Question for mom's that work from home

If you don't mind me asking - what do you do? and how do you entertain baby? (How many kids and what ages)


I'm currently doing 2 days at home 3 days in the office. I'm supposed to have a sitter on my work from home days and I did all summer, but she went back to school and I haven't been successful in finding anyone for the fall. Well long story short, if I can't find someone I want to go part time or have a more flexible job to work from home on my terms (meaning I'll commit to getting work done by a certain time, but no set hours perse.) Just looking for ideas on jobs and how to keep DD busy. She's 9 months and crawling!!

I'm in finance - I have a CPA and MBA and currently working as a Finance Manager for a large company. Working from home with a staff is what makes it sooo challenging.

Message edited 9/4/2007 8:06:46 AM.

Re: Question for mom's that work from home

I work 20 hours a week from home. Well, I'm on the payroll for 20 hours a week and I usually work about 5, but don't tell anyone.

Anyway, Jack will be 3 and Molly will be 1 in Oct. I try to do most of my work during naps, and in the evenings. I do the same job I had for my company in Dallas, before we moved to Ohio. I do marketing promotions and sales incentives design for my client. I check email throughout the day and answer the phone when I can, but overall I just try to do work when I can. I suppose I am lucky since I have no set schedule and my boss is pretty hands off and lets me do what I need to do.

Jack will be going to preschool from 9-1 three days a week and Molly will just play in the pack and play or I will put on a video for her while I work. I often feel guilty, but I will put in a video for Jack to watch if I need to get something done.

Its not easy and I always feel like I am being pulled in a million directions at once, but somehow it all works out.

Re: Question for mom's that work from home

Re: Question for mom's that work from home

First I have to say I love the pictures you posted of DD at 9 months, especially the black and white one.

Anyway, I'm an engineer and I work from home on tuesday and friday. I have no sitter.

I have been doing this since DD was born and I went back to work when she was 3 1/2 months old.

I get up around 6 am and log on to my computer, check emails, etc. Then I work out and take my shower. By then DD is up and I feed her and me breakfast and then I hop back onto my computer. I have a ton of toys in the computer room for her to play with and I can usually get work done while she plays. Sometimes I will take a break and play with her. But if she needs attention, I give it to her.

Basically I work when I can and if I don't get my eight hours in I try to do some at night or not worry about it. My boss even said, if you get six hours in at home, that is more then you would at the office with distractions, etc. I just try to get as much done as possible and I'm always availbe by phone or email between 7 and 4 pm.

I hope that helps. It is tough to juggle everything but right now I need to be full-time. I use to get stressed out about not getting the eight hours in but as long as I get my stuff done, nobody says anything.

Re: Question for mom's that work from home

Whenever he naps, I work. I also put in an hour here or there when DH gets home...

I edit a childrens website. About 15 hours a week...

DS is napping now..can't you see how much work I'm doing?? Lol!

It's easier these days because he takes one 2 or 3 hour nap per day. I get a huge chunk done and am able to do all 15 hours M-F. Sometimes if the week has been a hard one I put in my hours on the weekend. My job is very flexible though, and the money I make is up to me.

Re: Question for mom's that work from home

Thanks for the responses.

I struggle with the fact that my job doesn't necessarily agree with "as long as the job gets done." They are more about face time, etc. I'm so grateful for the opportunity they are giving me, but I would work better/be more productive if they left the timing up to me. I do always get my job done.

I think they are more concerned with the fact I manage a staff and need to set an example etc. I'm am my department's "guinea pig" to see if you can succesfully work at home with a child. I hope I don't let anyone down

Re: Question for mom's that work from home

I do the exact same thing that you do (CPA - finance manager for large company). Right now I am technically working from home. I was taking a 12 week maternity leave but my husband didn't have a contract for this year so I agreed that I would work the last 6 weeks from home and they will pay me hourly in the event that we would be in a bad financial situation (thankfully he got one in the interim). I'm still trying to figure out how to get the work done. And I only have a 7 week old. We're in the middle of budgets and closing and prepping for the audit. It's nuts. And I can't seem to get anything done until late at night when he gets to bed. So long story short - if you figure it out please let me know.