Looking ahead to the new decade

AS a self employed working Mum, I find the need for organisation in my life to be of paramount importance. This is especially crucial for me as I own Musical Minis and have to support and guide all my franchisees as well as running both the business and my family. I'm similar to many working Mums in wishing to spend quality time with my family over the Christmas break. This year being the end of the decade, it seems even more significant to sort everything out for work prior to Christmas to be able to spend guilt free time away from work.

Here are my 5 steps to creating a work free seasonal break.

1. Give yourself a cut off date when you will stop work. This is easy if you're employed but not if you're self employed. Whatever date you pick stick to it - whatever you can't do will still be waiting for you after the holidays.

2. Clear up all the outstanding paperwork. This includes sorting out invoices, orders, emails, telephone calls.

3. Make sure all databases and lists are up to date. If you've got action points that need following up but don't have time to do them that's fine - at least with up to date lists you'll know where you are in January.

4. Tidy up your work space. Put everything in the right place so when you start work again you can start with everything clear and calm.

5. If you are closed over the Christmas Break, make sure you let people know. In my case, I need to ensure that my franchisees are aware that I won't be taking their calls or responding to their emails. If you have an answer machine make sure the message is changed to advise callers that you are closed and the same applies to using your "Out of Office" on your emails.

I hope all working Mums manage to have a well deserved break this Christmas and enjoy time spent with their family. By January we will all be refreshed and ready to start off the new decade in a positive way. Well that's the theory anyway!

Photo by Flickr VanZandt