The Real, Messy Version
Some days, I feel like I’m doing two full-time jobs at once.
Other days, I feel like I’m failing at both.
Trying to build a business while raising a toddler isn’t the “work from home dream” people make it out to be. It’s unpredictable, exhausting, and honestly… kind of chaotic.
But it’s also something I’m not willing to give up on.
This Isn’t the Instagram Version of Motherhood
You don’t see:
- the constant interruptions
- the unfinished tasks
- the days where nothing goes as planned
You don’t see the moments where you sit down to work… and within five minutes, someone needs you again.
And again.
And again.
That’s the reality of trying to build something while raising a small child.
Trying to Build a Business in the In-Between Moments
There’s no perfect schedule.
There’s:
- working during naps
- answering messages while making lunch
- thinking about ideas while doing everything else
Sometimes I get a full hour to focus.
Sometimes I get ten minutes.
And I’ve had to learn to use whatever time I get—without waiting for ideal conditions.
The Mental Load Is Heavy
It’s not just about time—it’s about mental energy.
You’re constantly switching between:
- mom mode
- work mode
- survival mode
And none of those come with a pause button.
There’s always something that needs your attention.
What This Season Actually Looks Like
It looks like:
- starting and stopping projects
- feeling behind
- questioning if you’re doing enough
If you’ve ever felt like you’re not moving fast enough, you’re not alone.
I’ve felt that too.
What’s Helping Me Right Now
Not perfectly. Not consistently. But enough to keep going.
1. Letting Go of “Perfect Timing”
There is no perfect time to build a business with a toddler.
Waiting for things to calm down?
That moment doesn’t really come.
2. Doing Small, Consistent Work
Instead of trying to do everything, I focus on:
- one blog post
- one listing
- one small task
Progress, even small, still counts.
3. Accepting That Some Days Will Be Unproductive
There are days where nothing gets done.
Not because I’m lazy—but because I’m needed somewhere else.
And that’s okay.
4. Redefining What “Success” Looks Like Right Now
Success right now isn’t:
- going viral
- making thousands overnight
It’s:
- showing up
- staying consistent
- not quitting
If You’re Navigating This Too
If this season feels familiar, you might also relate to:
- The Brutal Truth About Planning an $8,000 Wedding as a Mom
- Why I Rebranded My Blog (And What I’m Building Instead)
(This phase of life touches everything.)
Final Thoughts
Trying to build a business while raising a toddler is messy.
It’s slow.
It’s inconsistent.
It doesn’t look impressive from the outside.
But it’s real.
And if you’re in this season too—trying to create something for yourself while showing up for your child—you’re doing more than you think.
You’re building something.
Even on the days it doesn’t feel like it.
— Mika
