As a scientist, I started working from home when my now 11yo was 6wk old. For those who are struggling with this balance atm I thought I would share some insights. (1/7) #workingfromhometips @AcademicParents @FranklinWomen @WomenSciAUST
Firstly, you are never going to work 9-5, don't beat yourself up about it! Secondly, each kid is different, what worked for me, may not work for you! Thirdly, there are days where you get nothing done, and days when you tick everything off your list. (2/7)
When kids were little, I would break my tasks into 30min slots. Then further divide them into things that needed lots of brain power (or longer than 30min) and those that didn't. The ones that do, save until kids had nap. Not napping?Lunchtime movie = 1.5hr of peace (3/7)
The majority of work got done 3 times a day. Before kids got up, during that nap/movie break, when kids were in bed at night. In between those times, I would do the "low" brain power tasks while watching kids play etc (4/7)
My daughter would love to "work" with me. We would set her up a desk and she would happily draw/stamp etc for an hour or so. My son preferred to play with his action heroes/cars, so we would set up a special "fort" where he would play happily alone (5/7)
Those activities are priceless i.e. playdough, lego, drawing, beading etc. Anything they can do by themselves for a 30min slot. In between these times, spend it with them. Do as many of those things you usually do when they are asleep together instead (cleaning, exercise) (6/7)
Finally, remember, in an office you have chats with colleagues, coffee, morning tea, lunch, transit time etc - working from home, even with kids, is often more productive. (7/7)
