The balance between mum life and work life.
It’s no small task to find a balance between mum life and work life. So, I have asked mum of two, wife, Virtual Assistant/business owner, and friend, Charlotte Russell to share how she does it.
Hey, I’m Charlotte. A 25 year old gal from Hereford.
I’m a self-employed/freelance Social Media Manager and Content Creator - otherwise known as a Virtual Assistant. Specialising in helping mum-treprenuers free up their precious time.
I’m also a wife of 6 years, and a mumma to two - Arabella 3, and Wilbert 1.
So yes my hands are pretty full. The plates are always spinning. The to-do list is ever growing and my head is almost constantly frazzled.
How do you do it all? And so well? Is a question I’m always asked.
The honest answer. I don’t.
I’ve had to learn over the last couple of years that some days aren’t going to be perfect. Some days I won’t get work done, and some days the kids will watch way too many episodes of Bluey. But that’s ok!
I’ve learnt to take the pressure off. Reduce my expectations. Maximise my time. Become more flexible. Prioritise my to-do list and be more present - whether that’s with my clients, my husband or my kids.
But also, here are my 3 MUST-HAVES for success:
1. Delegate - remember you simply CANNOT do everything alone, so start delegating. This is not only in regards to your work, are their chores within your home you can delegate? or day-to-day tasks? or even help with the kids? Whatever it looks like, pass on some of those things today!
2. Boundaries - want that work-life balance? Well you need to get good at setting and sticking to boundaries. For example when and where will you work? Or when and where will you not work? Will you make sure you’re always present for dinner time as a family? Or that you’re always available for the school run? Whatever it looks like for you and your individual circumstances, just set those boundaries and stick to them!
3. Support - let’s be honest, we can’t do and shouldn’t do life alone. So, who are your business besties? And who will be there to support you along the way? Remember it’s okay to ask for help and support, so do it.
Finally, I’ve also come to accept that being a working mum - in whatever shape or form - is tough! Boy it’s tough! But it’s so flipping worth it. So just remember you’re doing your utmost best and that is more than enough. You’re smashing it, so keep doing what you’re doing!
