Working With Baby

This blog is a little all over the place, isn’t it? First I’m reading, then I’m baking, then I’m waxing poetic about motherhood, then I’m obsessed with workspaces. If there ever was a snapshot into my hap-hazard little mind, this is it.

But it’s time to bring focus. I’ve been thinking more critically about what I’d like this space to be and become, and what I can offer into the ether and perhaps contribute to the betterment of someone else’s life (lofty goals, I know). I tried to think of all the things I’m an expert at, or that I’m passionate about. Then I thought: what am I learning in life.

The answer came fast: I’m learning how to be a full-time stay-at-home-working mom. And it’s a handful.

Now, my life decisions may not be your life decisions, and God bless you for that. I certainly haven’t made it easy for myself but, as both F and I own and run our own gallery, this became the best option. We have flexibility, which is a luxury in and of itself. What isn’t flexible, however, is the idea of spending over half my annual income on childcare (because a) it’s expensive for the right program, and b) part of what we earn is invested right back into the business). On the same token, however, it would be too costly to have me be 100% stay-at-home if we want to continue growing. So we’ve made this choice.

I’m wondering if there are other new mothers-slash-business owners out there who find themselves in a similar position. And I’m hoping that what I’ve learned/am learning will help you bring a sense of peace to your new routine.

So, here it is, Tip #1:

Consider your alternatives carefully.

It may seem odd that my first tip on how to harmoniously work with a baby in tow is to try to figure out how not to work with a baby in tow. This is purposeful because this lifestyle isn’t right for every body. You and your partner (romantic, business, both, otherwise) have to be completely in sync with this new arrangement, or it’s not. going. to. work. You also have to reconcile that there will be some days you are on fire with productivity (and a happy baby taking amazingly long naps and being plenty happy cooing to herself with toys on the rug), and there will be other days where you get absolutely nothing done and feel like a complete failure at everything. I’ve been on both ends of the spectrum multiple times. You and your partner need to both be on board with this decision and willing to provide a support system for each other, especially in times of stress. And it’s not just a “sure, whatever you want, honey” on your partner’s end. He (or she) needs to be completely aware that baby is 100% first. If she’s having a rough day, that means you’re not going to be able to deliver projects on time because you need to do what’s best for her, first.

Considering alternatives also means taking a good look at your finances, and factoring in the cost of full-time as well as part-time child care. We narrowed it down to an hourly rate, and it looked as though, if we were to put Chloe in full-time daycare, I’d be getting paid not all that far above minimum wage. Not worth it. However, you may be able to wiggle in a part-time/on-call babysitter. We are fortunate to have my parents close by for about half of the year (they’re snowbirds). For those months, I have no problem whisking Chloe away for a weekend or letting them come down to spend the evening and spoil enjoy her for the day. I’m very lucky for that. The other months of the year (aka the hardest, aka winter), it’s much more of a challenge. But we have two sitters that we absolutely adore and trust who can be flexible with us, especially on deadline days where I need a solid three hours on uninterrupted work.

So, there you have it. If you’re going to work with baby (whether it be in a studio, office, or home), consider all other possibilities before signing on. And remember: you can always change your mind.