Yesterday, I found a case of CDs in my car that I had not listened to for a long time. As I flipped through it, I saw a couple of CDs that I had not listened to since I was in law school, about seven years ago. Since we had a little bit of a drive ahead of us to go to the grocery store, I put one into the CD player just for old times’ sake. By now, I am certain that you are thinking “What does this have to do with home – based business?”.
As the CD played, I was transported back to the winters of my second and third years of law school. Those were the years when I bought season passes to Killington, because I lived only about forty five minutes from the mountain and my class schedule was such that I could go snowboarding before attending afternoon classes at least a couple of times each week. I would get up early in the morning, pack a lunch, and head for the slopes. After a few hours of playing in the snow I would go to my law school classes, still dressed in my snow pants and thermals. It was awesome.
While I listened to the music that reminded me of those good times, I was inspired by the thought that the path that I have chosen with my career is still compatible with that lifestyle. Okay, so it won’t exactly be compatible with it for a few years because I am at home with my son and we have another baby on the way. Once both children are school age, even if we decide to home school them, I can redesign my winter work schedule to accommodate my favorite outdoor activity. In fact, depending upon their school or home school schedule, we can make snowboarding a family affair if they try it and they like it.
Working from home offers adults the freedom to build lives that are fulfilling in many ways. From the deep satisfaction of staying home to raise children and the sense of pride that comes with achieving career goals on our own terms to the delight in finding ways to incorporate other interests and passions into our schedules the potential for joy is immense. Every time I hear that music that I used to play in the car on the way to the mountain, I feel joyful, free, and grateful for the path that I have chosen.
Photo by lightbox on morguefile.com.