When I first sat down to write this article, in my mind's eye, it was going to be very short. Essentially, it was going to say 'Self-employment when you have a tiny baby? Don't bother!'
I would say, if you possibly can, don't try and do anything for the first three months. Particularly if this is your first baby. I don't think you can underestimate the sheer exhaustion you feel after the birth, not to mention the utter hormonal mess you find yourself in (obviously I'm referring to mothers here but fathers will be knackered too!). And don't get me started on the sleep deprivation. It's hard enough just try to survive sometimes - by that I mean the basics like eating and washing - in the first few months, let alone trying to do anything that involves the slightest bit of mental effort. The crushing weight of responsibility for the tiny bawling scrap of a human being you've just produced is enough to be going on with.
So, if you possibly can, take some time out. I wouldn't normally advocate getting into debt, but if it means taking a mortgage payment holiday, or borrowing some money to tide you over for a few months (as long as you know you can repay it), then do it, for your own mental sanity.
The most important thing at this stage (well, at any stage, really) is that you, your baby and your partner (if you have one) are happy. Rest, relax, rest some more. Seriously, don't worry about business. Businesses can lie fallow and be built up again, clients come and go but your baby will only be tiny for a little while so try and enjoy the moment - or at least, get through it with your sanity intact!
You might get lucky and have a baby that sleeps well, or feeds well or is happy to amuse themselves for a while. I found that sometimes while feeding, it was quite productive just to stare into space and let my mind wander - I could come up with all sorts of ideas business-wise, workable or not. I used to keep a notebook by the sofa so if necessary I could scrawl a note or two if I could get a hand free to write.
Workwise, as your baby begins to settle into more of a routine, you may find yourself with a little time to get some work done. Try working during their naps, use a sling and learn to type one handed while breast-feeding! But seriously, don't go overboard. You'll have plenty of time to worry about your business when the baby gets older. Enjoy the time you have together - it goes by so fast.
I would say, if you possibly can, don't try and do anything for the first three months. Particularly if this is your first baby. I don't think you can underestimate the sheer exhaustion you feel after the birth, not to mention the utter hormonal mess you find yourself in (obviously I'm referring to mothers here but fathers will be knackered too!). And don't get me started on the sleep deprivation. It's hard enough just try to survive sometimes - by that I mean the basics like eating and washing - in the first few months, let alone trying to do anything that involves the slightest bit of mental effort. The crushing weight of responsibility for the tiny bawling scrap of a human being you've just produced is enough to be going on with.
So, if you possibly can, take some time out. I wouldn't normally advocate getting into debt, but if it means taking a mortgage payment holiday, or borrowing some money to tide you over for a few months (as long as you know you can repay it), then do it, for your own mental sanity.
The most important thing at this stage (well, at any stage, really) is that you, your baby and your partner (if you have one) are happy. Rest, relax, rest some more. Seriously, don't worry about business. Businesses can lie fallow and be built up again, clients come and go but your baby will only be tiny for a little while so try and enjoy the moment - or at least, get through it with your sanity intact!
You might get lucky and have a baby that sleeps well, or feeds well or is happy to amuse themselves for a while. I found that sometimes while feeding, it was quite productive just to stare into space and let my mind wander - I could come up with all sorts of ideas business-wise, workable or not. I used to keep a notebook by the sofa so if necessary I could scrawl a note or two if I could get a hand free to write.
Workwise, as your baby begins to settle into more of a routine, you may find yourself with a little time to get some work done. Try working during their naps, use a sling and learn to type one handed while breast-feeding! But seriously, don't go overboard. You'll have plenty of time to worry about your business when the baby gets older. Enjoy the time you have together - it goes by so fast.
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