Tag: family

Self-employed mum of two: the truth about working from home with kids

WHAT TO EXPECT | Balancing business, kids, burnout, and everything in between. I’m sharing what’s helped me navigate motherhood & self-employment, mistakes I made, what helped me cope & what I had to let go of.

You know you’ve grown as a person when you’re watching your kids mixing playdough colours and it doesn’t trigger you anymore. Or at least not as much. Am I right? With time, you learn to accept the little wins and just let go of the rest.

So now that Chloe (17 months) has started childcare, we’re entering – yet again – a whole new routine. That is, whenever she isn’t home sick with something (which happens more often than you’d think). Just this week – BAM – Chloe’s sick and my whole schedule crumbled. It’s fine (I mean what else can I do?), I’m used to it by now. These little unpleasant surprises just keep me on my toes.

If you read my blogs you know that I’m going to keep this real. No sugarcoating because who has time for that anyways? So no, it hasn’t been rainbows and unicorns working from home with a baby and a 5-year-old. Keeping up with my current retainers, projects and workload with Chloe at home was anything but easy. I wasn’t accepting any new projects and turning down new retainers for months because I couldn’t.

Between naps & deadlines

Maternity leave? What even is that? I was at my desk right up until Chloe’s birth, waddling around with a belly so big I had to swivel sideways to reach my keyboard. I guess, you can say that that’s one of the biggest drawbacks of being self-employed. I once had someone telling me that I have it easy because being my own boss, I could just stop working whenever I wanted, do whatever I wanted. I laughed.

If I stop working (setting aside the whole breaching-contracts thing for a moment and the fact that I have bills to pay) those retainers won’t wait around. They’ll just move on to someone else. And I know how difficult it is to start from scratch because that’s exactly what I had to do when I started my own gig. At the same time (and here’s when I went on a guilt trip), I simply wanted to be a good mum. So, I didn’t accept new work and tried to balance everything out, with Chloe taking top priority.

“But how are you managing to work as a self-employed with two kids?”

At the time, I had no idea how I was managing. But somehow, I did. Willpower? Maybe. Any help I could get from family members? Definitely. I worked at odd hours. Whenever the baby slept, I couldn’t just sleep as everyone tells you to (and I do mean everyone). I needed to get shit done and seeing that I don’t have any magical abilities (yet), something had to give.

My BIGGEST mistake 😱

That was one of the biggest mistakes I made. The lack of sleep killed me and eventually caught up with me. Running on four hours of sleep, day after day, is exhausting and unfortunately led to a really bad burnout. SO – lesson learned – but at the time, I couldn’t see a way out. Saying all this, my hubby and I do balance our chores, family duties and everything in between because that is how we roll. And, my mum is a godsend and I’m not sure how I would have coped without her. But now, looking back, I can kind of see what worked and what didn’t.

The oops list (no, I didn’t get it all right).

  1. Trying to do everything at once.
  2. Trying to please everyone.
  3. Multitasking.
  4. Throwing self-care out the window.
  5. Ignoring signs of burnout until it’s too late.
  6. And, getting to that point.

What helped.

  1. Accepting that I cannot do everything all at once.
  2. Instead of finding the perfect ‘block time’, I worked in 30-minute/1 hour bursts (not ideal but it worked for a while).
  3. ‘Batching’ similar work, like filming content, to save mental energy (and time).
  4. Creating a very loose schedule and a daily DOABLE to-do list.
  5. Clear and honest communication about timelines with my clients. Building a good relationship with people you’re working with always helps.
  6. Resting, doing things I love, going for coffees, alone and guilt-free. Which is much more difficult than you’d think, but necessary.

Ideals I had to just let go of.

  • Quiet, uninterrupted work time.
  • Pretending I can do it all alone.
  • Comparing to others.
  • Sticking to a rigid schedule.
  • Responding immediately.

I learned to prioritise better. And I learned that rest and sleep are just as important and without them, I couldn’t concentrate anyway. I scheduled my time however I could so that when the baby wasn’t clinging to me, I worked my ass off – in bursts. What I spent hours on before, I got done in half that time.

There is no manual.

Mind you, as I’m writing all this, I’m trying to answer weird and random fire questions by my now 6-year- old while calming the little one down because all she wants to do is sit on my lap all day. But with both of them at school in the mornings, I found my rhythm again. And yes, I do start with a coffee at my local coffee shop because that is the little me-time I have and – to be honest with you, it fuels me and I feel my best again, on a personal & professional level.

