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As a work-at-home mom (WAHM), you are probably already well aware of the many benefits of your job. You have a flexible schedule; you don’t have an endless commute to an office; you don’t have a dress code to abide by; and when your second grader has a field trip to the zoo, you can volunteer as a chaperone.
Of course, there can be a bit of a downside to the WAHM world. It comes in the form of isolation. When your spouse tells tales of his co-workers sharing funny stories and going to lunch, you might not have workday stories to add to the convo. While the kids are in school or napping, you are working hard, alone in the home, with your pets at your feet.
Fortunately, there are a number of ways that you can personalize — or humanize — the WAHM experience that will help you to feel more connected to the world around you. Here are a few ideas.
Opt for face-to-face conferences
If your work involves a number of phone interviews and/or teleconferences, you may want to invest in virtual meeting software, which combines face-to-face conferences with state-of-the-art HD audio technology and HD video. This will allow you to truly feel like you have “met” your new client, rather than only hearing his or her voice.
The virtual meeting software allows for spontaneity, agility and a true telepresence whenever you want to use it. As a bonus, you can wear a nice business top and probably still get by with your comfy yoga pants.
Use mobile apps to stay connected
Rather than rely on endless email trails to communicate with your boss, look into mobile apps.
For example, Wunderlist lets you assign tasks to others, and allows you and other team members — working remotely or not — to manage and detail your completed tasks. Slack is another app that helps you keep in touch with others. You can create a “team” and have others join as members. Then create “channels,” which are topics that reference a common point of conversation.
Schedule in-person meetings
If your kids are in school for a good part of the day, schedule face-to-face meetings with potential clients. Not only will this get you out of the house, it will allow you to have a real conversation with another adult who is sitting across the table from you. C
Coffee shops are perfect places to meet for meetings; that way you don’t have to worry about keeping your home office spiffy enough for visitors.
See your co-workers on social media and in person
Another great way to feel less isolated as a WAHM is to get together with your co-workers whenever possible. For instance, if you live near another remote worker, have lunch or dinner together. The company may even pay for the expense.
Also, if you are comfortable with the idea, connect with some of your co-workers on social media and follow them there. You can “like” each others’ statuses about completing projects as well as the posts about the cute things your kids did that day.
2/9/18 Happy Friday (in theory)! I just had to pick up my son from school with a fever and sore throat. I hope it isn’t that terrible flu I keep hearing about.
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
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