Usually, I share insights on topics where I have nearly a decade of experience and can speak with confidence. This is not one of those topics 😅

Over the past few months, I've been asked about juggling WFH life with the demands of a little one, but I've hesitated to respond. Seven months into my journey as a new parent, I'm finally ready to share some thoughts (thanks to a gentle nudge from James, a fellow subscriber).

It's been a steep learning curve, and I still feel like a beginner. That said, here are a few strategies that have been helping me navigate this new chapter:

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1. Reducing Overwhelm with a Clear Focus

In a remote work environment, the overwhelming freedom of an autonomous work culture can often lead to decision fatigue. This is a real productivity killer. Now, with a baby added to the mix, you've just multiplied that decision fatigue by 100.

To combat this, I make sure I know exactly what I'm tackling before I even sit down to work. I have themed buckets of work I need to do each week (ex. reach out to three people), so at the start of the week, I just need to fill in the details. Taking the 10 minutes to define the specifics for the week saves me so much time and energy.

Instead of falling into a reactionary cycle of checking Slack or email because I'm too drained to decide on my own tasks, everything is pre-planned. This ensures that my limited time for work is spent on the most important actions, not wasted on low-value tasks.

2. Tracking Progress with a Done List

Rather than focusing on an ever-growing to-do list, I keep a simple "done list" in Notion. I'd previously used this technique pre-baby when I needed a work pick-me-up, but now it's an everyday thing. This is what it looks like at the start of the week:

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As I complete tasks, I jot them down. Instead of freezing by looking at a never-ending to-do list, I'm building momentum as soon as I start working. By the end of the week, it also reminds me how much I've achieved (especially when it didn't feel like it in the moment).

3. Inducing Flow at Convenient Times

I used to optimize my schedule to center around my ideal working hours. That's no longer an option. Flow state is crucial for productivity, but now, with an unpredictable schedule, hitting it at the right time is a challenge.

This is where Brain.fm has been a game-changer for me. The simple UI and rhythmic focus music help me dive into work quickly, even at less-than-ideal times.

With just one click, I'm ready to go. We often emphasize end-of-day routines, but having a solid start-of-workday routine is just as critical. This tool helps make this transition smoother.

4. Transitioning from Work to Home Mode

One of the biggest challenges for everyone working from home (including non-parents) is mentally switching from work to home mode. I've always been a strong advocate for designing your own commute. Turning what used to be a stressful, time-consuming car ride into a calm, enjoyable ritual is one of my favorite parts of working remotely.

The main thing that's changed since becoming a parent is making my commute far less elaborate. Instead of a multi-step ritual, it's become a quick walk around the block with my family. The movement, combined with immediately jumping into family time, helps me shift gears and switch off work mode.

5. Embracing the Phase

Lastly, I remind myself that this is just a phase. My baby's needs will evolve, and so will my work routines. It's tempting to strive for the perfect balance or the ultimate flow state, but for now, I'm focusing on doing what I can in this current era. My perfect work routine will come back, but my baby will only be this little once.

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I love the quote, "Choose your hard". It might seem easier to trade autonomy for structure and work in an office. But this is the much harder path for many emotionally. Instead, I choose this hard so I can spend as much time with my family as possible.

Balancing WFH and parenting is no easy feat, but it's manageable with a few strategies and a lot of patience. Interestingly, I've discovered that it doesn't require an entirely new approach, but rather small tweaks to existing best practices.

For those in similar shoes, know it's okay to be a work-in-progress - just like I am. Each phase brings its own challenges and joys, and it's all about finding what works for you in the moment.

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TLDR

Juggling WFH with a baby is tough, but these strategies help:

• Pre-plan to avoid decision fatigue
• Build momentum with a "done list"
• Use Brain.fm to quickly induce flow
• Simplify your "commute"
• Embrace the phase

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Quote of the Week

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In Other News

​Vacation starts before you leave​
"How we prepare for vacation says a lot about our workplace culture. If the days leading up to time off are a scramble, we’re doing something wrong."

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Jason Fried @jasonfried So, we do these full-company meetups twice a year in different cities around the world. We fly everyone in, we hang out for a week. People are often curious how much these cost, what we budget, how different cities compare. Here's a look at real numbers from the last 6 meetups… https://x.com/i/web/status/1852402430136512536 11:28 AM • Nov 1, 2024 38 Retweets 917 Likes Read 62 replies

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Karri Saarinen @karrisaarinen One of the best things about remote work is getting to see my 2yo son throughout the day and play with him as soon as I’m done. Working at the office or commuting would take some of that away. There’s always more work, but they’re only this young once. 6:7 PM • Nov 1, 2024 50 Retweets 948 Likes Read 36 replies

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In Case You Missed It

​How do I get my boss to schedule less meetings?​
Last week, I shared my approach to advocating for more focus time without overstepping.

​50 Async-First Remote Companies​​
To celebrate the 50th issue of Remotely Interesting, I shared a list of 50 async-first remote companies + their top resources for having fewer meetings. It's now been viewed by people in over 70 countries. Check it out and let me know if I missed any!

Work Forward Society Want to meet others who do work differently? ​Join the waitlist and be notified when our community membership reopens. ​

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What did you think of this issue? What do you hope you'll see in the next one? I read every response. Feel free to reply to this message or DM me on Twitter @mar15sa. I truly appreciate you taking the time to read this. Hope you have a lovely day! Marissa ​Founder, Remote Work Prep​ P.S. Did you enjoy this issue? Share the article with a friend. Struggling with a remote work problem? Book a coaching call. If you liked this, consider supporting this free newsletter by leaving a testimonial. ​

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