Wow, I have managed to write this down. Weeks in the making because, well, kids. But I’m trying not to be too hard on myself and I’m happy to see this as a win, which it kind of is.

Speak soon
Amanda x

↠ MORE ON THIS! I’m sharing my self-employed journey on Instagram and show what I find most helpful over there. Feel free to follow for tips & updates!

Reality of Working from Home as a Self-Employed Mum | Tips & Challenges

WHAT TO EXPECT | This blog is about the reality of working from home as a self-employed mum with little kids. No sugar coating!

I wrote about my expectations of handling work with a young one and a baby on the way. And now that I have delivered said baby, I can share how it’s really going so far. With one kid, it’s something. With two, it’s something else.

So work from home has become somewhat of a buzzword after 2020, right? And although some businesses are bringing everyone back to the office, other companies have embraced remote working and made it part of their strategy. And then there’s self-employment, a different world entirely.

But in both cases, the boundary between work and personal life can blur when you work from home. In my case, it’s almost inevitable – and not something I am particularly happy about because finding the right balance and FLOW is everything for my peace of mind. When I start working and stop in the middle of something, start and stop again – all morning and into the afternoon – it doesn’t get me anywhere. So first thing in the morning, or late at night, I write a doable list of priority items for the day ahead. It helps break work into manageable and attainable ‘smaller pieces’ which I can tackle throughout the day and try my best to stick to.

How can you work from home with less hiccups? (Because let’s face it, you can’t dodge them all).

I love a good, organised schedule and designated work space. Having my little corner office to work from helps me focus on the tasks. It’s like having a ‘home-free’ work area that gets me in the zone with fewer distractions (or so I hope every time I sit at my desk). To FOCUS. Lately, this has been quite a challenge with a baby. Even as I write this, I am sitting on my unmade bed after managing to get little Chloe to sleep in her crib – so the irony is not lost on me. I don’t like having my laptop in the bedroom but these days require that I do if I want to get some work done. And a schedule? With two kids, I try – honestly, I do – but my schedule is to work around naps, feeds, and playtime. Most days I’m in the right mind zone, I’m motivated to do the work, inspired even – BUT not able to actually and productively get things done -which is super frustrating. And that is the reality of it. On good days, I work through the whole list whilst mummying, on other days – I barely manage to send out one simple email.

Multi-tasking – the best thing you can do is to avoid it. You might feel like accomplishing a lot but I have learned that single-tasking is a much healthier option because you do get things done, one after the other – without a headache and scattered thoughts. Even if it’s not the easiest thing to do, when you work from home, start by blocking some major time-wasters out – namely your phone and social media accounts. Push back any household chores (that laundry basket begging to be emptied, a speck of dust that has been nagging you or a quick trip to the store) and anything that comes in between you and your paid work.

I’m not saying you don’t schedule them in your day. But that’s just it – schedule and organise your work day first and then work around it. For instance, you can work all morning, take a break, do the laundry, and get back at your desk later (if the nature of your work permits it).

One major thing. Do not put too much pressure on yourself. Remember, you are doing the best you can, what is humanly possible – and you should be so proud of yourself. Every accomplishment – no matter how small – should be celebrated.

Tips to make working from home with kids productive.

Now, if you’re a parent (of small kids especially), you know all too well that parenthood is a full-time job and then some. The early years are the toughest because the kids cling to you every waking second. It’s a beautiful thing having little people running around the house and looking up to you. But to have a household to run, we ordinary people need to make a living. And if you work from home that means you need to find a way to take care of the kids and work at the same time. Which is, let me tell you, such a challenge. My 5-year-old has become a lot more independent lately. She’s thankfully easily entertained with drawing, painting, and making crafts. Before Chloe, I tried scheduling in a couple of hours before the world (and Bethany) woke up. But this is close to impossible in the newborn phase (at least in my case). Instead, I squeeze the life out of every minute of sleep I can get to be able to function properly. Parents of babies know all to well well that sleep is too little and never enough.

