Latest Posts

  • A Case for Working From Home

    Create the Life You Want and Build a Better Life Balance

    Creating a life that aligns with your values and dreams is more than just a personal goal—it’s essential for your well-being. Many of us fall into routines that prioritize work over joy, stability over creativity, and stress over relaxation. But what if you could build a multi-faceted life that has it all? A life that includes adventure, accomplishment, fun, relaxation, and steady work. This is what starting your own business or working from home can offer you: the ability to live with intention, balance, and most importantly, purpose.

    Build a Multi-Faceted Life

    Creating a well-rounded life requires balance, and the freedom of working from home or being an entrepreneur gives you just that:

    • Adventure: You don’t need to jet-set around the globe to add adventure to your life. Adventure could mean learning new skills, pursuing your passions, or exploring different parts of your local area. Working from home provides the flexibility to make space for these experiences. Where I live is full of tradition and festivals and culture. There is always something new happening. Working from home gives me the flexibility to take part in these mini adventures and yearly rhythms that I could otherwise miss in the daily work grind.
    • Accomplishment: When you build something of your own, like a business, every achievement feels meaningful. Whether it’s growing your clientele, launching a product, or hitting a personal milestone, these accomplishments create a sense of pride and purpose that’s often missing in a traditional 9-to-5 job. For me, I was tired of building someone else’s business. I wanted to invest in myself and create something I could be proud of.
    • Fun: Life should include fun. Being in control of your schedule allows you to create time for activities that bring you joy. Whether it’s hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or simply taking breaks when you need them, fun becomes an integral part of your day. When I was working away from home, a small but meaningful thing I missed was getting out into nature on a daily basis. Now I spend my lunch break savoring the simple pleasures of the outdoors, like sipping tea on my swing surrounded by flowering bushes or observing the bees collecting pollen.
    • Relaxation: With work-life balance in your hands, you can make rest a priority. When you work for yourself, you have the freedom to schedule downtime, which is essential for avoiding burnout and maintaining mental and physical health. Also, you can better juggle tasks during the day which opens up more time for relaxing. For instance, taking a five-minute break to load the dishwasher or switch over laundry frees up my night for more enjoyable things.
    • Steady Work: You can create a system that brings in a reliable income while still allowing you the freedom to enjoy other aspects of your life. This balance between flexibility and stability is key to living a life that feels complete. Work can also be rewarding unto itself. It can be satisfying to build a business, improve your skills, achieve personal milestones, and experience personal growth.

    The Importance of Purpose in Your Work

    One of the most profound benefits of creating a life on your own terms is ensuring that your work has purpose. It’s not just about making money or ticking off tasks; it’s about doing something that resonates deeply with you. When you start a business or work from home, you can align your work with your passions and values. Your work should matter—to you and to the people it impacts.

    Purpose-driven work doesn’t feel like a chore; it becomes a fulfilling part of your identity. Whether you’re providing a service, sharing your expertise, or creating something that benefits others, knowing that your efforts have meaning gives you a sense of direction and satisfaction.

    For me, there’s nothing more fulfilling than building something that can truly support other women. I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to juggle the demands of managing a household, raising kids, and working full-time outside the home. I often felt drained, like I was merely surviving rather than living, missing out on so much while trying to keep up. If I can help even one woman break free from that exhausting cycle and find balance and joy in her life, it would mean everything to me.

    You Have Something Worth Pursuing

    At the core of all this is the belief that you have something worth having. You have skills, talents, and passions that deserve to be pursued. By taking the leap into entrepreneurship or remote work, you’re not only creating a life you love but also offering something valuable to the world. Building a multi-faceted life — a life with purpose, adventure, accomplishment, fun, and steady work — IS within your reach. Every day, take one step toward creating the life you envision. Whether it’s a small business goal or a moment of reflection to decide your next move, these incremental changes will add up. Your dream life, full of intention and balance, is out there waiting for you. All you have to do is start.

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  • Build a Dream Life

    Imagine someone who is in the same stage of life as you, whether you’re in your 30s, juggling kids and a career, or in your late 40s, preparing for an empty nest. Picture this person as someone you find absolutely captivating, someone you admire deeply—not because they are perfect, but because they embody the qualities you love. You love everything about her: what she looks like, how she dresses, the ways she carries herself, how she interacts with the world around her. This is a person who exudes a kind of effortless confidence, someone you’d want to spend time with, whose presence feels inspiring and uplifting. If you knew her, you would instantly want to be best friends, to hear all her secrets and how she sees the world.

    Now spend some time describing this person in detail: What kind of clothes does she wear? If she is single, is she dating? If she is married, how does she interact with her spouse? What type of people does she hang out with? What does she do for work? What does she do in her spare time? What time does she get up in the morning? What is her day like? What does she eat? How does she take care of herself? How does she feel about herself? What is her attitude on life?

