When Netflix & Hot Chocolate Trump Business Calls
Christmas Break: When Netflix & Hot Chocolate Trump Business Calls
Let me share a little secret about how I manage my work-life situation (because “balance” isn’t really the right word, is it?). I have this rule that’s absolutely non-negotiable: If the kids are out of school, Michelle is out of the office! 😊
The School Calendar Rule
Here’s how it works – the moment that school calendar comes home (you know, the one with all the random days off that usually catch parents by surprise), I grab that baby and go straight to my business calendar. Every single school holiday gets blocked off immediately. No questions asked, no exceptions made.
And guess what? I tell potential clients about this rule right up front. It’s my litmus test for client compatibility. If they can’t handle this level of transparency and planning, we’re probably not a great fit – and that’s totally okay!
Currently Living the Dream
So right now? We’re in full Christmas break mode! Sure, I’ve carved out a few strategic hours here and there to wrap up 2024 and peek ahead at 2025. But let me tell you what’s really important…
If anyone wants to:
- Snuggle up with hot chocolate
- Binge watch cheesy Christmas movies
- Hang out by the fire
- Just exist in the same space together
I’m dropping work like a hot rock! Because here’s the truth – even though my “babies” are grown now, these moments are absolutely priceless.
Why This Works
This approach has taught me something powerful about success: It’s not about being available 24/7. It’s about:
- Setting clear expectations
- Planning ahead
- Being fully present where you are
- Making intentional choices
The Real ROI
The return on investment for this strategy?
- Quality time with my kids
- Zero guilt about taking time off
- Clients who respect boundaries
- Better focus when I am working
- Precious memories we’ll never forget
For the Business Owners Out There
If you’re struggling with setting boundaries, here’s my advice:
- Make your non-negotiables clear from the start
- Put them in writing (hello, school calendar!)
- Communicate them confidently
- Stand firm – the right clients will respect this
The Truth About Success
Success isn’t measured by how many hours you work during school breaks. It’s measured by:
- The memories you create
- The relationships you nurture
- The example you set
- The boundaries you maintain
This Weekend’s Agenda
So what’s happening this weekend? Maybe some business planning… but if someone suggests a Christmas movie marathon? Well, you’ll find me on the couch, hot chocolate in hand, soaking up every minute with my not-so-little-anymore ones. Because emails can wait, but these moments? They’re irreplaceable.
A Challenge for You
As we wrap up this year and head into 2025, I challenge you to think about your own non-negotiables. What boundaries do you need to set? What moments are you missing? What changes could you make to create more space for what truly matters?
The Bottom Line
Work will always be there. Deadlines will always exist. But these moments with our kids? They’re fleeting and precious. So if you need permission to close the laptop and cuddle up with your family, consider this your official sign!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I hear hot chocolate calling my name… 😉
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About the Author,
Michelle Bell
Hey there! I’m Michelle Bell, and I’m basically a professional chaos coordinator for entrepreneurs who are tired of choosing between crushing it at work and being there for family dinner. (Spoiler alert: You can totally have both!)
As the CEO of Virtual Work Wife, I’m all about capturing those brilliant ideas bouncing around in your head and turning them into actual cash flow – you know, the kind that lets you take random Wednesdays off to watch your kid’s dance recital without breaking into a cold sweat about work.
Here’s the thing: I’m a total rockstart when it comes to business automation (and proud of it!). I built this company because I was sick of seeing cookie-cutter solutions that work about as well as a chocolate teapot. At Virtual Work Wife we’re all about creating tailored strategies that actually sound like YOU, not some corporate robot who’s had too much coffee.
When I’m not geeking out over automations that’ll make your life easier, you can find me being a dance mom to two feral girls (send help! 💃), or serving as a human slave to our office pets – yeah, they’re totally the real bosses around here.
Want to know what makes us different? Three words: Work less. Make more. Do the things you love. (Okay, that’s technically seven words, but who’s counting?) Because at the end of the day, success isn’t just about crushing your business goals – it’s about being there for the moments that matter.