Scotmum is proud to support working mums and is keen to bring you a different, insiprational mum on a regular basis so that you can see how they manage to attain that elusive work/life balance. This week, Scotmum interviews Sarah Le Long, 27, from Jersey who is mum to Ashton, 20 months.
What is your profession and how many hours per week do you work?
I am currently at WAHM running my online shop - www.bibbledribble.co.uk, which sells funny and personalised babywear. My partner and I design all the slogans ourselves and have a corner in our lounge dedicated to various machinery. I currently work around 25 hours per week, which include designing personalised orders, updating the website and general networking.
Could you describe a typical day in your life?
I get up with my little boy (around 9am - lucky I know) and we have breakfast together. Whilst he's finishing off his, I check my e-mails for orders etc and have a quick browse on the various forums I am registered with. Then we ususally go to babygroup until midday when we come home for lunch. Again, when Ashton is munching his food, I jump on the computer and check the necessary. The afternoons are usually planned around the weather and when my other half arrives home (he's a postman). So off in the car to the park, feed the ducks, pop to the beach. Then back later in the afternoon, when its naptime for the little one, and I then get an hour or so to really work on the business. 6pm we all have dinner, then bath and bed for my little man. If I need to jump back on the computer I will, but I like spending my evenings with my other half, unless we have orders to get out.
What do you feel are the pros and cons of being a working mother?
Pro's - I love being my own boss. I have the much envied option of enjoying time with my son and running a business at the same time. I love networking and 'meeting' other WAHM's on various forums, from which I have learnt so much.
Cons - I often feel guilty that I do spend alot of time on the computer and do not spend as much time with my other half, but he understands its all necessary for the business.
Why did you decide to branch out and work for yourself?
I decided to work for myself rather than return to work because I was desperate to spend my time with my little boy. The thought of returning to full time work just wasn't an option for me. I was also slightly jealous of women who had businesses, but thought rather than dream about it, I should research into it and do it! 3 months later the dream became a reality and it wasn't half as stressful as I thought I would be.
What are your childcare arrangements?
Sometimes if I need a couple of hours to spend on the website, my partner takes our little boy out or my mum collects him. I hate spending too much time on the computer whilst he's in the house. Other than that I work around what needs doing on the business with looking after Ashton and its worked so far.
What would be your top tip for working mums in order to cope with the demands of their day to day lives?
I'd say to try and organise what urgent tasks need doing and try not to stress out over things you can't do that day. Often I've had a huge list of things to do and by the end of the day I've managed to complete one thing but added another 5 things to that list.