    As an example, let’s say this woman is in her 30s with a couple of kids. She dresses with intention and style—nothing overly glamorous or unattainable, but a reflection of her personality. Maybe she leans into earthy tones, comfortable yet elegant fabrics, blending casual and chic. She carries herself with grace, with an inner calm that seems almost contagious. When she’s out, she speaks to people with a warmth that makes everyone feel seen and valued. She’s not rushing through life, but rather moves through it with purpose, balancing family, work, and self-care.

    If she’s single, she might be dating, but not in a way that defines her. She’s confident in her independence, happy with where she is in life, yet open to the possibilities. If she’s married, her relationship is marked by mutual respect and love—no grand gestures, just everyday kindness and a partnership that feels real and nurturing. Her circle of friends includes a diverse group of people who reflect her curiosity and desire for meaningful connections. They support each other through life’s ups and downs, and they laugh—a lot.

    For work, she might be an entrepreneur, pursuing something she’s passionate about. Or maybe she’s making waves in her chosen field, not for recognition but because she genuinely loves what she does. Outside of work, she has a mixture of hobbies that keep her grounded—maybe it’s hiking, yoga, or reading, perhaps she volunteers or spends time in her garden. She wakes up early, not because she has to, but because she’s learned the magic of quiet mornings, sipping tea and setting her intentions for the day. She eats mindfully, not following any restrictive diets but choosing what makes her feel vibrant and healthy.

    This woman is deeply in tune with herself, and that self-awareness shapes her attitude toward life. She’s realistic, knowing that challenges will come, but she meets them with resilience. She doesn’t aim for perfection but strives to live a life of purpose and joy. She values growth and is always learning, whether it’s through books, experiences, or conversations. She sees life as an adventure, one where she’s the main character, shaping her own narrative day by day.

    Now, go to Pinterest and create boards for her life. What would her wardrobe look like? What meals would she prepare? What kind of home would she create — maybe one that feels welcoming, with a touch of minimalism, where everything has a purpose. You could create boards for her hobbies, her daily routines, her favorite travel destinations. It wouldn’t be about extravagance but about curating a life that feels rich with intention.

    Finally, realize that this amazing woman you’ve envisioned is you—or at least, she can be. You are going to become the main character. Every day, you can take small steps to become her. When you wake up in the morning, look at the boards you created and try to embody this person you think is so amazing. The goal is not to transform overnight but to slowly become someone you love, someone whose life feels fulfilling. Not because it’s perfect, but because it’s lived authentically. Each day, make one choice that brings you closer to that vision, whether it’s choosing an outfit that makes you feel confident, spending 10 minutes reading, or being kind to yourself in moments of stress. Over time, these little choices will add up, and before you know it, you’ll be living as the person you’ve always admired.

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  • Heartbreak to Hustle: How My Skills Gained as a Widowed Mom Has Translated to Digital Marketing

    Seven years ago, when my life was turned upside down, I felt overwhelmed, terrified, and unsure of how I would keep everything together. But amid the chaos, I discovered something unexpected: the very skills that helped me navigate the toughest times became the foundation for my career and now, for building a business in digital marketing. I want to share so that other single/widowed moms can realize jsut how much they have to offer too.

    Managing a household, being the sole breadwinner, and raising three kids alone has been anything but easy, but these challenges have shown me a strength and resilience I never knew I had. Along the way, I’ve gained countless skills that I’m incredibly proud of. While I already felt like a supermom before my husband passed, I quickly realized you don’t know what you’re truly capable of until you face the unknown. I’ve had to fill so many gaps and learn new skills on the fly, and those skills have become invaluable in my journey into digital marketing. Here is a little of what I have learned and how it has helped me.

    First, I’ve become fiercely independent. Being solely responsible for my family, I’ve had to make countless decisions on my own, without the safety net of a partner to lean on for feedback or support. This has made me a self-starter and confident in my ability to handle whatever comes my way. Running my digital marketing business is an extension of this independence. I know what needs to be done, and I don’t wait for someone else to take the lead—I do it myself. I am driven by a desire to provide for my family and to create a better life for all of us.

    My time-management and planning skills have become top notch. Like most moms, I’ve juggled meal planning, household chores, doctor’s appointments, school schedules, and after-school activities. But, you cannot imagine the tremendous amount of effort and planning it took to get my three kids to dance, theater, and swim practice—each at different times and locations—with only me to drive them. I was proud of myself for figuring it out. Some called me crazy, but I was determined to find a way to let my kids stick with their passions after my husband died. I wanted their life to remain as consistent as possible. These abilities have translated seamlessly to managing multiple social media channels, planning content, and executing new projects for my business.

    This brings me to another crucial skill: creative problem-solving and resourcefulness. When you’re raising kids alone, you learn to think on your feet. There have been many times when I simply HAD to make things work, with no other options. When there is no other alternative, you somehow find a way. I’ve become adept at handling unexpected challenges, managing a tight budget, and coming up with creative solutions—skills that are invaluable in digital marketing when you are developing unique strategies or thinking outside the box to create digital products.