I’m self-employed, and have a five-year-old and a five-month baby. So here are a couple of things that help me get through the day without going haywire:

  • Accept help in any form – it can come in the form of meals, babysitting, household chores or grocery shopping.
  • Set realistic goals – know your limit, learn to say no, and set achievable goals for each day.
  • Outsource work –when you can: delegate tasks you can outsource because this frees up your time.
  • Good communication – with your partner: this is key.
  • Childcare services – are always an option: even a few hours of childcare support can make a significant difference – and try not to feel guilty about it.
  • Create a schedule – create a priority list for each day and block time for work to avoid feeling overwhelmed by your workload.
  • Practice self-care – we are not superhuman and burning out is real. So make time for self-care activities like exercise, meditation, or hobbies that help you relax and recharge.

Like everything else in life, self-employment comes with its set of challenges. Having no maternity leave was the hardest honestly. Not being able to stop working and fully enjoying the little ones for the first few months was tough. So if you’re thinking about venturing out on your own, you need to look beyond flexibility.

The ability to work from home offers unique opportunities and challenges. On one hand, you’re flexible to set your own schedule and be present for your children’s important moments. On the other hand, finding the time and energy to grow your business while caring for your family can sometimes feel overwhelming. And I get it. My partner (who works full-time at an office) and I are still figuring out the best way to go about work, household chores and raising two kids. So even as I write this, I’m certain that things will change yet again in a month’s time.

Are you a WFH parent? Do you run your own business? How do YOU manage the time? What are some tips you can share with us? I’d love to hear from you!

Until next time
Amanda x

↠ MORE ON THIS! I’m sharing my self-employed journey on Instagram and show what I find most helpful over there. Feel free to follow for tips & updates!

Raising kids, building a business.

A guide to (try &) master work-from-home success

WHAT TO EXPECT | If you’re self-employed, a freelancer, a small business owner, and a parent who works (mostly) from home, this guide will help you navigate work and family life.

“How will you manage with two kids?” I wish I had a euro for every time someone asked me that – I wouldn’t have to work another day in my life! I swear, once the other person spots my growing belly (which is hard to miss at this stage really), and knows that I’m a self-employed working mum, it’s the first thing that pops out – after the obligatory congratulations. I have already written about juggling WFH and motherhood earlier this year – let’s go through a couple more things I learned along the way.

So, yes. How will I manage work and two kids? When I started back in 2017 with just Nina my dog following me around, I thought it was hard. Which mind you, it was – starting my business from scratch was anything but easy. But then again, it’s what makes all the hard work worthwhile and I wouldn’t change a single thing.

But then, two years later, little Bethany dropped into our world and things changed. Completely. If you run your own small business, you probably know how difficult it is to even take a day off. The minute my water broke, I remember sitting back down (after a quick shower and whatsapping my husband that it was finally happening) to tie loose ends, message clients, and make sure everything was in order before I left for the hospital. After that, it was quite the challenge to reschedule my work around her sleeping and feeding times when I was running on 3-hour naps (I remember the sleepless nights all too well). But with the great help of my family, and the below tips I pulled through. That’s why I created this little guide.

Having a second child changes things yet again. So, back to the writing board.

1. Create a productive work environment

The first few months are tough – so let’s be realistic. Setting clear boundaries to work towards a more structured routine can be nearly impossible sometimes. One thing that will help you focus on the task at hand is to have a dedicated work area where you can mentally separate work from home, free from distractions. Again, it will take time to adjust and you will end up working on your laptop while feeding or cradling the baby. Distractions are everywhere with kids in the same building. But do create your space and work from there when you can.

2. Set realistic goals and expectations

Focus on what’s important and prioritize tasks based on deadlines and importance: both for work and home. It’s better to have a manageable to-do list with fewer tasks and get them all out of the way than to create an unachievable list that goes on forever. Allocating your time (and energy) wisely is key to feeling a sense of accomplishment and avoiding feeling overwhelmed.

3. Outsource and delegate tasks to maximise productivity

At a certain point, I realised that I couldn’t do it alone. I accepted that I need help to focus on the things that I excel in and delegate other tasks (e.g. admin, accounts) to a trusted person. The same goes for housework chores and childcare. It’s impossible (and ultimately, shouldn’t be the case) to take everything upon yourself. Delegating certain tasks will free up your time and reduce the stress of trying to do everything yourself.

