Two Ways in Which I Wished I was Commuting Again
That’s right. From time to time I wish I was one of those millions of moms who rush around in the morning like a chicken with their head cut off trying to get kids out the door to school, one to the daycare and herself to work on time.
Why I tend to let my mind wander on to these things is anyone’s guess but I’m pretty certain it has something to do with time and money.
There have been many posts from other wahms like me spinning tales that it’s not easy, doing what we do so I’m not going to go on about that.
For the second week in a row, I’m looking at a weekend without being paid. You see, I’m waiting on payment from a client. Normally, I don’t get bent about it because I know it will come but my patience is beginning to wear thin this time. I know it’s stress, I know it is but here’s my stress:
Two kids out of four with bad coughs and sore throats. Had I been paid, I could have gotten them in to be checked out yesterday at the clinic or at the very least, something for their cough and throat. I’m supposed to see my sister tomorrow and with the boys possibly being contagious, I won’t be bringing along the troops because we can’t afford to expose my niece to any unnecessary bugs. Top that off with me probably being next on the infirmary list and my visit will be short of “Hi. Thanks! Bye,” when I’d really love to visit longer. I can’t blame the client for the kids getting sick – definitely not. But I can be upset that this is the second time in a row where everyone it seems has taken off to do their own thing and forgotten they do have to pay the people that work for them. It’s frustrating to say the least.
If I weren’t a wahm, I’d be back in the corporate world, with companies that have benefits, 401Ks, and a payroll department that takes my time every week (which I submit to them) and pays regularly along with all of the other employees. In this economy though, those jobs are becoming fewer and farther between and everyday you hear of companies closing up shop with little or no notice to the employees. So I could be just as bad off as I am right now.
Then there is time. I’ve talked before about clients that don’t seem to understand when I’m off the clock. This is more my fault for not putting my foot down more. I admit to being a workaholic. If I’m involved in a project that I enjoy, I’ll put in all sorts of crazy hours. If I weren’t a wahm, I’d be shutting down the computer and clocking out at 4PM or 5PM like a lot of my other mom friends. Instead I get up at 7am, get the kids off to school, try to put in an hour or two of cleaning up, then I sit down, work, network, juggle all kinds of freelance balls, take a break, get lunch, play with Peanut and then go back to work until the other kids get home. Then it ‘s another break until everyone goes to bed. I might tweet, skype chat and talk some business, but I don’t do much in the lines of “work” until after everyone goes down for the night. Then I might be back at it until 1AM or later. I need to be more clear with clients as to when they can reach me – just because home is the office, doesn’t mean I need to be available all the time. I need to go back to highschool and play a little more “hard to get” with some clients.
Whether I work at home, or I’m driving back and forth to the office, it’s clear that each has it’s advantages and disadvantages.
I wouldn’t be able to drive the kids to school every day like I do now. I also wouldn’t be able to roll out of bed at 7:30 every morning. I’d be late for work every day.
The list goes on but I’m pretty sure I’d also be stuck at a job I hate too but suck it up because we need the income.
Of course I’m not going to act on my wishes and start looking for a 9-5 job; that’s crazy talk. Instead, I’m going to aim at getting the changes I need in order to continue doing what I love without all of the stress. Yes, I’m still going to think from time to time that I should hang it up but in the grand scheme of things, I know I’m better off where I am.
What about you? Do you ever wish you were making the commute again? What usually prompts you to think that way?
Nikki, it’s going to take just one client overstepping big time for you to enforce the boundaries. I had one who pushed me over the edge. Now, no one gets me unless I want to be “gotten.” That’s why I have voice mail. I’ll get to you when I get to you – the phone is there for my convenience, not yours.
I know a few writers who work remotely – coffee shops, Burger Kings, libraries, whatever. It helps them avoid the phone and get some actual work done.
Thanks Lori from time to time I do head to the library. I haven’t tried Burger King yet but I’m sure that the kids would enjoy that as long as I went to one that had a playland.
Now you’ve got the wheels turning!
I don’t miss working ‘outside’ a bit, but I do hear ya on the boundary issues. Unfortunately, my husband is the worst culprit for calling me 7 or 8 times a day from the road. Hard to play hard to get with him. lol!
Nikki – It really upsets me when I hear about clients not paying freelancers promptly as there is absolutely no reason for it (unless the client is really struggling with cash flow, in which case they should be open and honest).
How can clients expect to develop positive relationships with freelancers if they aren’t fulfilling their end of the bargain? Do they not realise it’s in their interests to pay on time?
I am sure that even if you don’t realise it (or can’t publicly admit it!), you work harder for the clients that pay you on time and treat you with respect.
- Martin
I’ve not done this myself, but I have heard of some getting regular clients to set up ‘retainers’ of sorts. They pay a fee up front, which earns them a slight discount and a guaranteed rate. If they don’t pay in the end, the retainer covers the work. If they do, the retainer stands and deals stay the same.
For me, its the lack of boundaries that makes me think an office job would be nice sometimes. I love working from home and love the freedom, but sometimes the freedom means I spend time twittering or facebooking when I really should be researching. And my husband too loves to call–and if I’m working, he gets miffed. I’ve found that taking my laptop to a restaurant/cafe is extremely productive. I get my best writing and work done when I’m not at home!
Regular office work where I commute everyday is something that I missed. I also missed the company of my office mates, the laughter during lunch breaks and coffee breaks. On the other hand, I would agree with you- although I am better off with what and where I am now but still I missed those days . But wherever I may be, there’s always an advantages and disadvantages.
I’ve freelanced all my working life. The closest I came to the commute schedule was when I commuted in from the burbs to my Broadway shows — 3hrs. round trip. HATED it, even though I loved working on the shows.
I much prefer creating each day as it comes.
As far as payment, do you have the late fee clause in your contracts? I’m very strict about a 20% late fee in mine that grows with time.
Also, i make it clear that my phone is TURNED OFF — it’s in the contract. I check for messages twice a day and return calls. But I never pick up the phone. I screen all my calls anyway, and hardly ever pick up if the client calls off hours. That’s if I even remember to turn the phone back on.
All of these frustrations can be solved by tweaking your contract. It frees you up to actually deal with your life and your family and still keep decent, but flexible working hours.
Hope the kids feel better soon!