When I first started an online e-commerce business back in 2009, I quickly became familiar with the acronym ‘WAHM’. Standing (somewhat obviously on reflection) for ‘Work at Home Mum’. It seemed to be a label mainly used by mums of young children who were bringing in an income from selling crafted goods online. Because my business wasn’t about selling my own handmade goods (and wasn’t solely reliant upon me particularly), I never used it. The thing I’m only just beginning to get my head around almost three years later is that I am – without a doubt, a WAHM.

So what does this mean and why is it important for me to acknowledge it?

1. Time management

I work from home. I have a pre-schooler. The two of these aspects are juxtaposed on many levels. Fortunately, the nature of my business allows for me to be flexible with my hours. I work late into the evening (sometimes early into the morning…), at weekends and whenever the opportunity presents itself. I think in BC (Before Child) days, I would have referred to my hours as ‘unsociable’. I adore what I do, it’s my absolute passion. This is what makes it possible to work the hours that I do. An additional sprinkle of fortune dictates that there are other people working in this manner too – more and more people are stepping out of the 9-5 regime and spreading their wings.

The biggest challenge I have found in managing my time, is not finding time to work; and not in finding time to be the best mum I can be… but to sleep. I will always choose to squeeze in just one more thing before shutting down and this can be my downfall.

Top tip: start as you mean to go on.

By all means work the hours that suit you but make sure you’re getting enough sleep. If that means setting an alarm that signifies bedtime then so be it. It is not unknown for me to set an auto shut-down timer on my computer. It works. Working hard is all very honorable but if you’re sleep deprived? You’re no use to anyone.

2. Getting real (managing your expectations)

If you’re juggling childcare with day to day household tasks and haven’t been taking heed of point number 1 (matchsticks anyone?); it won’t take long before you’re banging on your ex employer’s door asking for a reprieve.

It’s time to get real.

Take stock of your situation, face up to what is achievable and set your success criteria accordingly. Some days, this might be as simple as getting you and the child(ren) dressed before lunch… but other days, the sky will be the limit. What you need to be ultimately prepared for is that in life as a WAHM – the blue sky days usually creep up when you least expect them.

Top tip: be prepared.

Have your working space organised and ready to go at the drop of a hat. You never know when an opportunity will present itself to sit down and have a power hour (these opportunities come in all shapes and sizes but most frequently in the form of surprise naps (children – not you ) or the best friend you ever had taking your offspring for an impromtu outing). You don’t want to waste this precious time cobbling your shit together.

3. Getting real… again (find your grounding force)

For any WAHM’s who have transitioned from corporate backgrounds or high pressured working environments, adjusting to working to your own rules can prove tricky to say the least. It’s easy to imagine waltzing out of a high flying career and imagining that you’ll be liberated by not having to work through the endless hierarchies and systems to get that project approved; but in reality, having the responsibility for giving the green light to your own ideas can prove a scarily overwhelming prospect. How do you ensure quality control? Who is going to highlight the issues you glossed over because you chose not to see them?

Top tip: Find a straight talker who will keep you grounded.

Trust someone who isn’t afraid to question you and your thinking. They will want to see you succeed and because of their belief in your ability to do so, will gladly offer the reality check you need. Constantly.

4. Being a domestic goddess

Scratch that idea. If you’re one of these who have invested scary amounts of time co-ordinating boards on Pinterest of dishes you will cook, clothes you will lovingly hand stitch or craft ideas Martha Stewart would be proud of? You’re destined for failure.

If you’re a WAHM reading this and have mastered the art of keeping your house immaculate, the dishes clean (and put away at all times) and the laundry bin from overflowing? Please leave copious details of how you’re achieving this below .

Top tip: Find a routine that works for you and doesn’t leave you feeling that you constantly failed to achieve what you set out to do.

I have found that focusing on one set task each day allows me to maintain a feeling that I’m keeping on top of things. Oh… and I go visit friends for playdates. You know… ‘because my house is too small’ (wink, wink).