Work-at-Home Reality Check

Last week was complicated. So much so that I was forced to let several things fall to the wayside – including this blog. The overwhelm of client projects, pre-k orientation meetings for my youngest, attending all of the children’s doctor and dentist appointments in preparation of the upcoming school year and helping DH with his current job search – it all just became too much to keep up with.

This is a reality I try very hard to communicate when someone expresses an interest in working from home. Yes, working from home is a dream come true for me. I get to be available to my family and earn an income. I do love the idea of self sufficiency. I can adjust my schedule to attend parent-teacher conferences, shuttle children to appointments or care for sick children without missing a beat. But running a business from home involves a lot of work: marketing to find business, finding time in your day (or night) to work, administrative tasks while managing your household, preparing regular meals, caring for and spending quality time with your children and husband – it’s the ultimate juggling act.

There are days when I sail through and meet all of my business and personal priorities seamlessly, and others when I crawl into bed exhausted and shaking having just kept my head above water. Time management is a skill I’m always working to improve.

I’m currently writing an ebook full of tips and work-at-home ideas for Muslimahs. No matter what stage of life you are experiencing – whether you are a new mother or retired, there is a way to earn a living, or an additional income from home. I’ll be giving the book awayfor free. I will keep you posted on my progress.

If you have any questions about home-based business, online businesses or the challenges of working from home, please feel free to email me or post in the comments section. I want to create a truly useful guide, insha’Allah.

photo credit: knitsteel