School is in full swing now; first-day jitters have been calmed, the issue of who to sit with in lunch has been resolved.   Another week or so and everyone will be settled into their new schedules.  So what comes next?  Committee Sign-Ups!  For those of you who work during the school year, this can make or break your work year.

Here are three ways to make sure you don’t take on more than you can handle this school year:

1. CHOOSE YOUR COMMITMENTS WISELY

I’m not going say you can’t obligate yourself to anything because your work must come first.  It really bothers me when I hear people instruct parents to put aside all family obligations for their career. I am a mother first and a writer second. I personally love volunteering and being a part of my children’s life at school.  I also happen to love my work.  My only option is to prioritize and carefully balance them both.

So start thinking about the committees that you would like to serve on and find out the amount of time that you will need to put in.  Then you’ll know what will realistically fit into your schedule.

2.  SET A SCHEDULE AND FOLLOW IT

Wake up in the morning knowing how much time you have to work and get working.  If you’re anything like me, do not check your e-mail in the morning!  The Internet is like cyber-quicksand for me, I log on with only the intention of checking my e-mail and before I know it I’m browsing through Etsy and half the day is gone.

For me it’s best if I set a consistent schedule for myself.  Every morning Monday thru Friday I work from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. (when my big one is in school and my little one is napping) and from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.  (after dinner dishes are done and the little ones are in bed).  I do not work on Saturday unless it’s urgent and I never work on Sunday.  There is some flexibility in my schedule due to the fact that my one-year old doesn’t always sleep two hours in the morning, etc.   However, I do my best to adhere to my schedule and for the most part make up for time missed.

I also keep my schedule posted on the dry-erase board on the fridge that way if there’s a question about my availability he/she can check.  It’s also a way to keep me focused on any projects and deadlines that are coming up.

3.  LEARN TO SAY THE NEW MAGIC WORD:  NO

It is not a bad word; you will not get in trouble for using it.  As a matter of fact you will get in trouble if you don’t.  As much as your heart may want to run the Bake Sale, if you’ve already filled your free space with other obligations you’ll have to let Little Sally’s mom take charge of this one.

If you often find yourself frustrated because no one takes your work seriously, you need to figure out why.  More often than not it’s because we don’t treat it like a profession.  The more serious you take yourself and your business the more serious others will take it. If you’re constantly saying yes and blowing off work, that is exactly what people will learn to expect from you.  Most people who have never worked at home have no idea what it entails.

So when the PTO president calls you tonight and asks, “Can you head up the Back to School fundraiser since you’re home all day?”
You are going to say, “No, I’m sorry I work at home.”  ☺