Who can list the reasons to be a work-at-home mom?
I know I am incredibly spoiled to be a work-at-home mom. Every morning when I wander over to my desk – with a robe and slippers on – I am fully aware of this! In fact, some evenings when I finish a few hours of work over a late cup of decaf with the soundtrack of The Greatest Showman keeping me awake, I think about how wonderful my work-at-home job is!
Because MUCH of my day is incredibly busy – and I find myself complaining a lot – I wanted to actually think about all the things I am grateful for. What are the things that make working from home just plain awesome?
Here are 5 reasons to be a work-at-home mom (Why I love my job):
1. Having more time with the family
I would be remiss if I didn’t include this as #1. I love waking up with my daughter and slowly eating breakfast with her. I love working from the sofa while she plays with legos. I love not having to worry about a full-time daycare (even though I have plenty of childcare help!). I love seeing my husband when he is home (lately we’ve been having family lunch dates – and they are the best!). And honestly, I just love knowing that I am around as my kids grow up!
2. Having more time for home and chores
This area is a little more ambiguous. I think that a lot of people think that if I am home during the day, I can constantly be cooking, cleaning and starting loads of laundry. False. It doesn’t work like that (at least not in my house)! I have about an hour before work – and an hour at lunchtime – to catch up on a few chores.
I can empty the dishwasher, throw dinner in the crockpot, move a load of laundry – just a few things that get me ahead for the day. I definitely have more time for chores than if I had to actually get dressed, do my hair, pack my lunch, get a child ready for daycare, and get out the door by 7:30 am. I’m thankful for those extra few minutes!
3. Having more time to “relax”
This is also a little more fuzzy. I am definitely not sitting around my house eating bon bons and watching soap operas! And also, compared to my friends that are stay-at-home moms, I don’t have the luxury of “napping when the baby naps”! But, I can tell that my day is far more restful than if I were rushing kids to daycare, rushing to work, and then rushing home. Honestly I just avoid all the rushing!
I am currently pregnant, and right now just going to Target wears me out. I am so thankful that I am not running all of creation – just to do it all over again. There is also something to be said for wearing athletic wear, comfy shoes, and no makeup all day. I’m not complaining!
4. Having more time to cook
I really hate packing portable lunches for work – and school. And I hate trying to make dinner after I get home at 5:30/6 pm. Instead, I have the luxury to make lunches at home and prep dinner early. Do I always do it? Of course not! But, having the option is SO NICE.
Currently my favorite way to prepare dinner in the crock pot, is to throw chicken breasts to cook all day. By the end of the day, I have juicy, flavorful, rotisserie-style chicken that can be used for anything – casseroles, tacos, soup, salads, sandwiches… You can get the recipe here!
5. Being able to surround myself with everything I love
I love tea in the afternoon, smoothies in the hot summer mornings, pretty planners, flowers, candles, pretty music, cozy blankets, a thought-filled podcast. And I can surround myself with these things (on some rare occasions!) while I am working from home. It’s really the best way to work. Ever.
I really am interested in hearing all about your “stay at home” tricks! Do you have an ideal time to exercise? Grocery shop? Clean the house?
Let me know you stopped by and share your reasons to be a work-at-home mom!