    Building a brand and promoting products require resilience, determination, and adaptability—qualities that are necessary as a single mom. It’s a slow process to develop credibility and trust with an audience, just as it is to navigate life’s twists and turns as a solo parent. When life throws you curveballs, you must be ready to adapt, recover from setbacks, and keep moving forward because there’s simply no other choice.

    Finally, my empathy and compassion have deepened tenfold. I’ve always been sensitive and empathetic, but going through the fire of loss and tragedy has changed me profoundly. The heartbreak of losing my partner, the despair of not raising our kids together, the loneliness I’ve faced countless nights, and the fear of handling everything alone—all of this has heightened my ability to connect with others who are also struggling.

    This empathy has become one of my greatest assets. Building genuine connections and understanding the emotions of others is crucial in this field. I can relate to what other single moms are feeling, which allows me to create content that truly resonates and promote products that genuinely help. I know how hard it is to struggle alone, and if I can make even a small difference in another mom’s life, I feel fulfilled.

    In the end, I hope my story can inspire others who want to start their own digital marketing business. You are so valuable, momma, and you have learned and gained so much through your trials. Every mom has a story to tell, and when we share our experiences and support one another, it makes the journey a little bit easier. This is what drives me. I want to help others — whether by offering products that make life simpler or through sharing content that provides helpful tips and encouragement. We’re all in this together, and there is room enough for everyone to be successful. We’ve got this!

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  • 5 Myths About Working From Home

    While working for home may be considered the ideal for many, it’s not for everyone. I’m ready to spill some tea about some common myths surrounding remote work. It offers certain freedoms and conveniences for sure, but it’s not always as ideal or simple as it may seem. It may also be better than you imagine! We don’t all suffer from loneliness, but we also don’t work in our pajamas all day. From managing time and maintaining work-life balance to staying productive and combating isolation, remote work comes with its own set of unique challenges. Here are some common myths about working from home and what the reality truly looks like.

    Myth #1: “You Are the Master of Your Own Time”

    While working from home does provide more flexibility, it doesn’t mean you have complete control over your time. With emails to respond to, instant messages to answer, meetings to attend, calls from coworkers, and projects to complete, you are still accountable to others. Although you may have more freedom to choose your hours, your time is still not entirely your own. In some ways, it requires even greater discipline and careful planning to ensure that home distractions don’t interfere with your work focus. But bonus – There is no commute time!

    Myth #2: “You Have a Perfect Work-Life Balance”

    Achieving a work-life balance while working from home requires proactive effort; it’s not something that simply falls into place. While at home, the boundaries between personal and professional life can blur, making it easy for one to interfere with the other. If you’re not careful, you might find yourself burned out from trying to manage both at the same time. To avoid this, it’s important to establish clear boundaries. Set aside dedicated times for work and home life and stick to a defined schedule. When work is done, let it be done, and resist the temptation to constantly revisit tasks or make yourself perpetually available. Tip: Create an end of day work ritual. Sometimes it can be hard to make the transition from work to home life. Whether it be making a cup of tea or taking a walk, do something to signal to yourself that your workday is over, allowing you to let go of any work thought remnants lingering around in your brain.

    Myth #3: “It’s Isolating and You Don’t Get Enough Interaction”

    While some people may find remote work isolating, this isn’t the case for everyone. I often feel like I’m interacting with people more than ever, even from home. Thanks to all the virtual communication tools and apps, I find it easy to engage with colleagues, clients, and teams throughout the day. As an introvert, there are even days when I feel overwhelmed by the amount of interaction and need some quiet time to recharge. In addition, I’ve built meaningful connections with coworkers across the country, and I still feel very much connected, despite the physical distance.

    Myth #4: “It’s Less Productive”

    Productivity levels can vary from person to person, but I find myself more productive working from home. I’ve been able to create a personalized work environment that allows me to focus better. I’m not constrained by uncomfortable office furniture or harsh lighting that may be found in some offices. Instead, I have created an environment with comfortable seating, ideal lighting, and a setup tailored to my needs. With clear boundaries in place with my family, I also can allocate uninterrupted blocks of time and can adjust my schedule to align with my most productive hours, whether that’s early in the morning or later in the evening, when there are fewer distractions. Because my workspace is already at home, I don’t have to worry about “bringing work home” — I can step away and return when I’m ready to focus again.