4. Embrace flexibility

If you’re self-employed or work freelance, you do not have a boss, and your work schedule is more flexible. But you do have clients/customers and you do have deadlines. So unlike what some people think, it’s not all unicorns and rainbows. But what you can do is embrace that flexibility and learn to work it in your favour. If you run your own business you already know that sometimes, you have to skip weekends and also, work weird ungodly hours to get things done. Being a working parent, you also need to work early mornings, during naptimes, or at night – and adjust your work and home life as you go along.

But also, don’t push it. I know how it feels when someone tells you to rest when the baby sleeps. When will the work get done then? At the same time it’s important to try and find a balance – burning out is the last thing your body and mind need.

How to overcome common obstacles & stay motivated

Your coffee will get cold. That, I promise. And you will forget about your mid-day snack or lunch – or both, every once in a while. But never forget about taking care of yourself. That is non-negotiable and essential to maintain the focus and energy you need as a parent and for your career. So yes, if you have the chance to head out on your own and grab a coffee – do it. Get out of the house, change scenery, and do something you love. Read, draw, go for a run, meditate – whatever helps you relax and recharge.

So back to the question, “How will you manage?” I usually reply with: “Somehow, I will.” And so will you. Being your own boss and being a parent are both learning curves. I’m sure you’re doing an incredible job so be kind to yourself.

Let’s recap:

  1. Always accept help (from trusted people)
  2. Learn to prioritize and delegate
  3. Take real breaks (taking a shower DOES NOT COUNT)
  4. Don’t be too hard on yourself

↠ MORE ON THIS! I’m sharing my self-employed journey on Instagram and will be showing what I find most helpful over there. Feel free to follow for tips & updates!

Thinking of taking the leap? Let’s get you started! Here are 5 things I wish someone told me before becoming self-employed!

Until next time
Amanda x

Working from home with kids: how to make it work.

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Tips & tricks that will help you stay sane ↴

Working from home with kids presents a new set of challenges. Making it work is a struggle and an art. I’ve been self-employed since 2017 and became a mum two years later. So I’ve been juggling WFH and motherhood for four years now. Most of you may have first experienced this during the pandemic. I remember, during the first few months of isolation, people asked me how I manage not to lose my marbles at the end of the day. Honestly, most of the time, I have no idea how I don’t.

Even as I’m trying to write this, I stopped like a million times. My almost-four-year-old is asking me to play with her, nudging me, and doing everything in her power to grab my attention. I feel terribly guilty for having to work when she’s at home. And the only chance I have to create my content, work on my personal projects, and actually do something for myself (sometimes even something as basic as washing my hair) – is in the evening when she’s at home.

This brings us to the million-dollar question I’ve been asked at least a thousand times.

▶ “But how do you manage?”

Mind you, on some days I don’t manage to be productive. At all. But most things I learned through experience and some take a while getting used to but if you put your mind to it, you’ll get there eventually. I’m sharing five (5) tried & tested tips that help me get through my working day at home with my child.

1. Workspace

Having a designated area for work helps set a boundary between home life and work itself. It doesn’t have to be a full-blown office if you don’t have the space for it (like in my case). A desk setup and shelving should be just about enough to get you off working from your couch or dining table.

2. Schedule & prioritize

The demands of both work and family life are trying. Having a routine helps but we all know how that blows to pieces when one of the kids sneezes. Didn’t mean for that to rhyme, but there you have it. You need to be flexible and manage your expectations when you have kids around. Schedule your work when the kids are occupied: at school, during home activities or during nap time.

So I’m the most productive in the mornings when Bethany is at school and then I’ll work around entertaining her when she comes back home in the afternoon. First thing in the morning, I make a list. A simple, pen-to-paper list, starting with top priority, time-bound work including tasks that require 100% focus, meetings, and calls. So that once I have Beth at home, I manage tasks a little down that list.

3. Set achievable goals

This should be highlighted, bold, and underlined. It’s better to keep that list short and have 6 doable tasks than jot down 20 tasks that you cannot, for the life of you, get through. It’s frustrating and overwhelming. I’ve been through that too many times to count before it finally sank in. And NEVER ever multitask. That is just the worst. You’ll feel more stressed, and unable to concentrate and it will set you back tenfold.

4. Learn to say NO.

This is a learning curve. It’s easier said than done and I’ve learned this the hard way. But it’s better to know your limit than be in over your head. Otherwise, you’ll burn out faster than the fireworks on the fourth of July (or if you’re Maltese, on Santa Marija). If a task is not a priority, focus on what is truly important during your allocated work time.

