There are many challenges to being self employed and also parenting school aged children. I never realized how complex it would be at the outset. Besides the challenges laid before me to get my work done amidst the myriad of requests from others to do this or that for them because "you work at home so you can do what ever you want" syndrome. I have come face to face with the issue of spending time with my kids. They are around even more with summer holidays. Spending my time working and ignoring them while they waste the hours away watching television or playing on devices or putting aside my work to be with them, that's the question.
For me it has always been a battle of guilt: guilty for not spending time with them or guilty for not getting enough work done. After all, when a self employed person isn't working there isn't any money being generated either. That is a big problem. Artists especially have to be concerned about time at the canvas because our work comes in steady most of the time but sometimes the dry stretches can be long and bleak. So the pressure is on to generate $$$.
My choice? I feel the pressure to work, that's for sure but today and most days I opted for the splash pad with my son Nathan. I know I'll never have these years again with him. I'm guilty of thoughts of "oh man I wish I could get some more done on that canvas I started this morning..." but it's quickly tempered by the obvious little 7 year old playing there and asking me to join him.
In the end I never regret the time I spend with my kids. Paintings can always be finished later and somehow through it all God manages to provide for this family of mine.
Now. if I could just get a few minutes in on that painting I started earlier today! lol.
RM
For me it has always been a battle of guilt: guilty for not spending time with them or guilty for not getting enough work done. After all, when a self employed person isn't working there isn't any money being generated either. That is a big problem. Artists especially have to be concerned about time at the canvas because our work comes in steady most of the time but sometimes the dry stretches can be long and bleak. So the pressure is on to generate $$$.
My choice? I feel the pressure to work, that's for sure but today and most days I opted for the splash pad with my son Nathan. I know I'll never have these years again with him. I'm guilty of thoughts of "oh man I wish I could get some more done on that canvas I started this morning..." but it's quickly tempered by the obvious little 7 year old playing there and asking me to join him.
In the end I never regret the time I spend with my kids. Paintings can always be finished later and somehow through it all God manages to provide for this family of mine.
Now. if I could just get a few minutes in on that painting I started earlier today! lol.
RM
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