Working and Homeschooling: Should You Work from Home or Outside?
When I first started juggling working and homeschooling, I assumed working from home would be the answer to all my time management struggles. After all, no one I knew at the time seemed to be working and homeschooling while working full-time out of the home.
I imagined if I worked from home I would have all kinds of extra time with my kids, a perfectly managed home, and flexible work hours that fit seamlessly into my day. (Obviously in my PJ’s, sitting on the sofa, eating Bon-Bons, right?)
So when I started working at home and homeschooling it was a REALITY CHECK (yes all caps!) It wasn’t easier. It was just different.
The Myth of “Easier”
So many moms believe that working and homeschooling is simpler when you work from home. And for some, it is! But for me, it brought a whole new set of challenges.
Please note this is my personal experience of working and homeschooling, you may have a completely different experience.
When I worked outside the home, my schedule was clear-cut. I dropped the kids at childcare, went to work, focused on my job, and when I came home, I was home. Work stayed at work.
Even though I had to figure out homeschooling in the evenings and on weekends, I knew when I was in “work mode” and when I was in “mom mode.”
Then I transitioned to working from home, thinking I’d have more bandwidth for my kids. The truth? Work was always there.
Of course, my working and homeschooling experience is me starting my own business with no prior knowledge. I ended up learning how to juggle all the things of running your own business while homeschooling. I definitely needed to learn social media strategies for Instagram, Facebook, and more!
While working and homeschooling I again, faced burnout. At 8 PM, I was still answering emails. Midday, my neighbor would drop in because “I was home.” The kids needed something every five minutes, and the laundry pile loomed in my peripheral vision like a guilt monster.
I had traded a structured work schedule for one that blended everything together—and not in a smooth way.
The Challenges of Working from Home
While working from home gives you flexibility, it also comes with a unique set of struggles:
- Blurred Work-Life Boundaries: Work is always there, making it hard to ‘clock out.’ It’s easy to find yourself answering emails at 8 PM or squeezing in “just one more task” instead of winding down.
- Constant Interruptions: Kids need you, neighbors drop by because “you’re home,” and household chores loom over you, making it hard to focus.
- Guilt and Overwhelm: You might feel torn between work, homeschooling, and housework—like you’re never doing enough in any area. Enter working mom guilt.
- Lack of Structure: Without a clear work schedule, tasks can bleed into all hours of the day, making it harder to separate work time from family time.
One of the biggest game-changers for me was setting up designated work hours and sticking to them. I also created a dedicated workspace, even if it was just a corner of the kitchen, so my brain knew when it was time to focus.
Most importantly, I had to teach my family (and myself!) that just because I’m home doesn’t mean I’m available 24/7.
The Real Challenge: Boundaries
One of the biggest hurdles in working and homeschooling from home is setting boundaries—not just for yourself, but for everyone around you.
The kids? They adapted quickly. They learned when I was in work mode and when I was available.
The adults? Not so much.
Friends assumed I was free for coffee dates at the drop of a hat. Family would drop in on announced during a much-needed homeschool time block which of course was wonderful but do you really think the kids wanted to settle back and homeschool after that visit? No. And I felt the pressure of all the household responsibilities staring at me while I tried to work.
Once I put boundaries in place—clear work hours, a “text before you show up” rule, and a firm “no” when needed—things got easier. Not easy, but manageable.
For example, I started using a visual signal for my kids—a sign and/or headphones. If I had my headphones on they knew not to interrupt. I also used a timer. It sounds silly, but it worked!
The Challenges of Working Outside the Home
Before you think I’m saying working outside the home is better, let me be clear—it had its own struggles.
- Unpredictable Schedules: I worked different shifts, meaning working and homeschooling had to fit around my job, not the other way around.
- Weekend Homeschooling: We had to get creative with lesson times, often using evenings and weekends for schoolwork.
- Household Management: My one day off turned into a massive “get everything done” day, which often led to exhaustion and burnout because I struggled to ask for help.
- Finding Independence for the Kids: I had to ensure my kids had learning activities they could do without me.
One of the best things I did was set up a simple homeschool checklist for my kids, that I created during my weekly planning session. They had a list of tasks they could complete independently, and when I got home, we would go over anything that needed extra help. It gave them structure and took the pressure off me.
It was hard. But working from home was also hard. Just in a different way.
If You’re Feeling Guilty, Read This
Moms often feel guilty, no matter which path they choose. If you work outside the home, you might worry about missing out on time with your kids. If you work from home, you might feel like you’re constantly pulled in all directions.
But here’s the truth: You are not failing your kids by working—inside or outside the home.
What matters most is creating a system that works for your family’s unique needs. Your kids don’t need perfection. They need a mom who’s doing her best, setting realistic expectations, and showing them that work and learning can coexist.
So Which One Is Right for You?
The answer? Neither is easier, but one may be better for your family’s unique situation. Here are some ways to make both work:
If You Work from Home:
- ✅ Set clear work hours and stick to them.
- ✅ Create a designated workspace, even if it’s just a corner of a room.
- ✅ Teach your kids when you are and aren’t available.
- ✅ Set boundaries with adults—friends, family, and neighbors.
- ✅ Use systems and routines to manage household tasks efficiently.
If You Work Outside the Home:
- ✅ Look for homeschool programs or activities your kids can do independently.
- ✅ Plan homeschool lessons on evenings or weekends.
- ✅ Create a cleaning routine and household chores on specific days and ask for help when needed.
- ✅ Make the most of your commute with audiobooks or planning time.
- ✅ Give yourself grace—some seasons will be messy, and that’s okay.
Your Next Step
If you’re still figuring out working and homeschooling, start by tracking how your days actually flow right now. Where do you feel the most time pressure? That’s where to start adjusting!
Need help structuring your homeschool routine? Check out my Trello Homeschool Planner—it helps you organize lessons, track progress, and keep everything in one place.
You don’t have to figure this all out alone! The Working Homeschool Mom Coffee Club is where we have real conversations like this all the time. Because at the end of the day, it’s about finding what works for you—not what everyone else thinks should work.
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Hi, I’m Jen. I help working moms juggle their career and homeschool their kids by providing support, systems and tools. You are warmly invited to Join the Online Community Here!
