Last month we published Jessica Sheather-Newmann’s incredibly relatable essay, “Balancing Act,” that depicts the mother in the middle of a circus ring. The challenges mounting, the needs escalating, and the pressure getting the better of her. How many of you can relate?
Now that we’re back from winter break we have these questions for you: What are the challenges you face in maintaining balance between your creative-self and your parent-self? What has and has not worked for you to maintain balance?
This is a space for commiseration, so any and all thoughts, rants, and ideas are welcome in the comments!
My biggest challenge is validating the work I am putting into building my editing business when I don't have paid client work coming in. There is so much to do in the background (content creation, writing up templates, making business goals, taking courses, etc.) that makes me feel like I'm spinning my wheels, especially if nothing pans out from it.
Working on my novel is a whole different story (no pun intended!). Every time I sit down to write, I have to catch up on where I left off, which might have been days, weeks, or months ago! I know I need to dedicate a chunk of time every day to write, but I don't like writing in twenty minute spurts.
I SO relate to this! I have the same push-pull with my writing/communications business-my personal writing-and my parenting role. I get so anxious when my work load is low because I get stressed nothing else will come along and I don't actually enjoy the downtime. I feel the need to be constantly productive.
This makes me think we should have a sub-support group for those of us self-employed folks and writers. It helps so much to commiserate with others in the same position!
I have a feeling that a lot of us are freelancers of some kind, and that means we are wearing so many more hats than just self-employed mom! We are our own bosses, marketers, admin support, and staff on top of parenting. I would be in favor of a support group like that. :)
Ha, I thought I knew! But now I can't find out where to put it. I'll start a chat thread about freelancer work and will tag you when I've remembered how to do that lol
I go up and down with finding balance. During the holidays or school breaks, I've essentially accepted the fact that I'm not going to get any/much writing done. That helps relieve the feeling that hangs over me when I'm not doing something "productive." But also there are times when I have so much going on all at once that it feels impossible to find balance when I have a deadline or something else looming over me. In those times, I just power through and know that it's temporary.
That all said, I feel like as moms, when we're in that emotional labor role, I still have a hard time not being pulled in so many directions, even if it's just in my brain. You know "mom guilt" and all!
What helps me find balance is taking time for self care. This helps me feel more confident and creative. I’m more likely to say no to additional commitments and actually sit down & write.
My biggest challenge is validating the work I am putting into building my editing business when I don't have paid client work coming in. There is so much to do in the background (content creation, writing up templates, making business goals, taking courses, etc.) that makes me feel like I'm spinning my wheels, especially if nothing pans out from it.
Working on my novel is a whole different story (no pun intended!). Every time I sit down to write, I have to catch up on where I left off, which might have been days, weeks, or months ago! I know I need to dedicate a chunk of time every day to write, but I don't like writing in twenty minute spurts.
I SO relate to this! I have the same push-pull with my writing/communications business-my personal writing-and my parenting role. I get so anxious when my work load is low because I get stressed nothing else will come along and I don't actually enjoy the downtime. I feel the need to be constantly productive.
This makes me think we should have a sub-support group for those of us self-employed folks and writers. It helps so much to commiserate with others in the same position!
I have a feeling that a lot of us are freelancers of some kind, and that means we are wearing so many more hats than just self-employed mom! We are our own bosses, marketers, admin support, and staff on top of parenting. I would be in favor of a support group like that. :)
Same! We should start a chat about it in this group!
Yes! How do we do that? Lol. I am not very familiar with this platform!
Ha, I thought I knew! But now I can't find out where to put it. I'll start a chat thread about freelancer work and will tag you when I've remembered how to do that lol
I go up and down with finding balance. During the holidays or school breaks, I've essentially accepted the fact that I'm not going to get any/much writing done. That helps relieve the feeling that hangs over me when I'm not doing something "productive." But also there are times when I have so much going on all at once that it feels impossible to find balance when I have a deadline or something else looming over me. In those times, I just power through and know that it's temporary.
That all said, I feel like as moms, when we're in that emotional labor role, I still have a hard time not being pulled in so many directions, even if it's just in my brain. You know "mom guilt" and all!
What helps me find balance is taking time for self care. This helps me feel more confident and creative. I’m more likely to say no to additional commitments and actually sit down & write.
So well said, Tammy. Great point about how confidence helps propel the writing process.
Taking time for self care is so important!!