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A year ago this July, I decided to embrace my own destiny and start a business. It’s been a joyride of ups and downs, and I’ve learned more than I ever thought possible about myself along the way.

Working at home provides one with a unique sense of independence, but also comes with a massive amount of responsibility. Missed a deadline? You’re to blame. Overextended your business finances? You again. And that boss of yours? Sometimes, she can be a real pain! Navigating the unique dance that is working at home has taught me quite a few things about life.

Freedom and Simplicity

As I juggle the unique balance of productivity and sleep deprivation that is inevitable as a full time writer and mother of two under three, I’ve learned that the freedom I enjoy comes with a price tag. For now, freelancing means that we’re always on a budget. We’re not starving artists, but we don’t live on easy street, either. We’ve chosen to live a simpler life, and in turn, to cut corners fiscally to finance it. We spend time instead of money whenever possible, and our family is stronger for it. Some refer to this movement as voluntary simplicity, but to us, it’s just life.

Stepping off the Treadmill

Freelancing has its benefits, no doubt. The ability to work at five a.m. isn’t my favorite thing, but I do enjoy knocking out a full day’s work before lunchtime and setting my own hours as needed. Since I opened my freelance business, I haven’t missed a doctor’s appointment, play date, or mealtime with my family. That’s priceless!

I hope my girls will remember, not that I was always typing, but that I was also always available to stop and play between assignments. Coming from a full time career in the mental health industry, where I was always on call and my time was never my own, this lifestyle seems like a dream come true most days. I can work as much or as little as I choose.

Lessons in Frugality

I’ve learned a lot from working from myself. As I strive for balance, I’ve learned to stretch money in ways that would have previously seemed impossible. I’ve learned to focus on what’s really essential, and forgo what can wait. By using sites like Freecycle, I’ve been able to supply my toddler with a never-ending supply of toys, and my infant with an entire wardrobe. By menu planning and shopping sales, I’ve slashed our grocery budget. And by working as an entrepreneur, I’ve given us the financial flexibility that we need. If times are tight, I can take on a few extra assignments. If we have a bit extra, I can choose to work less.

Independence and Spirit

I hope that my girls will learn from me that it is possible to make your unique situation work for you. I was never able to make working outside the home work for my family, so I decided to do something completely different. Whatever your issues, it’s possible to make your lifestyle into one that you’ll enjoy. By choosing to work at home, I invite them into my world and allow them to see the day to day functions of running a business. Sometimes that means my keyboard is sticky, my to do list is decorated with crayons, or that I have to work and nurse at the same time. But I get to spend these days with them, and that makes it all worthwhile.

Photo by creatingkoan.