There are times during the early years of self-employment when you cannot afford to say no to some projects. You’re just starting out and need both experience and cash flow. I’ve been there, I get it. Years later though, once you’ve found your niche, your market, do not be scared to decline work when: 1. you have too much on your plate 2. requests do not align with your priorities.

5. Take breaks

If you have a time when you’re without your kids, take a break. Don’t power through the day without stopping to take a breath. You need that time to refocus. When you’re with your kids, plan activities for them. Kids will not sit through one activity for long. I found that preparing activities beforehand helps: with puzzles, drawing, painting, and role-playing. Going to the park/play areas after school is another way to take a mental break and spend some good quality time together (and get them to exercise with the hope of a short nap later).

Listen, when I have a deadline, I’m going to be the first to admit that Disney+ saves me every time. You’re not a bad parent for including a little more screen time when you find yourself backed against a wall. Which brings me to working through distractions – it’s an acquired skill. When you have no option but to work through ‘Let it go’ on a loop, you’ll see what I mean. I usually stay close to Bethany to have eyes on her and put on my headphones. There will be nudges, there will be requests for snacks and whatnot but it’s doable.

✨ Be kind to yourself.

You’re doing the best you can. Sometimes even more so don’t be too hard on yourself if you didn’t manage to go through your work list or had to increase a little screen time to complete a task. I’m also aware that it depends on the type of job that you have, the kind of employer and clients. Little by little, we’re getting to a place where people understand what it means to have work responsibilities and the demands of parenting.

My advice to you? Take care of yourself and don’t ever forget that. During my cabin crew years and every time I get on a plane, there is that one phrase that you may take for granted but I cannot get out of my head: “Put on your mask first before helping others.” I apply it to my everyday life. If I burn out, if I fail to take care of myself, how can I care for others? My family? My clients? And accept help when you need it.

Until next time,

Amanda x

↠ MORE ON THIS! I’m sharing my self-employed journey on Instagram and will be showing what I find most helpful over there. Feel free to follow for tips & updates!

Working from home

Ah, what weird times. I decided to avoid all the hassle and distance myself socially for the time being. For everyone’s benefit 🙌

I’m honestly used to staying inside for a long period of time. I have been growing my business and working from home for the past three + years now. So really, it’s just another day at the office!

Still, I so miss grabbing my laptop and heading out to my local cafe’ for a nice cup of frothy cappuccino while I work. And meetings. Actual face-to-face ones. I miss those 😥

Come to think of it, it’s been a while since I could just get up, grab my things and leave for a little change in scenery. It takes me at least two hours to get little Beth and myself ready before we actually leave the house.

I think I spend half an hour preparing the bag alone. Parents would know about the bag: Change of clothing, nappies, snacks, bottles, milk powder, water flask…there’s more. But, my intention is not to bore you out of your mind.

Funny how we take the little things for granted in life, right? The minute we’re denied something, a temporary ‘lack of freedom’, we’re done for. Spare a thought for people fleeing for their lives with nothing but their clothes on their backs. People who were denied their freedom even before they were born.

It’s not the easiest time for businesses. I get that. Believe me, I do. But we will get through this. So, in the meantime, if you’re staying at home, make the most of it.

Read more, rest more! Perhaps, find a cause you believe in and help out remotely for the time being? The NGO I voluntarily work with, bBrave  (anti-bullying), is always on the lookout for new members 😉 Just saying!

Stay safe,

Amanda x

 

 

New year, new mum? Stay Inspired!

I dove into 2020 head first.

Given my recent transition into motherhood, I had to slow down my work pace last year. So, in 2019, I set the stage for 2020. And I’m psyched about a couple of new projects that I’m working on 🤩 Can’t share anything yet though. What I can say is that one of my lifelong goals is about to take flight. Or rather, will eventually take flight. I’m already getting ahead of myself 😅

Looking back, 2019 had a little bumps. Honestly, I was torn between being my usual working-around-the-clock self and immersing myself in the role of a mum. Fast forward to eight months later, it gets better. Sleep doesn’t, but the rest does. I had to toss my schedules out the window though. Most days, I can only get things done while she sleeps.

Staying inspired was all the more difficult during the past months. Sometimes, all I wanted was for the day to be over just minutes after waking up. So, I had to get thinking of ways to avoid a downward spiral. One thing that helped hone my inspiration was (and still is) getting out of the house.

