Working remotely as a mom

My ideal work day is to check emails at home with coffee, walk the dogs, bike my son to school, bike to work, have lunch with my amazing colleagues, continue work on campus, pickup my son, then finish remotely.

Today I was reminded that working from home is making a plan of what you will achieve, nailing part of it, and also being surprised at other things not on your list that are achieved both by you and your child(ren).

Location, location, location
Depending on the meeting or task, I move between locations based on the:

• need a door to close for better sound (aka not having mini me enter...)
• desire to see the flowers in the garden
• desire a better background behind me while speaking in a meeting
• need to charge my battery

After which, I get coffee, let the dogs out or grab a snack.

Parenting during web meetings
There are 2 amazing buttons: mute and stop sharing video. You'll learn when to use either or both.

The mute feature can be used while covering your mouth. This allows you to be engaged in the meeting, while also telling your child to NOT do something, suggesting a next activity for them, agreeing to the snack they picked, etc. You will be amazed at the results on this one.

Suggestions before a web meeting:

• Have liquid by you (coffee, tea, water, or juice)
• Use a headset
• Charge your battery
• Check your lighting
• Check your hair
• Don't wear pyjamas
• Have a backup plan for when your child enters the room, talks, crawls on your lap, etc.​

Feeling connected
While working remotely you can synchronously work on document or be in chat, but there is a completely different feeling when you are able to see and hear your colleagues.

Checklist completed
I am most successful working remotely when I explain to my son what I'm doing, for how long it will take, and what he can do or cannot do while I'm working + what he will gain by listening.

My day feels fulfilled when major tasks are completed. Even more so when I start the day with something I want to do and end with something I enjoy, like writing or reading a good book (Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy).

As a parent, you know your family best. Consider working at home with them, not around them in a way that meets your needs and their needs.