When I first left the classroom, I was craving freedom.
No more back-to-back classes.
No more duty schedules.
No more bell dictating when I could eat or breathe or use the bathroom.
And I got it. The freedom. The space. The blank calendar.
But what I wasn’t expecting?
Was how hard it would be to figure out my new rhythm.
Because once you get your time back… you suddenly have to decide what to do with it.
And that can be overwhelming.
So if you’re feeling scattered, reactive, or a little too “go with the flow” in your freelance teaching life—this post is for you. I’m sharing exactly how I structure my week as a freelance music educator—so I can teach, rest, and live with clarity and peace.
You don’t have to figure this out by trial and error.
Let’s make your schedule work for you.
Step 1: Start With Your Season
Before you start plugging things into a planner, pause and ask:
- What matters most in this season of life?
- What do I want my days to feel like?
- What’s realistic for my energy and capacity right now?
For me, that meant building a week that gave me:
- Slow mornings
- Teaching blocks in the afternoon
- Protected time for rest, family, and personal projects
Your version might look totally different—and that’s the point.
Your schedule should reflect your values, not your pressure.
Step 2: Set Clear Teaching Hours (That Work for You)
One of the most common freelance mistakes I see?
Letting students fill any open time on your calendar.
At first, it feels flexible.
But eventually, it feels like chaos.
Here’s what I recommend:
- Group similar lessons or classes together
- Teach during your peak energy hours
- Build in a “buffer block” once a week for reschedules or overflow
I teach most of my lessons in the afternoon and classes in the morning, a couple days a week—so I have off mornings for prep or rest, and other days fully open for non-teaching tasks or margin.
Step 3: Give Admin + Planning Tasks Their Own Space
It’s easy to underestimate how much time it takes to run a teaching business.
Lesson prep.
Emails.
Parent communication.
Scheduling.
Invoicing.
Marketing or social media (if you do that).
Parent communication.
Scheduling.
Invoicing.
Marketing or social media (if you do that).
These things need time too.
So instead of letting them sneak in everywhere and steal your peace?
Give them a block of their own.
Maybe that’s:
- Admin Monday afternoons
- Email catch-up on Tuesday + Thursday mornings
- A batch prep session for social media every other Friday
You get to design it. But don’t ignore it.
Step 4: Schedule Personal Time Like It’s a Lesson
Listen, I know how tempting it is to “just squeeze one more student in.”
But here’s the thing:
You didn’t leave burnout… to recreate it with a prettier calendar.
So I block things like:
- Walks during the day
- A Sabbath-style rest on Sunday
- Weekly date nights
- Creative time that’s not “for work”
And I honor those blocks just like I would if they were a paid class.
Your peace is worth protecting.
Want Help Structuring Your Week?
Be sure to listen to Episode 6 of Out of the Music Room for the full breakdown.
When I first stumbled upon Martha Krejci's Home-Based Revolution (HBR) signature program, I had no idea how profoundly it would transform my life. As an overworked and stressed music teacher, I constantly felt torn between my passion for education and my desire to start a family. The physical and emotional toll of managing large classes, long hours, and the constant exposure to illnesses & unsafe behaviors of students in the school environment were taking their toll. I knew that staying in the profession would ultimately be unsafe for me and any future pregnancies I hoped to have.
Enter Martha Krejci and her revolutionary approach to building a successful home-based business. In the HBR program, she offered practical strategies and wisdom that helped me overcome my fears of leaving a stable career and embark on a new path that prioritized my health and future family plans. Martha's relatable style, infectious humor, and no-nonsense expertise on what she teaches made the transition from teacher to entrepreneur not only educational but thoroughly enjoyable. One of the most significant changes I experienced was the ability to create a business that truly works for my lifestyle and health needs. No longer did I have to worry about the physical strain of standing for hours or the mental toll of trying not to worry about unsafe student behaviors or parent encounters. The flexibility of a home-based business allowed me to envision a future where I could maintain my love for music education and thrive in serving the people I was made to help while also creating a safe, low-stress environment for myself and my future children.