    Myth #5: “You Never Have to Get Dressed”

    While working from home allows me to have a more relaxed wardrobe, there are still plenty of times when I need to look presentable for virtual meetings, and believe it or not, I still need to leave the house for various errands and chores. I enjoy being able to wear comfortable clothes without the pressure of following the latest office fashion trends. Women, in particular, often face more judgment and have higher expectations regarding their appearance, and building up a professional wardrobe can be an expensive endeavor. Journalist Tracey Spirer cited in this TEDx talk that women spend an average of 27 minutes each day getting ready for work, amounting to 10 full working days a year. Working from home provides the flexibility to balance comfort and professionalism. There are still plenty of networking opportunities you can attend to show off your style without needing to set aside a large chunk of time each day to look your best for the office.

    Conclusion:

    Working from home has its advantages and challenges, and it’s important to recognize both sides of the equation. It offers flexibility and the opportunity to set up your workspace and workday the way you prefer, but it also takes some serious effort to manage your time, set boundaries, and stay focused. It’s easy to think it’s all comfy clothes and zero stress, but there’s a lot more to it than that. Understanding these realities can help dispel myths and allow for a more realistic perspective on what remote work truly entails. At the end of the day, working from home can be great, but it’s important to go in with a realistic mindset and be ready to put in the work to make it a success.

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  • How Becoming a Work-at-Home Widow Changed My Life

    The timeline of my life looks like this: Once upon a time, I was a homeschooling mama who spent her days tending to the kids and home. I loved learning myself, so there was a richness to our days, despite the fact that it was not easy. Fast forward to my husband dying unexpectedly. I immediately had to piece together flexible jobs that could supplement death benefits while still allowing me to be there for the kids. Where there is a will, there is a way, but boy, life was HARD and FULL

    Next came going back to work full-time. The kids were all older, and I could outsource all of their schooling, so I enjoyed the steady paycheck. However, I HATED being away from home all day. I felt like I was missing out on so much, and many days felt like a jail sentence. I dreaded my days and felt it took significant willpower just to get through them. I knew something had to change. I furiously pursued remote jobs, and when I finally landed one and got to come home again, it was yet another adjustment. But I felt so much more like myself, like I could live the life I wanted.

    There is so much complication with being a work-at-home WIDOW, though. First, the sweetness of it: I’m home. I get to be close to my kids. We can have meals together in the middle of the day. I get to be part of their lives in real-time instead of trying to fit time into a box at the end of the day. I’m available if they need to stop in for a quick chat or tell me about something exciting that is happening. And the bonus is that I don’t have to jump up to shovel on snow days. I love being home.

    However, while being available like this is great, there is also a need for boundaries. During the day, I am still “at work,” and there are plenty of times I can’t be immediately available. I have to take calls, be in meetings, and actually get work done! If I don’t have boundaries in place, I can very easily get burned out trying to meet everyone’s needs without meeting my own.

    Still, I am also a widow, and no matter how you frame it, life is tough when there’s no other adult to share the workload, be your backup, discuss decisions with, bear the financial brunt, or simply be your partner. I’m the parent, and it’s my job to take care of the children — not the other way around. It’s rare for one of the kids to ask how I’m doing or how my day was. I provide support but don’t receive much myself. That’s tough, whether I’m at home or not.

    Overall, being a work-at-home widow makes me appreciate the small things that make life beautiful. I savor my days off and the slower moments. There’s something special about taking a coffee break to feel the grass under my feet or cooking a full midday meal during my lunch break to share with my family. Experiencing the loss of my husband taught me that life is precious, and we must make the most of the time we have.

    Being a full-time parent has its trials but also so many joys. Raising my three favorite people is an honor, and I want to be present for it as long as possible. The days are long, but the years are short, and too soon, they’ll all be off on their own. I’m so glad I made the decision to be closer to them because it is what is most important to me. Life is too short to be miserable, so we must take steps to create the life we want. My advice is to pursue what you value and hold dear.

    So, here I am, navigating this unique journey as a work-at-home widow, finding balance between work and family, grief and gratitude, solitude and connection. It’s not the life I envisioned, but it’s the life I’m determined to make the most of. I’ve learned that it’s okay to choose what feels right for me, to prioritize being present with my kids while also carving out space for myself. There are challenges, but there’s also beauty in crafting a life that reflects my values, even amid the pain of loss.

    Every day is an opportunity to learn, grow, and savor the moments that matter most. I’ve realized that while I can’t change the past, I can shape the present and the future. And that means being here — fully, authentically, and unapologetically. It’s about embracing the messy, wonderful reality of where I am now and knowing that every choice I make is helping me build a life that honors both my husband’s memory and my own aspirations. For anyone on a similar path, know that while it might not be easy, it is possible to find peace, joy, and purpose again, one day at a time.

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  • Start Building Financial Stability with 5 Effective Passive Income Ideas

    Passive income is a hot topic. Who wouldn’t want to make money while they were sleeping? As a result of the hype, some ideas are exaggerated or glamorized as being a lot better / easier than they actually are. However, there are actual real, legitimate ways to make decent money without working a 40-hour week. This doesn’t mean no work is involved. Sometimes, it takes significant work up front to get a business started, and over time.

