The world has changed dramatically since the Coronavirus entered our vocabulary over the last few months. Literally overnight, our personal and professional lives have turned upside down. Work is becoming remote. Kids will be home and working remotely. But don’t panic, I am here to tell you that it can work.

Over 17 years ago, I left the corporate world to work remotely after my first child. It was unheard of at the time. I was lucky enough to work for a pharmaceutical company that was open to my proposal of doing their creative marketing work at home. They took the chance and became my first client. Since then, I have had many clients. I would have not imagined myself still working remotely.

The hard times – To say that it is easy, would be a lie. I started out my business with an 8-month-old who was already crawling and close to walking. Work was limited to the early mornings, nap times, late nights, and weekends. I had another child within three years so it became even harder. You have to be disciplined. You have to set limits and can not be distracted by everything in the house. Chores have to wait. My house is no cleaner today then it was when I worked in an office all day. That’s okay because that’s what remote work is.

And just when I was ready to maybe go back to work full-time, here came my third child. Blessed and surprised, I wanted to do the same for him as I did for the other two. Many times, freelancing means the paychecks are not often and sometimes far in between. I am thankful for the steady financial help of my husband’s career. Hopefully, you will receive a full-time remote paycheck which will make things easier.

The best times – remote work allows you to use your brain, your skills and gives you freedom for yourself and/or your family. I have never regretted the hours that I’ve gotten to spend when they weren’t in school. I had a child(ren) at home for 13 out of the last 17 years. I made it and I am still sane (mostly). To be there for almost all their games, field trips, and just moments when they were little are so worth it. All of those times have been so meaningful. It certainly overrides the hardships and paychecks missed.

So if you find yourself suddenly working from home, give it a real chance. It is not for everyone but you can adapt. For those who have always wished for it, now is your chance to shine. Now is the opportunity to see that it is not so easy if it is done right! If I can do it for so long, you can too! And who knows, you might just love it. I do believe that remote work will become the new norm for most. Feel free to ask me questions, if you need advice. Here are some helpful tips from AppSumo to get you and your business set up.