Down time is very important in our family. Sometimes, I will pull out the picnic rug and set it up in the backyard to have lunch outside with the children and we will just sit, eat and talk – we all really enjoy it. I treat my work space as an office and close the door at the end of the day.
The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
When I started out, the first obstacle I had was imposter syndrome. I learnt to put the feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy aside and put myself forward, such as sharing my story, because I knew it was an important story to tell. The other big challenge I had was time. I am a mother to two young children and they are my priority. Sometimes I have to say no to opportunities, but I have to keep reminding myself that the work will still be there tomorrow and my children are only little once.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
There are definitely some big pros to running my own business such as saving time on a commute – I run my business from my home. I love that I don’t have to sit in traffic. The other perk is saving money on my wardrobe as I usually work in my sweats (unless I have to attend a meeting). I also enjoy taking my time setting up for the work day.
I have learnt so many new skills as a business owner in terms of running the business, finances etc.
In terms of cons, I find distraction is a big one. I have the laundry next to me and have to turn a blind eye to household chores, including the family dog looking at me with his big eyes, wanting to be walked.
Loneliness is another factor – I miss feeling part of a team, talking to people and bouncing ideas off one another. To counteract that, I really invest in attending networking events.
The other issue is struggling to make time for breaks.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
I would like to set up peer support groups all over Australia and have every household drinking my tea!
To find out more, head to the Smiling after PND website and join Josie’s supportive Facebook and Instagram communities.
