situations. To market your business in Pasig City for instance, select an attractive brochure design outlining your business and products, print them and hand them out to the people you meet. - Asking for help.
You are only human and you cannot expect to do everything yourself. Learn to ask for help when you need it and take advantage of offers of help from your friends, family or spouse. This can free up much-needed time for you to relax or finish up on a work project. Also remember to take time off from your duties to cater to yourself. This will help you remain centered and energized.
Although juggling your business and looking after your children can be hectic, it can also be incredibly rewarding.
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