The HBR program has provided me with so many tools which have proved to be invaluable in kickstarting my entrepreneurial journey and allowing this busy SAHM to keep things running and still get good sleep (I'm not staying up late hustling!). Martha's expert guidance helped me navigate the challenges of starting a business and implement strategies that have led to abundant success. From leveraging my music expertise in the online & homeschool space to creating multiple streams of income that help one another, the program covered all aspects of building a thriving online presence.
Perhaps the most impactful aspect of the HBR program was the sense of community Martha fosters. Through weekly Momentum Calls & 3 calls per week during the Live Run-Throughs of HBR, I found a supportive network of like-minded individuals, many of whom were also transitioning from traditional careers. This connection with others on the same journey provided motivation, inspiration, and a wealth of shared knowledge that proved invaluable as I built my business. The Home-Based Revolution isn't just about building a business; it's about reclaiming your health and preparing for the future you desire. It's about finding that elusive attempt at work-life balance and creating a career that aligns with your values and priorities. Thanks to Martha Krejci's program, I've been able to escape the physical and emotional stress of teaching while laying the groundwork for a flexible, family-friendly career. Moreover, the skills I've learned through HBR have given me confidence in my ability to adapt to life's changes. As I grow my now-family of 3, I know that my home-based business will allow me to maintain healthy pregnancies and be present for all the important moments while still contributing financially to our household.
If you're a teacher or any professional feeling the strain of an demanding career that conflicts with your health and family planning goals (or really just looking to supplement and not stress by expanding your options in this economy), I cannot recommend the HBR program enough. It has truly changed my life, allowing me to build a thriving business without sacrificing my well-being or personal aspirations. Martha Krejci's Home-Based Revolution has empowered me to take control of my career, my health, and ultimately, my future happiness. Join the revolution – your future self will thank you. With the Home-Based Revolution, you'll gain the tools, knowledge, and support needed to create a life that's both professionally fulfilling and personally rewarding. Don't wait any longer to start building the life you've always dreamed of – Martha Krejci's HBR program could be the game-changer you've been looking for, just as it was for me! Feel free to message me and ask me any questions about it, too. I'm a pretty open book!
In our digital age, the promise of work-from-home opportunities has become a beacon of hope for many, especially busy moms juggling the demands of family and needing to help provide. The allure is undeniable: flexible hours, no commute, and the chance to be more present for your children. However, despite the potential benefits, many work-from-home opportunities fall flat for busy moms. The last one is the most important, but let’s explore some of the reasons why this happens and how we might navigate these challenges.
The Myth of Flexibility
One of the main attractions of work-from-home jobs is the promise of flexibility. The idea is that you can work whenever it suits you, fitting tasks around your family’s schedule. However, the reality is often starkly different. Many remote jobs require set hours or availability during typical business hours, which can be difficult to manage with school runs, meal preparations, and other household responsibilities. Even roles that claim to offer flexibility might still have deadlines and expectations that clash with the unpredictable nature of family life. And let's face it, if the job is flexible but we lack discipline, we may neglect it and struggle to get the job done or business off the ground.
The Struggle for Focus
Working from home requires a significant amount of self-discipline and the ability to focus amidst distractions. For busy moms, finding a quiet, uninterrupted space can be nearly impossible. Children may need attention at any moment, household chores are constant, and the boundaries between work and home life blur. This can lead to fragmented work periods, decreased productivity, and a sense of never fully accomplishing either work or parenting duties.
The Lack of Professional Support
In a traditional office setting, employees have access to various forms of support: from IT help desks to administrative assistance, and the camaraderie of colleagues. Working from home can be isolating, leaving busy moms without immediate access to professional help or peer support. This isolation can hinder professional development and make problem-solving more time-consuming and stressful. (I have found an amazing solution to this lack of support -- Home Based Revolution course has been a game changer for me in finding both professional support in my business as well as community to bounce ideas off of.)
The Unseen Emotional Labor
Managing a household is a full-time job in itself. The mental load of keeping track of schedules, groceries, appointments, and the myriad of other responsibilities can be overwhelming. Adding a remote job into the mix often means that busy moms are working two full-time jobs simultaneously. This can lead to burnout, where neither the job nor the home life receives the full attention and energy it deserves.
