How do you guys balance work with parenting?

For those that don’t know, in addition to being home with the kids, I am also a graphic designer by trade.

I “try” to work while I am juggling everything else with the kids (school, food, therapies, etc).

How do I do it?

That’s a FINE question.

First of all, my wife works full-time in nursing, so we have 2 incomes and I am able to be more flexible with my job.

Secondly, I work from home. My office is literally where ever my lap-top is. This is good/bad in the fact that I don’t have a commute, I can choose my hours, but I also cannot get away from it.

Sometimes I work nights, or weekends if I am able, but mostly I have to balance my workload with what I know I am capable of completing given the other tasks I am juggling.

Fortunately, my hours are flexible enough that I can usually balance it all.. sometimes I manage it well… other times, not so much.

I make sure my clients are aware of our situation. I rarely answer my work phone if the kids are home. However, deadlines HAVE to be met, so it’s been a challenge.

We’ve been fortunate enough to have had terrific nannies in the past (before the kids were in school) but childcare was ALWAYS my biggest expense.

Now that the kids are school-aged it’s easier to manage them without extra childcare. But some days (like today) the kids are NOT in school and I still have to work.

Those are the days the house gets destroyed and I get run ragged with all the commitments.

But being a graphic designer has also given me opportunities to positively affect others’ lives… even those I have never met.

This is a sign I designed for Autism Awareness Shop-Tampa Thrift Store and Vocational Training Nonprofit.

I met the fine folks running this Tampa-based nonprofit through Facebook and the page they run (Autism Awareness Shop).

I love the final result!

Despite the chaos that goes on at home while I am working, I love the fact that I can still make an impact on the lives of others with what I do.

And I look forward to seeing their grand opening in April.

-cheers guys!

Original Facebook Post.