Have Cell Phone, Will Travel – Working Away From Your Home Office

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Like many people my age, I have aging parents who need a little help. Case in point, next week my mom is having knee replacement surgery.

If I have my cell phone, laptop and internet access I can work anywhereBoth she and dad were worrying about how they’d manage when she gets out of the hospital. At one point she was almost in a panic. “Don’t worry,” I said. “If you need it I’ll just move in until you’re on your feet.”

They worried about me taking so much time off work but I reassured them. If I have my cell phone, laptop and internet access I can work from a coffee shop. Literally.

I once landed a new client, networked with a former client and created a marketing plan all while having a coffee and donut at Tim Horton’s. Setting up shop at their place is a piece of cake.

Yes, I’m having to do a little bit of juggling. For the first week or so after she gets out of the hospital I’m not booking any appointments and I’ve warned clients I may not be able to get back to them as quickly as usual.

But otherwise, I expect to be able to get a fair amount of work done. And since they live seven blocks from my house, if I’ve forgotten anything I can always run back home easily.

Being able to care for my mother and still run my business has given be a great deal of peace of mind. I could make the offer without having to ask permission or take time off work.

If I were working for someone else it wouldn’t be as simple. This is just one of the many reasons I’m so glad I had the courage to go out on my own eight years ago.

How has running a business given you the flexibility to do the things you need to do in your personal life? Please leave a comment and share your thoughts.

Andrea J. Stenberg

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