The Technology Trap
While technology enables remote work, it also introduces a new set of challenges. Reliable internet, functioning hardware, and familiarity with various software tools are prerequisites that are often taken for granted. Busy moms may find themselves troubleshooting technical issues more often than they would like, which can add to their stress and reduce the time available for actual work.
The Solution: Finding Balance
Despite these challenges, it is possible for work-from-home opportunities to succeed for busy moms. Here are a few strategies to help navigate the complexities:
1. Set Clear Boundaries: Designate specific work hours for the week and communicate them to your family. Use this time exclusively for professional tasks and avoid household chores during these periods.
2. Create a Dedicated Workspace: Establish a specific area for work to help create a physical and mental boundary between job and home responsibilities. If this is a challenge, even putting up a specific sign on the table while you are working or a specific folder for tasks next to your computer can remind you and others in your home that it is now mom's work time.
3. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Whether it's hiring a babysitter for a few hours a day or seeking flexible arrangements with employers, support is crucial.
4. Prioritize Self-Care: Regularly take time for yourself to recharge. Self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity to prevent burnout and maintain productivity.
5. Leverage Technology: Use tools and apps designed to improve productivity and organization. Calendar apps, task managers, and project management tools can help streamline work processes and manage time more effectively.
The Most Important Factor: Mindset Shift
While all the above strategies are essential, the most important factor is a mindset shift. Busy moms need to adopt a mindset that empowers them to take control of their time and boundaries and trajectory in life. This is where concepts from Big Think come into play, encouraging moms to think expansively about their capabilities and potential and goals.
Adopting a growth mindset and putting it to use practically can lead to breakthroughs. This involves seeing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles, and understanding that seeking help or taking time for personal development is not a sign of weakness, but of strength and wisdom.
By reimagining their roles and embracing a mindset that prioritizes both personal and professional growth, busy moms can create a fulfilling and balanced work-from-home experience. This mental shift is the key to transforming the way they approach both work and family life, leading to greater satisfaction and success in both areas.
Finding equilibrium between pursuing a career in music freelance teaching and fulfilling family obligations can feel like walking a tightrope. Both aspects of life demand time, attention, and dedication. However, with the right strategies in place, it's possible to strike a harmonious balance and thrive in both domains. In this post, we'll explore some effective strategies for managing your time effectively between music freelance teaching and family responsibilities.
- Establish Clear Boundaries: One of the first steps in managing your time effectively is to establish clear boundaries between your work and family life. Set designated work hours for your music teaching and office hours, and communicate these hours to your students and family members. Similarly, carve out dedicated family time where work-related distractions are minimized. By delineating boundaries, you create space for both professional and personal commitments without letting them overlap excessively.
- Prioritize Tasks: Prioritization is key when balancing multiple responsibilities. Identify the most important tasks for both your music freelance teaching and family responsibilities, and tackle them accordingly. Time block to get those one-time or weekly tasks done. Consider using productivity techniques such as Eisenhower's Urgent/Important Principle to manage your time efficiently. By focusing on high-priority tasks first, you can make significant progress in both areas of your life without feeling overwhelmed.
- Embrace Flexibility: Flexibility is essential when navigating the unpredictable nature of freelance work and family life. Recognize that plans may need to be adjusted at times, and be willing to adapt accordingly. Utilize tools such as scheduling apps or digital calendars to keep track of appointments, deadlines, and family events. Additionally, communicate openly with both your students and family members about any changes or adjustments to your schedule. By embracing flexibility, you can navigate unforeseen challenges with greater ease and minimize stress.
- Delegate and Outsource: Don't hesitate to delegate tasks or outsource certain responsibilities to others when necessary. Whether it's hiring a virtual assistant to handle administrative tasks related to your teaching business or enlisting family members to help with household chores, delegating can free up valuable time and mental energy. Remember that you don't have to do everything yourself, and seeking support from others can lighten your workload and reduce feelings of overwhelm.