    You can think about building a business like building a machine. You need to invest time and effort upfront to design it, and then make it carefully, ensuring all parts run smoothly and efficiently. Once it’s working, it can generate income like recurring sales, memberships, affiliate partnerships, and digital product offerings, all with minimal maintenance.

    A passive income business is like building a well-oiled machine: you invest time and effort upfront to design and assemble it, then, once it’s running smoothly, it continues to generate returns through recurring sales, memberships, affiliate partnerships, and digital product offerings, all with minimal ongoing maintenance.

    I have been making money online as a freelancer for many years. I also work a full-time remote job, so I have been craving the freedom that passive income brings. I am just now beginning my journey toward creating more passive income, but there are several businesses I wish I started years ago. I know that it’s never too late, and that the second-best time to start is now. Here are the passive income ideas that I wish I had started / or may work on creating now.

    1. Selling Digital Products

    Creating digital products is a powerful strategy for building passive income, and it has never been easier. By developing items such as handbooks, eBooks, templates, courses, and other downloadable resources, you can generate ongoing revenue. It does take initial time and effort to create high-quality valuable content, but once you do, there is minimal effort involved. Your content can be sold to an unlimited number of customers without additional production costs. Additionally, with the right marketing, your products can reach a global audience, particularly with user-friendly platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, and Shopify. The more people you can reach, the more income you can generate.

    2. Reading Audiobooks

    Audiobooks have increased in popularity, with more people than ever turning to them as a convenient way to enjoy books. Becoming a professional audiobook narrator or voice-over artist can be a great passive income stream for someone with a good voice and a knack for storytelling. You can narrate original content or connect with authors on platforms like ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange). As a narrator, you can choose to receive a royalty share for each audiobook sold, which means you continue to earn money every time someone purchases or listens to the audiobook. If you create your own original content, you can publish them on platforms like Audible, Google Play, or Apple Books. While it takes effort upfront to record a quality audiobook, once it’s produced and available, you can earn passive income for years to come with minimal upkeep. With the rise of people turning to audiobooks, this is a promising avenue for generation passive income over time.

    3. Becoming a Motivational Coach

    Motivational coaching can be another lucrative passive income stream, especially if you package your coaching services in a way that doesn’t always require one-on-one time. For example, you could offer online courses, group coaching sessions, or pre-recorded webinars where you share your expertise, insights, and encouragement with your audience. Another option is to create a membership site where members pay a recurring fee to access exclusive content, coaching videos, worksheets, and community support. This way, you are generating recurring revenue while helping others achieve their goals.

    4. Self-Publishing Books

    Self-publishing has never been easier, thanks to tools like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. You no longer need to go through a traditional publisher. Authors can self-publish their books online and sell directly to readers. While not every self-published author becomes a huge success, some authors on Amazon Kindle can make from a couple hundred to tens of thousands of dollars per month, depending on their following and sales volume. The key is to find a niche, write books that provide value to your targeted audience, and build a marketing strategy to consistently reach your readers. The upfront time to write a book may be longer, but the income they can create over time is considerable.

    5. Building an E-Commerce Business

    Running an online store is a great way to generate passive income. You don’t necessarily need a large investment to get started. You can choose to sell your own homemade items or use drop-shipping. In either case, you have the flexibility to scale and/or automate your business. You can also experiment, learn, and adjust your business along the way to better meet customer needs. With popular platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, setting up a store and starting to sell is easy and generally uncomplicated. You can also use these platforms to promote your online store. Once you have your products and shop set up, you can automate procedures to create a passive income stream.

    Final Thoughts

    Starting an online business that generates passive income requires dedication and hard work. There’s no promise of instant success or quick wins. Looking back, I often wish I had launched my own online venture years ago. Establishing a brand, cultivating an audience, and creating multiple streams of recurring revenue can actually offer more financial stability than most traditional jobs. What you really need to kick off an online business are curiosity, persistence, drive, and a desire to learn. If I had begun years ago, who knows where I’d be now? But now is always the right time to start laying the groundwork for future success.

  • Flexibility & Income: 4 Side Hustles That Made Me Extra Cash

    I grew up as the daughter of a business owner. My mother started her own daycare business out of our childhood home and eventually grew it to care for over 140 children in a brand-new building that she and my dad built from the ground up. They were my models for what I imagined work-life balance to be like. My mother worked hard, but once the business was up and running, she could come and go as she pleased. She planned meetings, shopped for toys, and managed the business all on her own terms. That is the kind of career flexibility I have always desired.

    Fast forward to today. I’ve found a way to create a life that mirrors that vision, though the journey wasn’t always smooth. After my husband passed away, I had to find ways to supplement my income while working as a homeschool teacher or during my 9-to-5 job. Below are four side hustles I did to make extra cash. You could also build up some of these ideas to turn the side income into a full-time hustle that will free up your time and allow you to create the life you imagine.

