When my son was born in 2007 I wasn’t at work as an optometrist, I took maternity leave. What I didn’t know at the time was that my then husband was having an affair and had been doing so for quite some time with someone he worked with. Someone I knew. I became a single parent within a few weeks of my son’s birth with zero support. I remember every night was a struggle and I dreaded having to wake up through the night. It was torture.
My dream of becoming a life coach was crushed.
After 5 years I decided to start my own business in health coaching. What I didn’t know was having your own business and being a single parent was tougher than I ever imagined. What threw a spanner in the works was the summer holidays…
How long are they exactly?
I know right?
Crazy long. I had no family or friends around me to help me so I struggled with kids clubs and managing to work when I could to the best of my ability.
I wanted to share with you a few things I have learnt along the way so that you struggle less than I did. Perhaps it will give you a little bit of motivation too to help keep your business running and spend time with the children.
Planning
Plan your meetings before and after the holidays. Sounds simple and it is. I arrange my meetings so that I can spend time with my son and be the most productive and efficient on holiday. Also plan your breaks in advance too so that you aren’t working when you are on holiday.
Early riser
Since my son was born I have become an early riser (by default) I wasn’t like that before. The beauty of 5.30/6am wake up means that everyone is still in bed whilst you get at least an hour of decent work in before the kids get up. Free from distraction and noise. And highly successful people always wake up early, they are hard at work whilst others are asleep.
Work from home
Not possible for some however I work from wherever I am. All of my clients are global and my calls are via video calls. I am so lucky and blessed that my laptop is all I need. I have always wanted to be in the position to work from anywhere in the world and my life and business coaching enables me to do just that.This means when you take breaks you can be there and interact with the children.
Oh and have a break! You know that it’s ok to take some time off and actually switch off too? It makes you more productive and focused when you do start working again.
Thats all from me, now go and enjoy your holidays!! Bye for now x
If you need a 1:1 call with me to chat about how I can help you, you can book www.bypinky.com