If you’re a working mum, a stay-at-home parent or a mumpreneur, difficult as it is, do take a break. You deserve it. Having a baby to take care of, plus work on top of that can take its toll. Getting out of the house might just be what you need. Even if it’s for a half-hour walk or a cup of coffee at your local café a couple of minutes away. True, you’re probably not getting things done and your never-ending list has nothing crossed off it yet. But, chances are, you’ll feel more refreshed after taking a break from it all and work twice as hard later (child-permitting).

These up here 👆 took a couple of minutes longer to get to 😋 It was our first ever trip with Beth and it went better than expected. 

Even as I write this, I’m aware that sometimes it’s not that easy. I’m a morning person and pre-motherhood used to get all the work done by midday. Getting some work done close to midnight is actually a thing now.

Ah, she woke up. After only twenty minutes.  So, to wrap this up, and all this aside, any help you can get, get it! True, I’m blessed with the most amazing people in my life. Even if you’re winging it on your own, remember you’re strong, amazing and you’re not alone 🙌💪

Amanda x

🎄 Christmas jumpers, imbuljuta tal- Qastan and the midnight mass

In the coming days, everyone around you will seem a tad more pleasant than usual. Even work will feel more tolerable when compared to the rest of the year. It’s a time when everything tends to sound and look better; especially if you’re an avid Christmas fan.

It’s one week until Christmas and, despite all that has been going on, the air is buzzing with cheer. Or perhaps it’s just me and my incessant obsession with this holiday.  On December first, we open the first tiny window of our advent calendar, overload our Spotify accounts with Christmas music, and start thinking of showering the fronts of our homes with blinking decorative lights (and sometimes even overdoing it).  All this sets the tone for the upcoming month and puts our little customs into motion.

Traditions are comforting, nice even. They’re like a familiar smell you randomly come across on a given day that takes you back to your childhood days. The nostalgic memories of Christmas past, if you will. Do you sometimes find yourself missing sitting cozily on the couch, your hands cupped around a warm mug of imbuljuta tal-Qastan your grandma just made whilst munching on some fresh out-of-the-oven mince pies on Christmas eve?

As a child, I used to spend every Christmas Eve at my grandma’s with the rest of the family. After that, we attended the Midnight mass and as children, tried hard not to snooze off in the dim lights during the extremely long sermon of the child. I loved every second of Christmas eve. Loved – because as we grew older, that little family tradition of ours dissipated.

Every family has its own traditions which inevitably change with the passage of time. Children grow up, move out, embark on their own journeys and create their own new thing. Still, change brings about the birth of new traditions which can be just as exciting.

When compared to other countries and given that no distance is great on this little island of ours, we remain close to our families and not just in physical proximity. To date, we tend to celebrate this day with our closest relatives and try to make up for lost time with friends. That is probably one of the reasons why we send out a bazillion greeting cards to everyone we have ever known in December.

Another thing that always fascinated me as a child – probably because of the Home Alone movies I used to watch – was the Christmas tree. I remembered being in awe of how grand it stood with gifts piled neatly underneath it. Back then, I also remember my mother pointing out that the Christmas tree hadn’t always been part of our tradition. Most Maltese catholic families make the crib and baby Jesus as the main centerpieces during the festive season to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas; the birth of Christ. Some would even go on to argue that no crib is complete without the decorative Gulbiena (vetches). Growing the plant in darkness was a task, that as kids, we took to heart. We checked on it every single day to the point of feeling proudly triumphant upon seeing its stringy white shoots sprouting from its watered cotton bed.

Setting up the Christmas tree, however, is now a tradition well embedded in the Maltese culture. We spend hours decorating our homes, which although sometimes we do so excessively, it still makes up for good family quality time. Something which lately, and admittedly, we seem to be lacking. It’s not the first time I’ve been to a café and sitting nearby is a family of four completely lost in four different digital worlds.

The spirit of Christmas, less the commercial hype, is associated with acts of giving, selflessness, and kindness. In this excessively consumeristic reality of ours, it would not be the first time you’d hear someone admitting that the true meaning of Christmas is lost and has now been replaced with all that is materialistic. However, and to date, for many locals, the Christmas season is not merely a frenzy period of gift shopping but rather, it’s more about being part of the communal experience. For instance, as kids, we never missed the children’s procession, singing and holding candle-lit paper lanterns as we roamed our village streets. This is something most towns and villages have been organising for years and still do.

