Balancing Acts: Tips for Managing Home-Based Ventures

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented changes to many of our lives. For some, it meant transitioning to working from home full-time. For others, it overlapped with major life changes like moving countries or even becoming a new parent.

I found myself in the midst of both of those situations. I had just moved to the United States in late 2019. I was excited to explore life in my new home and take advantage of new career opportunities. However, just a few months after my big move, the pandemic hit. Not only was I adjusting to life in a new country, but I was also pregnant with my first child.

As I navigated this new reality, I knew I wanted to continue pursuing my passion: helping others bring their ideas to life through project management consulting. But I needed to get creative in order to balance building my business with my quickly changing personal life.

Over the past few years, I’ve learned a lot about managing projects and priorities as a new parent and remote worker. Whether you're in a similar position or simply looking to build your own home-based or online venture, I hope my tips help you find success and balance.

Define Your Priorities

When you work for yourself, it’s easy to think you need to do it all. But taking on too much at once is a recipe for quick burnout. Before launching any new venture or project, take time to identify your top priorities.

For me, my priorities were my health, my family, and building my business. I knew if I neglected any of those key areas, the others would suffer too. But I couldn’t make them all my top priority all the time. I had to stay focused day-by-day on what mattered most.

I created a planner that has helped me with this aspect. You can grab a copy on Amazon, you won’t be disappointed. Clearly defining your priorities from the start helps you stay focused on your most important goals as other demands come up.

Set a Schedule

Once you know your priorities, the next step is setting a schedule that aligns with them. When you work from home, boundaries between work time and personal time can easily blur. Having a set schedule creates necessary structure in your day.

I like to block out set work hours that align with my peak productivity times. When it’s time to work, I minimize distractions by turning off notifications and avoiding household chores. During non-work hours, I devote my time fully to family.

A schedule helps you be truly present. You’re focused on work tasks during work time and fully engaged with loved ones the rest of the day. A calendar also allows you to plan your week in advance so you can accommodate both professional and personal commitments.

Just be sure your schedule is realistic for your current season of life. As a new parent, I had to adapt my previous 9-5 schedule to work during nap times and after bedtime. Don’t be afraid to re-evaluate your schedule as your priorities and situations change. The goal is to find sustainable balance.

Take Time for Self-Care

When you have a lot on your plate, it’s easy to burn the candle at both ends trying to get it all done. However, neglecting self-care will ultimately work against you.

Taking time to rest and recharge allows you to be more focused and productive during work hours. It also helps manage stress and avoid burnout. Self-care looks different for everyone. For me, it’s taking daily walks to the playground with my son, reading before bed, or coffee dates with friends.

Even if you have limited time, find small ways to nourish yourself daily. It’s an investment in your long-term well-being and success. Don’t minimize its importance.

Outsource and Automate

One secret that’s helped me better balance work and family life is outsourcing tasks when possible. This gives me more time to focus on my priorities.

Thanks to online freelance platforms, you can find affordable help with everything from social media to bookkeeping. I personally love using Fiverr and Upwork to fill skill gaps and take nonessential tasks off my plate.

Automating repetitive tasks can also help you work more efficiently. Email marketing services like Mailchimp allow you to create email sequences that promote your offers on autopilot. Scheduling posts in advance with a social media management tool like Hootsuite frees up more of your time for high priority work.

Take advantage of the technology and talent available online so you can spend time on what matters most. The investment is well worth the time savings.

Let Go of Perfection

When I was building my business as a new mom, I often struggled with trying to do it all perfectly. I had to learn the hard way that this mindset only leads to frustration and disappointment.

The truth is no one can have it all perfectly balanced all the time — and that’s okay. Give yourself grace and let go of unrealistic expectations. Some days your business will take priority over chores around the house. Other days your family will come first. Learn to flow with the changing demands and seasons rather than fighting against them.

Stay focused on consistent progress rather than perfection. Celebrate small wins and don’t be too hard on yourself. As long as you’re making steady steps forward, a few setbacks won’t derail your long-term goals.

Connect with a Community

The pandemic highlighted for me the importance of community, even in an online business. When you work alone, it’s easy to feel isolated. Finding peers who face similar challenges can help you feel understood and supported.

I’m part of several Facebook groups for women entrepreneurs where I can ask questions and share my struggles when they come up. Having a sounding board and source of encouragement makes tough days feel less overwhelming.

Consider joining a mastermind group or finding an accountability partner. Share your own experiences and knowledge as well. Helping others tackle challenges will expand your problem-solving skills too.

Working from home allows wonderful flexibility but also requires extra effort to build meaningful connections. Take time to nurture your support community. It will nourish you both personally and professionally.

Reframe the Tough Times

Building a home-based business while managing life’s other demands is not for the faint of heart. During chaotic seasons, it's easy to feel discouraged and want to throw in the towel. But with the right perspective, challenges can strengthen you.

Next time you feel overwhelmed, take a step back. Look at obstacles as opportunities to learn and grow. Tough times force you to get creative, prioritize efficiently, and build resilience. Those lessons will serve your business and your character long after the storm passes.

Also, remember that this too shall pass. The demands on your time and energy won’t last forever. In the meantime, be gentle with yourself. Take it one day at a time, and don’t forget to celebrate your wins.

With some planning, self-care, and community, you can find work-life balance — even during major transitions. Stay focused on your priorities and take it a step at a time. You’ve got this! Wishing you all the best in your journey.