    Surveys

    While surveys won’t make you a fortune, the small amount of money they do provide can build up over time and take some burden off. Anyone can do online surveys. They are simple, accessible, and take minimal commitment. You can do them while waiting for appointments, or like I did, waiting in the car to pick up your kids. You can fit them in when you have brief moments of time, and before you know it, you might have an Amazon gift card or a small cash boost waiting for you when you need it. By participating in surveys, you provide valuable feedback to companies and researchers while getting compensated for your time and opinions. While I wouldn’t count on it to replace any income, it’s an easy and low-effort way to supplement your earnings, especially if you enjoy sharing your thoughts on products and services.

    Here are some platforms I have personally tried and benefitted from1:

    Online Microtasks

    Microtasks involve completing small, often short-term tasks like data annotation, transcription, or participating in research projects. I worked with a company called Appen, which specializes in data annotation and AI training services. They help businesses improve their machine learning models by offering services like data labeling, data collection, and AI model evaluation. However, not all of their available tasks would be considered microtasks in my opinion.

    I joined a job working for one hour a day rating ads for different products. I had to commit to the hour a day, but I could do it on my own time. The perks were that the tasks can be flexible and remote, allowing me to work from anywhere, even while on vacation to visit to my mom in Bar Harbor. While the pay wasn’t always high—about $11 an hour at the time—the flexibility and the small income boost were helpful.

    Private Tutoring

    Given my background in homeschooling my kids and my ease with academics, tutoring was a natural fit. I took on various tutoring roles. I worked for a program through a local college tutoring college students on website building and refreshing math skills for Praxis tests. I also taught elementary math through Mathnasium and joined online tutoring platforms like Wyzant. Tutoring offered the flexibility that I needed and allowed me to set my own rates. Although it wasn’t a full-time income for me, it’s possible for others to build a successful tutoring business. The time and effort you put into building your tutoring business will determine your success. For me, it worked great as a side hustle to create additional income.

    One of the biggest pros for me was the ability to positivity impact students’ lives. Seeing student’s lightbulb moments were always a highlight for me. I felt like I was doing something rewarding with my time. Another positive is the number of options you have when choosing what to tutor. You don’t have to focus on the traditional subjects like I did. If you have any special skills or expertise, you can help others. With the rise of online platforms, tutors can reach students all over the world from any location, making it easier than ever to integrate into a busy schedule. Overall, it’s a fulfilling way to earn extra money, contribute to others’ success, and can be tailored to your expertise and schedule.

    Classes / Lessons

    Teaching classes or lessons is similar to tutoring but involves creating your own lesson plans. As a former music teacher, I offered instrumental band lessons both at home and at students’ houses. This was a lucrative way to leverage my skills and one of the options I found most worthwhile.

    The possibilities for hosting classes have only expanded since that time. Platforms like Outschool provide opportunities to teach live, online classes on a variety of subjects, from academics to arts and hobbies. While planning and scheduling require effort, Outschool’s flexibility allows you to design courses that fit your interests and engage with students worldwide. This option can easily be built up to provide a full-time income. However, even as a side-hustle, it is possible to integrate teaching into your life.

    Overall, finding ways to supplement your income while managing other responsibilities is entirely feasible with the right side hustles. Each of these options—surveys, microtasks, tutoring, and teaching classes—offers unique benefits and challenges. By choosing the ones that align with your skills and lifestyle, you can achieve greater financial stability and enjoy the flexibility that allows you to live life on your own terms.

    1. Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you for supporting my blog and allowing me to continue sharing content with you! ↩︎

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  • Habits: Design Your Life & Decrease Your Mental Load

    What if we could design ourselves the way we wanted to be? There is no doubt that you’re a busy woman. Perhaps you are a mom, work a full-time job, and all day people are constantly competing for your time and attention. However, you also need to take care of the house, get enough exercise, eat the right foods, and do other self-care activities. What if there was a way to put all of that on autopilot so that you didn’t need to think about any of it? What if we could become powerhouse women on autopilot? That is the magic and power of habits. 

    I have been reading the Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg. I have always been fascinated with habits. We are basically the sum of our habits. What we think, what we do, how we interact with others, and the way we think about ourselves all are habits. We aren’t even aware of the majority of the habits we have. Duhigg writes, “Subconscious mechanisms impact the countless choices that seem as if they’re products of well-reasoned thought, but actually are influenced by urges most of us barely recognize or understand.” We act based on our subconscious habits. 

    But there’s the thing – habits can be created, changed, remodeled, or designed. We don’t have to accept the status quo. Once we are able to recognize a habit, that is a habit that can be changed. We can choose who we want to be one habit at a time. I’m not saying it is easy to change a habit, but it IS possible. Not only that, once a habit has been engrained, it barely takes thought. Yes, you may struggle to go to the gym, but make it a habit, and it will be practically effortless to make gains. Champions don’t do extraordinary things. They do ordinary things consistently without thinking about them. 

