What It's Really Like to Be a Work-From-Home Parent

For moms and dads who want the best of both worlds, working from home may seem like a dream scenario. And it can be! But before you go surrendering your seat at the office, we've got a few things for you to consider. These eight realities of being a work-from-home parent will resonate with everyone whose dining room transforms to a conference room between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Anything you'd add to our list?

01
There's a Good Chance You'll Still Need Childcare
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There's a Good Chance You'll Still Need Childcare

Perhaps the biggest misconception of all about working from home is that you'll be able to seamlessly bounce back and forth between your roles of mom and employee. Depending on the demands of your job, and especially if you've got little kids who aren't yet in school, you'll likely need a sitter for at least part of the day.

02
Cutting Out the Commute Is Pretty Sweet
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Cutting Out the Commute Is Pretty Sweet

Whether your commute would include rushing for the train or sitting in traffic, omitting it from your daily routine is beyond satisfying. So is being able to get settled in with a hot cup of coffee before most of your colleagues have entered the office building.

03
There Aren't Enough Hours in the Day to Do It All
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There Aren't Enough Hours in the Day to Do It All

Really, there aren't. If you think you'll be able to juggle morning drop-off, a conference call, a trip to the gym, responding to emails, afternoon carpool, grocery shopping, turning said groceries into dinner, spreadsheets, and a chat with your boss, you're likely to let yourself down. We're tired just typing it all!

04
Working in Your PJ's May Do You a Disservice
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Working in Your PJ's May Do You a Disservice

Sounds nice and chill, right? But in reality, working in sweats or pj's can be counter to your productivity. No need to go business professional for the comfort of your own home, but it's amazing what a shower, some lip gloss, and a pair of jeans will do!

05
You're a Master Multitasker
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You're a Master Multitasker

Becoming a parent turns you into the time-management expert you never thought you could be regardless of your employment status. But if you can juggle a successful career and a house full of kids, you can truly do it all.

06
You Can't Always Count on Nap Time
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You Can't Always Count on Nap Time

It's amazing how even the most reliable napper will wait for the one day when you have something really important to do to say "screw you, sleep!"

07
It's Tough to Enact a Closed-Door Policy at Home
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It's Tough to Enact a Closed-Door Policy at Home

Your working hours may be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but your parent hours are 24/7, and your kids won't let you forget it!

08
Your Eating Schedule Will Likely Get Out of Whack — Way Out of Whack
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Your Eating Schedule Will Likely Get Out of Whack — Way Out of Whack

Lunch hour? What lunch hour? You're a pro at existing on the same pot of coffee all day and intermittent handfuls of Pirate's Booty and Nilla Wafers all day long.