Then on Christmas day, my family and I prepare lunch together and spend the day in each other’s company watching Christmas films and playing board games. Lunch on this day is a celebratory meal that takes time both to prepare and to eat. It usually involves a hearty three-course meal starting off with pasta or soup, turkey and roast potatoes plus a vegetable casserole (which used to be baked at the local bakery) undeniably followed by dessert, coffee, and liquour.  A couple of hours in, and tea, treacle rings, and mince pies are also served. Where food is concerned, traditions like these tend to stick around for quite a while on these islands.

It’s nice to have our own little traditions. Looking back, we reminiscence on childhood memories that we’re fond of. Looking ahead, a little change to what we’re used to doesn’t hurt either. Wearing funny Christmas jumpers, hanging Christmas stockings, exchanging gifts and indulging in Christmas inspired ginger lattes and cookies with friends and family, are seasonal traditions that make December special.

 

Featured on the Times of Malta Christmas Magazine, 2018

Here’s to new #beginnings!

The reason behind my online absence? Little Bethany 💙 She became my number one priority way before she came into this world. She is also the reason why I’m not getting any sleep. Not even a wink.

Working on my projects and taking care of Beth is a new challenge I’m diving into, head first. I cut back on some work for the first few weeks but am slowly getting back on track. It’s not like no one ever went through this before but it hits you right in the face when you’re actually experiencing it.

One thing you’re in dire need of if you’re a working mum is flexibility. I must admit that being my own boss does help. I can get work done when she sleeps, be it at four in the morning (I’d be awake anyway) or 11 at night. And perhaps also try to squeeze an hour of sleep in between. 

As an avid planner myself, I am now aware of how naive I was to think I had everything under control. Once a newborn was in my arms, I realised that planning was not going to be on the agenda any time soon. 

My clients were extremely understanding. I couldn’t have asked for a better lot ❤ I made sure to meet up with everyone before I popped. And together, we planned and scheduled most of the work. I wanted to make sure I had everything covered. And, I did. 

When my water broke, the first thing I did (after taking a shower & calling my better half), was to sit back down and tie loose ends. An hour and a half later I was in the labour ward. 

I quite like privacy and am not one to shower my social media with pictures of myself and my family. In fact, most people didn’t even realise I was pregnant. Not until after I posted a picture showing Beth’s tiny feet.

I’m also aware of the irony given my line of work. But being or becoming an ‘influencer’ has never been on my agenda. I have always been a behind-the-scenes kind of person.

Having said that, I will be sharing just a few pictures in the coming days on my IG account 👇

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It took me forever to write this blogpost! The minute she closed her eyes, I sprinted to my laptop. Inspiration hit and I wanted to pour it all down. It feels good to be back 💙 

Amanda x

 

 

Christmas: Staying vs. Leaving

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Celebrating Christmas means different things to different people. For most, it’s the right opportunity to spend time with their loved ones. Where I come from, Christmas is the pure definition of family time. The first time I suggested travelling during the holidays, the air went still at home. 

If you come from a family who never missed one single family Christmas gathering, I believe you can easily relate.

The option of travelling against staying at home during the holidays is a constant internal battle. It’s something we start debating once we realise that summer is almost over and we still need to plan out our remaining leave days […]

New article @timesofmalta

Get the e-paper to read more: Click here

[Christmas Supplement, 2 December 2018]

#inthespotlight @Elizabeth Cortis

#inthespotlight - amandalia

My passion for writing led me to Elizabeth earlier this year. I was writing an article for the Times of Malta last March and Elizabeth helped me shed light on being a mumpreneur.

Mumpreneur: the modern superhero

After our virtual chatting, we then had the pleasure to meet up at Nakita‘s book launch event. In case you missed her interview, click here!

Elizabeth is one of the most interesting persons I have met thus far. She is positive, driven, and extremely focused. Our conversation flowed easily over a cappuccino in a quaint coffee shop in the heart of Rabat. It was a nice way to start the day; especially on a Monday morning.

I started off with what would seem like a basic question.

What does proofreading involve?

When I proofread, I’m improving what can be improved and eliminating any errors. It’s the perfect version of your own work. I like to refer to it as the four-eye principle; having someone else look at your work with fresh eyes.