    Duhigg tells the story of an experiment done by MIT researchers where tiny wires and probes were inserted into rats’ brains to monitor brain activity as rats learned and memorized a maze. At the beginning, their brains were working hard, but after the maze became a habit, their brains only lit up at the beginning of the maze (during the cue) and at the end (the reward). As the rat learned how to navigate the maze and the route became more and more automatic, their mental activity decreased. I don’t know about you, but the thought of my mental load decreasing sounds very appealing. There are so many things going on in my life, so many demands on my time and attention, the idea of an important activity requiring less mental activity really appeals to me. An efficient brain allows us to stop thinking constantly about basic behaviors so we can devote our mental energy to other things that are vying for our attention. 

    Since we are the sum of our habits, I want to design my life based on habits that build me up into the woman I want to be. Imagine the possibilities of a life where your most important actions happen effortlessly. By focusing on developing and refining habits, we can create a life that runs smoothly, where the daily tasks that once felt overwhelming become second nature. This frees up mental space and energy to focus on what truly matters—whether it’s deepening connections with loved ones, pursuing passions, or simply enjoying a moment of peace.

    As I continue to explore and implement the ideas from The Power of Habit, I’m committed to designing my life in a way that aligns with my values and aspirations. By consciously crafting habits that support my goals, I can become the best version of myself—a woman who is fit, present, mindful, healthy, and loving, not by force or willpower alone, but by design.

    So, let’s embark on this journey together. For the rest of the month, I want to focus on the power of habits. Let’s start small, one habit at a time, and watch how these seemingly minor changes transform our lives. Remember, the magic lies not in doing extraordinary things but in doing ordinary things consistently and with intention. Together, we can decrease our mental load, increase our capacity, and truly design the life we want to live.

    What habits will you focus on this week to start designing your life?

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  • Mastering the Art of Planning and Scheduling as a Work-from-Home Mom

    Embracing the Joy of Planning

    I actually love planning and scheduling. I consider it fun. I would not say that I’m overly organized in any other area of life, but there is something about a well thought out plan. Admittedly, I’m better at planning a project than completing it though. I learned early in life how useful spreadsheet tools could be and taught myself Excel. It has come in handy in so many areas. For example, not many planners are built for balancing the schedules of four different people at the same time, so I created my own. However, you don’t have to be an expert in Excel to make a workable schedule.

    Crafting a Master Schedule

    What worked for me was breaking down the days into time blocks and then having one column for myself and each of my kids. I color coded my kids, but you do have to go that far! This helped me see what each of us were doing at each hour of the day. For instance, one child would be working on a reading assignment while the other was doing an online class. I could see who needed me at different times to ensure that I was able to be there for that child without outside interference. I could also see where I had pockets of time for work. I could proactively schedule independent work for each of the kids at the same time, freeing me up for projects or teaching.

    This spreadsheet served as our Master Schedule. I hung it up so that the kids could see what they were supposed to be working on during each period of the day and when I was available. I also made individual schedules for their rooms, which saved me from having to guide them every hour of the day. This approach not only saved time and energy for me, but also taught my kids valuable time management skills.

    The Role of Planners

    In addition to our master schedule, I kept a daily planner for myself. Over the years, I have experimented with many different planners, and someday hope to review them to share how I made them work for me. In these planners, I jotted down new activities that came up that I would need to fit in, and everything I needed to do.

    Writing things down is crucial. As a busy parent and sole income earner, there are many responsibilities to manage, too many to keep all in your head. You will almost always forget things that way. I kept a master list of everything I needed to do in one area. As thoughts popped up, I would add them to the master list without needing to decide how I would accomplish them. The main purpose is just to get the thought down on paper and out of your head. Then, when I was planning my day, I could look over my master list and transfer those tasks I felt I could reasonably accomplish to my daily planner. Doing it this way allowed me to focus on a few tasks at a time without feeling overwhelmed by a gigantic list. Plus, it feels incredibly satisfying to cross items off your list. Having fewer items on the daily list allowed me to cross off most items, which in turned helped me to feel successful. I felt happy with what I had accomplished instead of overwhelmed with everything I had left to do.

    Planners as Keepsakes

    Planners can also serve as cherished keepsakes. It might be hard to imagine that your lists of chores, errands, and work activities would be looked back on with fondness, but life with kids changes so fast. Your life is never the same from one year to the next. The kids get older, and activities evolve. I now love looking through my previous planners. I can reminisce about those days when we had to travel all over the county for swim practices because ours was closed for construction. I can remember the fullness of tech week or the craziness of the last days of school. I can also be proud that I made it through those times! Some periods of life feel so challenging that you don’t know how you can make it through. With your planner, you have the benefit of hindsight. You can look back and say, “Wow, look at what we did and all we made it through.” It can help give you the confidence to keep going.