- Practice Self-Care: Amidst the hustle and bustle of balancing work and family life, don't forget to prioritize self-care. Carve out time for activities that recharge you mentally, physically, and emotionally. Whether it's taking a walk, practicing mindfulness, or indulging in a hobby, self-care is essential for maintaining balance and preventing burnout. Remember that by taking care of yourself, you'll be better equipped to fulfill your commitments to both your music freelance teaching and your family.
Balancing music freelance teaching with family responsibilities requires careful planning, flexibility, and self-discipline. By establishing clear boundaries, prioritizing tasks, embracing flexibility, delegating when necessary, and prioritizing self-care, you can effectively manage your time and thrive in both areas of your life. Remember that achieving balance is an ongoing process, and it's okay to seek support from others when needed. With dedication and the right strategies in place, you can create a fulfilling and harmonious life that integrates your passion for music with your commitment to family.
In the whirlwind of multitasking, deadlines, and juggling household responsibilities, work-from-home moms (like me!) often find themselves grappling with a phenomenon called "time blindness." This elusive concept can disrupt productivity, impact relationships, and contribute to stress levels. Understanding what time blindness is and how to manage it can make a significant difference in the lives of busy moms striving to balance work and family life.
What is Time Blindness? Time blindness refers to a cognitive condition where individuals struggle with estimating and managing time effectively. It's not a lack of understanding of time itself but rather an inability to accurately gauge the passage of time and allocate it efficiently. For work-from-home moms, this can manifest in various ways:
- Difficulty in Time Perception: Work-from-home moms may find themselves losing track of time while engrossed in tasks, leading to underestimation or overestimation of how long activities take (I struggle with thinking things will take less time than they do and not breaking projects down into small enough manageable tasks!).
- Procrastination and Pacing: Tasks may be delayed or rushed due to an inability to gauge how much time is available, resulting in last-minute scrambles to meet deadlines.
- Time Fragmentation: Interruptions from family responsibilities, household chores, and work obligations can fragment the day, making it challenging to maintain focus and productivity.
- Neglecting Self-Care: Time blindness can also impact self-care routines, as moms may struggle to find time for exercise, relaxation, or hobbies amidst their busy schedules.
Managing Time Blindness:
- Create a Structured Schedule: Establishing a daily routine with set work hours, dedicated breaks, and time blocks for household tasks can provide a sense of structure and help combat time blindness. Time blocking has really helped me here!
- Use Time Management Tools: Utilize calendars, planners, or digital apps to schedule tasks, set reminders, and track progress. Time-tracking apps can also help in gaining awareness of how time is spent throughout the day. I utilize my Google Calendar to keep me on track throughout the day and to keep my week organized as each week looks different with my variety of work tasks!
- Prioritize Tasks: Identify the most important tasks for each day and allocate time accordingly. Break larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks to prevent overwhelm and facilitate better time estimation.
- Set Boundaries: Communicate boundaries with family members, colleagues, and clients regarding work hours and availability. Establishing designated workspaces can also signal to others when you are engaged in work.
- Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises to improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance time awareness. I learned some great ways to keep my mind on track to reach my goals from Big Think!
- Delegate and Outsource: Recognize when tasks can be delegated to others or outsourced to free up time for more critical priorities.
- Regular Breaks: Incorporate regular breaks into the schedule to rest and recharge, preventing burnout and maintaining productivity levels.
- Know Yourself and Work With Your Strengths: If you know you are most productive on brain-heavy work before noon, schedule to do those more creative and challenging tasks then and save the more light or mundane tasks for later in the day when your brain is tired and less productive. Same goes for if you're a night owl -- do your less brain-heavy tasks earlier in the day and plan your work time in the evening for when your brain is most alert and productive. You will finish tasks so much more efficiently if you can schedule then when you are most productive.
Time blindness can present significant challenges for anyone, but especially work-from-home moms who often have less distraction-free time to work and more schedule moving pieces to juggle than your average person. With awareness and effective strategies, it can be managed successfully. By implementing structured routines, utilizing time management tools, and prioritizing tasks, moms can reclaim control over their time and achieve a better balance between work and family life. Remember, managing time blindness is a journey, and small, consistent efforts can lead to significant improvements in productivity, well-being, and overall satisfaction. Give yourself grace as you learn new skills and celebrate the victories!