Technically speaking, proofreading takes place during the final phase and involves checking the written work for typing errors, missed words, punctuation marks etc.

I find that most people confuse proofreading with copyediting. The latter involves sentence structure. Say you’re writing your dissertation and the ideas are still unclear or not flowing. Sometimes, clients mean they need both. Nowadays, proofreading is a requirement and an essential part of the academic career.

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What is unique about your business?

I set myself apart from others who work on proofreading as part-timers and have an unrelated full-time job. Don’t get me wrong, they have my respect! But, this is my passion and my focus 24/7.

I approach it as a professional. That is, I’m fully aware of the responsibilities involved. For most students, thesis-writing can be a stressful moment and I acknowledge and respect that – that is why I meet deadlines, read guidelines and work to the best of my ability.

My 11 years of experience provides me with not just knowledge but also an understanding of how things are done. For example, I know what universities expect and can see things from a much broader perspective than the client does.

 

What does a typical working day look like for you?

I have to balance my two roles; a mother and a business owner. I have two little kids who are still in their formative years and who need a lot of my time. On the other hand, I’m a business owner; not just a proofreader or book editor. So, I have to run and further develop my business as well.

Typically, I work around my kids’ schedule. I’m also lucky to have the full support of my family, especially my husband. So, if I have to put in more effort or schedule meetings, they back me up every time. I believe that the role of a mumpreneur is managing your business as well as your family without denying yourself anything. For instance, you need the time for yourself because it’s important not to experience a burnout.

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When did you decide to take the leap? Was it something you have always intended for yourself?

Running my own business has always been my dream. I’m an ambitious person and always try to think of ways to develop and grow my business further. I spent 10 years of my life teaching English; which I loved. But I wanted more. It was a huge leap. I remember my friends questioning my sanity.

Quitting a safe job was not easy but I don’t regret it because I’m doing something I’ve always wished to do. And that is, spending quality time with my children. Up until they were three years old, I still worked but less intensely because they were my sole focus. I don’t believe a mother should forget about her aspirations just because she becomes a mother. The will to work, aspire and improve are all great skills to pass on to your kids. They see you as alive, driven and passionate about your work. We have our crazy days, but we make it work.

 

What is your biggest failure? Your biggest success?

What is a failure anyway? I am a very positive person. I don’t acknowledge failures; they’re small setbacks. It’s all about how you look at it. I see it as learning something new about your skills or about your limits. You either going to give it another go and be more prepared or decide that it’s not something that you would like to pursue. Either way, you have grown. Self-growth and improvement mean everything to me.

I believe that small everyday successes are still successes. Getting out of my comfort zone and doing things that are challenging drives me onwards. Another one of my biggest successes is seeing my kids grow, and not just physically. Looking back, I feel extremely satisfied that I managed to give them my all.

 

What advice would you give female entrepreneurs?

Find time for yourself and set small goals. Don’t set big targets and overstress yourself. I try to take things one step at a time to stay motivated with short-term goals. Try creating a personal plan and keep in mind that not everything will go as planned either. Don’t close up shop just because you’re having one bad day. Be kind to yourself, be realistic and don’t be too hard on yourself.

That is when I realised how important it is to be part of a support network. If you’re in need of help, don’t et your pride get in the way. Know your limitations and accept the help you’re being offered.

Don’t try to do everything yourself. You don’t have to be an expert in every area. Outsourcing can save you time because trying to do everything on your own is a struggle.

Join the Group: Malta Mumpreneurs Network

 

Three (3) tools you would recommend to anyone starting their own business?

Google Keep – for your to-do lists. Or, more likely in my case, the I WILL DO list.

Self- Motivation techniques – I believe in these techniques. E.g. when I’m tired, I try and work five minutes more; just a step further to improve self-discipline.

Take mental breaks – You need your off days. When I don’t have tight deadlines, I take pleasure in reading and listening to motivational business speakers.

Oh, and coffee! Haha!

Quick questions 🙂

Tea or coffee?

Tea to relax, Coffee to work

Books or movies?

Books

Time travel or teleportation?

Teleportation I’m a very realistic person – li I just leave and visit different countries/places. I love travelling.

Winter or Summer? 

Winter

Adventurous or Cautious?

Adventurous; I love doing things out of my comfort zone.

 

Go follow!

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