    Planning Like Activities Together

    The next tip is to plan similar activities together. If you have a master schedule, you will know who needs to be where at certain points in the week. I tried to plan outings and kids’ activities to work together as much as possible. For example, my son had swim practice nearly every day. If I could schedule my daughter’s dance classes at similar times, I could transport them both at once. When I couldn’t combine activities, I could use the time in between for errands or other tasks. If I had an hour while my daughter was dancing, I might pick up groceries or run other errands. If I had three hours while my oldest was at a theater rehearsal two towns over, I would bring my laptop and find a nearby hot spot to get some work done.

    Seeking Outside Help

    Finally, get outside help whenever possible. We were homeschooling, but that didn’t mean I was their only teacher. My kids had online classes, tutors, and participated in outside activities. Starting in middle school, they took some classes at our local public school, and in high school, they took early college classes. My son even attended a local tech school for two years to learn cybersecurity.

    Not only were they able to have outside mentors and experts to teach them, but they had outside accountability and other people to love on them. My daughter actually got to know a middle school math teacher through one of her community theater shows. This wonderful woman took my daughter under her wing when she was taking classes at the middle school, providing her with a sense of belonging and support. Plus, when you are solo parent, it feels SO good when other people love your kids. You feel less alone. Use your outside resources. You are not an island!

    Conclusion

    Planning and scheduling as a work-from-home mom can be a challenging but rewarding task. By creating a master schedule, using planners, planning similar activities together, and seeking outside help, you can find a balance that works for you and your family. Remember, you don’t have to be perfect. Give yourself grace and enjoy the journey. Your efforts today are creating a foundation for a successful and fulfilling future for both you and your children.

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  • Does Balance Really Exist?

    Balancing Work and Kids

    Let’s be honest. Does balance really exist as a work at home mom? For me, it often feels like something is always out of balance. When I focus on my kids, I inevitably fall behind at work. It’s a constant juggling act where giving attention to one area causes me to feel like I’m neglecting another. This feeling of imbalance is a reality that many work at home moms face daily.

    The Struggle of Dividing Time

    There are days when I decide to take a break from work to spend quality time with my children. We might go on an outing or have a special day at home. However, even during these moments of joy, a nagging worry lingers in the back of my mind. I wonder if taking time off means I’m falling behind on important projects or missing deadlines at work. I have a remote job that involves overseeing many projects. I’m always afraid someone will need something that will cause the whole timeline to fall apart. That is generally not the reality, but this worry can sometimes overshadow the happiness of being present with my kids.

    The Guilt of Long Work Hours

    On the flip side, there are times when work demands long hours and intense focus, especially during critical projects with a deadline. During these periods, the guilt of neglecting my children weighs heavily on me. I find myself wishing I could be in two places at once, fully committed to my job while also being there for every moment with my kids. As my children get older, I feel like my time with them is limited, so I feel compelled to spend time with them while I can. There are very few years left with them at home. However, the older they get, the more expensive they get. I feel it’s important now more than ever to make a good income to support their needs and wants. It’s a constant internal conflict. Which needs are more essential to meet at each moment in time – those of my professional or personal life?

    The Challenge of Maintaining a Home

    Then there are the responsibilities of running a home. When my children were younger, maintaining a clean and organized home was more than difficult. With kids / preteens running around and the chaos of daily life, keeping the house tidy felt like an impossible task. There were times when the state of my home was just plain embarrassing. School supplies, costumes, and various gadgets were scattered everywhere, while laundry piled up, and dishes overflowed in the sink. It felt like I was being pulled in so many directions, and something had to give. Often, it was the cleanliness of the house that took the hit.

    Accepting Imperfections

    During these chaotic times, I realized the importance of giving myself permission to let some things go. It wasn’t easy, but I had to accept that a spotless house wasn’t always a priority. There would be plenty of time for a clean house later in life. I reminded myself that these moments with my children were precious and fleeting. They wouldn’t always be little, and one day, I might even miss the messy, chaotic days.

    Finding Peace in the Chaos

    Now that my kids are older, our home is usually more orderly. However, looking back, I’ve come to appreciate those messy days. They were filled with laughter, play, and precious memories. As challenging as it was, those experiences taught me to prioritize what truly matters. Balance, in the traditional sense, might be elusive, but finding peace in the chaos and embracing the imperfections has been a valuable lesson.

    The concept of balance as a work at home mom is complex and often feels unattainable. It’s about finding a rhythm that works for you and accepting that not everything will be perfect. By giving yourself grace and focusing on what truly matters, you can navigate the challenges with a sense of peace and fulfillment. This is something I still work on daily. I’m sure I will still struggle with conflicting desires, but by focusing on one thing at a time and scheduling in time for what matters, I will be able to look back at this time and appreciate its fullness and beauty.

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