Katie Postel Photography Blog

Balancing Family & A Business Dream

Some might say that following a passion while in the trenches of early motherhood is not the best idea. And those people could be right. But what if they are wrong? My motivation is fueled by my children, and after giving birth (both times) I’ve come to realize that I can literally do ANYTHING.

It is hard to balance making time for work and family while being fully present in both. Some days I am quite productive, checking off all the boxes of my to-dos and some days will come and go without any business progress, but my dishes will all be clean. So, there’s that.

Some tips I’ve found that help me balance being a mother and wife, as well as a dreamer to create my own successful business:

• Plan out the week

Sitting down on Sunday (or whatever day works for you) and planning the essential work things that should get done in the next week, along with household chores have proven successful in my productivity.

• Utilize free time

My free time is usually when the kids are asleep. I have about an hour alone before I’m exhausted and ready for bed myself. I try to use 3 nights a week to sit down at the computer and either write, plan, or create social media posts.

• Don’t be so serious

Why is this one so hard for me? If a task needs to get done, I get very zoned in and need to focus without distraction. Anyone else the same? But every once in a while I let myself be distracted by my kiddos and I’ll close the laptop or turn off my phone and enjoy the simplicity of being present with them. The work can get done later. The whole reason I’m striving to make my photography business successful is for them. I want more free time with my family and financial freedom to do whatever the F we want to do without having to check my bank account first.

Laugh a little. Be present with your children. The work will get done. Don’t worry so much.

• Incorporate family in work

When I’m practicing my photo skills or new ideas or even scouting locations, I involve my boys. I can make a whole day out of searching for a new photoshoot spot with them. Stopping at a park somewhere, grabbing lunch at a new place and maybe even having a picnic. I also practice photo prompts for kids with my 3-year-old to see if he understands them.

• Build a community

For me, community is so important and it’s nice to know that as a parent, you aren’t alone. Talking to my other mom friends about creating balance with work life and home life helps me feel supported. It’s easy to stress and drop the ball with work and life and family and exercise and meals and play dates and the list goes on… But when you have a community to allow you to feel heard and supported and help pick up some of those ‘balls’ that you might have dropped here and there really does help.

This is a constant work in progress. If you have any helpful tips or ideas on finding a good work/life balance, please comment below!

With love,

Katie