The P3 Power Boost

Working From Home

By Annika Murray

I had an epiphany just the other day. I realized that the longer I sat at my computer, the less housework I get done. Yes, I work from home. I find it increasingly difficult to keep my home in “open house” status when the kids and I are at home all day. I love a clean house. Who doesn’t? But I have learned to live with some degree of organized chaos. There is a method to the madness. Of course, some days are more madness than method.

My husband has witnessed me typing and nursing at the same time. He is totally amazed. He says, “You are doing way too much!” I am thinking, “You have no idea. I’m only doing two things right now, just wait until I have the phone in my hand as well.” Multitasking takes on a whole new meaning for the work-at-home mom.

Let me set the record straight that every mother works at home. I don’t want to go back and forth on the pros and cons of being a stay-at-home mom versus a work-at-home mom. I have heard the arguments and have come up with a few of my own. I must say there is a level of freedom and empowerment you can get from staying at home with kids. My kids have their own way of taking me up to a new level of creativity.

I recall an incident last year when I was on the phone with a client going over some very important details for an upcoming event. The call required my undivided attention (yeah right!). So here I sat at my dining room table which is my makeshift office during the day. My son, 3 years old at the time, comes running to me wearing “butt naked”. I think, “Oh my gosh! Where is his pull-up?” Surprisingly, he doesn’t say a word. I quietly get up from my chair (phone still to my ear) and walk him back to the bathroom, praying against droplets on the way. Keep in mind; we were in the midst of potty training days so I was fully prepared for my carpet to be stained. Ironically, “it” all ended up in and around the toilet. I discreetly changed him while on the phone and continued my conversation as if nothing happened.

I try to make it clear to my clients that I am a mom. I find acknowledging the fact up front works for me. My thing is if I am able to function with the background noise of an infant, toddler and preschooler then surely you will survive being on the other end of my Sprint “free and clear” phone line. I find that most people are quite understanding and accepting, even impressed with work at home moms.

Some ask me how I do it. My response is, “I have no idea. I just do what I can with what I have.” Coupled with the responsibilities of being a wife and mother, I also have business and ministry commitments that I choose to keep. Working from home allows me to make full use of my talents and gifts and contributes to who I am as a whole person. That is a fulfilling opportunity.

Annika shares the chaos, the challenge and some of the cherished memories of raising a family of five.

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