Becoming a parent is amazing but it comes with big changes, especially for entrepreneurs like us. Unlike people with regular jobs, we don’t have a clear plan for taking time off when the baby arrives. This means we need to get creative to keep our business going while we focus on our new family.
To hear more tips and tricks from my conversation with Linzay, tune in to Episode 107 of Behind the Design Podcast.
Taking time off as a self-employed person isn’t easy. Linzay and I found out that there isn’t a lot of help for us when it comes to parental leave. The usual three months off after having a baby might not be enough, especially if we’re dealing with things like feeling sad or worried after giving birth.
Strategies for Managing Work During Maternity Leave
Creating Passive Income Streams:
One way to keep money coming in while we’re on leave is by creating things we can sell without having to work all the time. For example, I’m thinking of making special classes or guides that people can buy online, even when I’m busy with the baby.
Setting Boundaries and Expectations:
It’s important to be clear with our clients about what we can and can’t do while we’re on leave. Linzay found that telling clients ahead of time about her plans and being positive about taking time off helped them understand.
Embracing Flexibility and Grace:
We need to be ready to change our plans when the baby needs us. I’m planning to avoid scheduling too many meetings or calls during the first few months after the baby arrives, so I can focus on taking care of us both. Linzay shares that setting up ways to work remotely and getting support from friends and family can make a big difference.
Future-Proofing Your Business and Personal Life:
Thinking ahead is important. We need to plan not just for the first few months after the baby’s born, but also for the time after that. Linzay and I are looking into things like insurance that can help if we need more time off or if things don’t go as planned. Linzay says setting up ways to work remotely and getting support from friends and family can make a big difference.
As we start this new chapter of our lives, we’re not just figuring things out for ourselves but also for other entrepreneurs who will come after us. By planning, being flexible, and speaking up for what’s right, we’re making things better for all of us entrepreneurs who are balancing work and family.
