If you’re a parent with any kind of side hustle to become a creator or start a business while juggling a day job and parenting duties, let me break it to you:
You’re playing the game on hard mode.
Ever see all those single entrepreneurs on [insert social media platform] talking about how it only takes [insert popular platitude] to succeed as an online creator or business owner?
Seems frustrating that all these young, single guys and gals are making it look so effortless, no?
If they’re not a caregiver, and they have no debilitating health conditions, they’re playing on easy.
I’m wrapping up day two at a conference, living that single life again for a slice of time. On the day I flew in (registration day), I spent two hours writing, 90 minutes in the gym, and then ordered in Chipotle for dinner. For good measure, I also knocked out another hour on a new course I’m taking.
And that was only with 8 hours to work with, including a walk around the city and a long lunch watching Sunday afternoon football.
Today, I spent 9 hours in a workshop and still had time for an hour long workout, a 45 minute writing session this morning, Monday Night Football and this essay.
Imagine if I did that every day (or every other day) for 30 days, or 6 months. Of course I’d make crazy progress.
But that’s not parental reality, friends.
Reality is interrupted sleep, evening playtime and overextended efforts to get kids in baths and bed.
And it’s wonderful. Wouldn’t trade it for the world.
When it comes time to sit down and get some work done (either early morning or late at night) the quality of work and time available aren’t equal to someone only looking after themselves.
This isn’t an attack on single people or a parental rant. If you’re young and single reading this, remember: you’ve got time on your side, the most valuable asset in the world.
And if you’re a parent, beating yourself up for not working as hard or achieving the same things as someone in a different circumstance, don’t forget you’re on a different playing field.
The pieces are stacked against you. It’s going to take more effort, more discipline, more time, and more patience.