Bits of Wisdom for Self-Employed Women
Originally published in Women's LifeStyle, September 2003

I have been my own “boss” most of my life. It is such a privilege to set my own work schedule, to discern who it is I work with and for, how and when I work. To work independently has also been my greatest challenge, for in the freedom that self-employment brings, there are also potential pitfalls. At times my office has been in my home (the worst case scenario was a desk in the corner of the kids’ playroom/laundry room—Yikes!) and other times it has been in a more professional setting (my favorite being an upper room in an old Victorian house that had been transformed into offices).

The convenience of having my office in my home was wonderful, yet, I must admit, I didn’t always fare well with balancing home and work responsibilities. With the playroom/laundry room office, it was just too tempting to forego making business calls for throwing in a load of laundry or sitting on the floor and doing a puzzle with one of my kids. The away from home office had its disadvantages too. For one, my kids loved to go to “mom’s office” (I didn’t always get a lot of work done this way either).

They would bring their favorite toys, play patiently waiting for the special time we’d spread a picnic blanket on the floor and have our lunch. I even bought big pillows so my youngest could nap there when needed.

What I learned by being self-employed and having to maintain an office in a number of settings was invaluable, however, and seems a good thing to share in this month’s issue of Women’s Lifestyle which is dedicated to “Earning and Learning.” These learnings definitely contributed to my earning power. So here goes:

1. Set specific office hours. It’s truly tempting to throw schedules to the wind and fly by the seat of your pants, putting in office hours here and there when one is self-employed. To stay on track with your business goals, select specific days and times when you will be at your desk to make and receive calls. My creativity is highest in the morning so it was best for me to claim those for my office times. Every morning from 9:00 am -12:00 noon was very productive for me and fit well with my kids’ school schedules as well. Determine your high energy times and make those a priority for getting work done.
   
   
2. Take at least 1/2 day a week for self-organization. Despite the fact that one may work alone, it is amazing how much mess one person can create! Stay on top of filing and take time weekly to do basic organizing. Mile high piles of paper and clutter can truly deenergize you. Clutter can also be a source of great stress as irritation grows when you can’t immediately put your hands on what you need in the moment. I enjoy keeping the “hot” files right on my desk in a decorative holder of some sort so I can access them easily.
   
   
3. Make your office a “feel good” place. Even if you are operating your office on a shoe string budget, you can still decorate it to have a pleasant feel. My desktop has always been a place where I put a few special things to make me feel good. Right now I have a small shamrock plant (for good luck!), 2 pictures of my children, a small votive candle holder that says “Peace,” and an inspirational card someone recently sent me. Minimalist decorating, but it makes my desk an enjoyable place to be. Select things for shelves and walls that speak to you of motivation, fun, success - items that convey messages that say, yes, going to work is a good thing. Of course, it goes without saying that if you can “Feng Shui” your office, go for it!
   
   
4. Take time daily for motivation. When one works alone, it is easy to become discouraged or uninspired. With no one but you around to keep the creative juices flowing, it takes some doing to raise the energy level from Procrastinate to Productive! Take time, either first thing in the morning or at a mid-morning coffee break, to get in touch with your dreams and goals. Read inspirational literature, listen to a motivational audio tape on your walkman, or just take quiet time to reflect, meditate or pray. Take a break and listen to some soothing music. Burn a candle or incense to release any tension you might have. Get outside and go for a five minute walk. Simple gestures, but powerful!
   
   
5. One of my personal favorites for quick inspiration is to peruse the self-help classic, As a Man Thinketh, by James Allen. (There is also an updated version called As a Woman Thinketh by Dorothy Hulst.) This little book reminds me that “A woman is literally what she thinks—her character being the complete sum of all her thoughts.” I know that, as a self-employed person, if my spirit dives, my business will also, and that is something I do not want to bring down upon myself.
   
   
6. Reward yourself—regularly! When self-employment is the name of the game it is also tempting to work ‘round the clock, including evenings and weekends. We’ve all heard the adage: All work and no play makes Jill a dull girl. Work and play must go hand in hand in life so I advocate rewarding yourself for a work week well done. Choose a time and an activity that nurtures you and gift it to yourself along with a hearty pat on the back for maintaining the discipline and courage that’s required to be your own boss. Treat yourself and enjoy it! Regular rewards keep your energy level high and your motivation strong so that you can continue to move towards your career goals and create the life of your dreams.

Keep learning and earning! Good luck!