Later today, I’ll be speaking at the Craftcation 2015 conference in Ventura, CA.
My first session is a panel discussion on juggling work and kids. I am really looking forward to this discussion with my fellow panelists, Kim Werker, Elise Blaha Cripe, Christine Street and Abby Glassenberg. These ladies are all powerhouses, and I can’t wait to hear how they do it all, while I share my experience from the freelance/work-during-naps perspective. One of the things I will be referencing, I’m sure, is the 2012 Commencement speech that Neil Gaiman gave the graduating class at the University of the Arts. If you haven’t ever watched this video. I highly recommend it.
“People keep working, in a freelance world, and more and more of today’s world is freelance, because their work is good, and because they are easy to get along with, and because they deliver the work on time. And you don’t even need all three. Two out of three is fine. People will tolerate how unpleasant you are if your work is good and you deliver it on time. They’ll forgive the lateness of the work if it’s good, and if they like you. And you don’t have to be as good as the others if you’re on time and it’s always a pleasure to hear from you.” -Neil Gaiman
Balancing work with motherhood (which is also work!) can be mighty challenging at times. I am thankful for all of my freelance clients, and hope that I bring them 3/3 often enough- but know that I have probably shown up to the party more than a few times within the last two years (wow, is Lars REALLY almost two?!) with 2/3. Thank you again to all of my clients!! <3
My only other tips are:
– Be your best self with your children and clients
– Improve your ninja walk (if you work during naps)
– Remove your doorbell (if you work during naps)
– Know yourself, and when to ask for help
– Do something for yourself every week
My second session at Craftcation is the DIY light box class I’ve taught for the last 3 or 4 years at Craftcation! I love this class, and if you wanted to take it, but couldn’t get in, the steps to make your own are right here.
Thank you for sharing the speech by Neil Gaiman. It was really inspiring and what I needed to hear right now. We missed getting to see you at Craftcation this year (schedules never crossed) but so glad you were there. We, once again, were amazed by the support and knowledge we received there. What a great conference.