9-5, Monday-Friday, in-person office work are all relics of the past. Let's revolutionize how you live by changing how you work.
How do you juggle WFH with a baby?
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How do you juggle working from home with a baby? It's tough to constantly switch gears, and I often hit my flow state right when the family starts getting restless. I also find it challenging to transition from work mode to home life. Have you found any tools or tips that work? 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: TLDR below 👇 | Read this on the web | Subscribe 1. Reducing Overwhelm with a Clear FocusIn 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 ListRather 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: 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 TimesI 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 ModeOne 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 PhaseLastly, 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. 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. TLDRJuggling WFH with a baby is tough, but these strategies help:
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