A Behind the Scenes View Into My Week As a Side Hustling Single Mama
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Hey everyone! Welcome back to the blog. Today, I'm excited to give you a behind-the-scenes look into my life as a side hustling single mama. You’ve heard me talk about my systems and schedules, but this time, I’m diving deeper into what my days actually look like. Spoiler alert: it’s busy, but it works!
Weekday Routine for a Side Hustling Single Mama
Mornings:
My day usually starts with my son, Shainen, waking me up. We brush our teeth, and I get him ready for daycare. Breakfast is typically something quick and easy—think yogurt, fruit, and a granola bar. Once he’s off to daycare, my workday begins.
Work Hours:
I work a traditional 9-5 job, but I’ve managed to carve out specific times throughout the day for my side hustle. During lunch breaks, I often squeeze in tasks like checking emails, working on content, or planning upcoming projects.
Evenings:
After picking up Shainen, we have dinner together. This is our family time. Post-dinner, I have a dedicated hour for my business. This might involve client calls, creating content, or tackling any pressing tasks.
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Weekend Routine: Balancing Busy and Rest as a Single Mom
Saturday Resets
I try to keep a little bit of structure, but weekends are different. Saturdays are for all the busy stuff—errands, house resets, and preparation for the week ahead.
- Morning: Shainen usually wakes me up, and we start the day by brushing our teeth. I make a big breakfast on Saturdays—pancakes, waffles, French toast, eggs, bacon, fruit, you name it.
- Reset Time: I prefer doing Saturday resets instead of Sunday. I tackle all the laundry, cleaning, and any planning needed for the upcoming week. This includes checking Shainen’s school activities and any major tasks for my job.
- Errands: After our reset, we get dressed and run errands. Grocery pickup, Target runs, buying gifts for birthday parties—whatever needs to be done. Sometimes, I squeeze in some “me time” like getting my nails or hair done, often arranging childcare if necessary.
- Afternoon Flex Time: After errands, it’s nap time for both of us. Post-nap, the afternoon is flexible. It might involve finishing up tasks, having a mom’s night out, or just chilling at home. Pre-heatwave, we might visit the park or go for a walk. Now, it’s more about indoor activities or hitting the splash pad.
- Evening Chill: I’m more flexible with Shainen’s iPad time on Saturdays. We chill until the end of the day, keeping it relaxed.
Sundays: Rest and Rejuvenate
Sundays are for rest.
- Morning: We wake up, brush our teeth, and have breakfast. Before moving, we had a routine of going to church every Sunday. I’m working on finding a new church and getting back into that habit by the end of summer.
- Post-Church Activity: Once home, it’s “Shainen time”—puzzles, movies, blocks, whatever he wants.
- Afternoon: Another nap time. Post-nap, the afternoon is either more Shainen time or a social outing for me, like Sunday Funday with friends. It varies based on the month and what’s going on.
Balancing Act: Adjusting and Planning as a Single Mom
Balancing everything is hard. I recently decided to reduce my hours at my full-time job slightly, allowing me two days a month to focus solely on my business. These days will be a mix of work and self-care—think business tasks and maybe a quick nail or hair appointment.
I also try to plan for weekday activities in advance, ensuring consistency in Shainen’s schedule. Whether it’s a work event, school activity, or social outing, planning ahead helps keep things manageable.
Giving Myself Grace
Life is unpredictable, and things don’t always go as planned. Trips, vacations, or unexpected events can throw off our schedule. I’ve learned to give myself grace and flexibility. Sometimes, it’s okay to shift things around or take a break.
Despite having a schedule, mom guilt is real. Our days are packed, and finding dedicated time for Shainen is challenging. I try to involve him in daily tasks, teaching him little responsibilities along the way.
The Importance of Planning for Single Moms
Planning is key. If you’re curious about how I plan my calendar, check out episode one of my podcast where I break it down. Everything I’ve talked about is mapped out in my calendar, ensuring I stay organized and on track.
I hope you enjoyed this behind-the-scenes look into my week. Remember, it’s all about finding a balance that works for you and giving yourself grace along the way.
That wraps up today’s blog post. See you next time!
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Hi, I'm Leah- THE Systems Strategist for side hustlers! I love helping side-hustling moms like you organize and automate every aspect of your busy life. Whether it’s keeping your household running smoothly, streamlining your side hustle, or finding that sweet spot where both meet, I’m here to show you that you really can have it all—with a little help from the right systems.
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