As a mom with limited time working from home, but still dedicated and passionate about a literature-rich, academically-rigorous, and successful homeschool environment, it has been extremely important to find the systems, organization, curriculum, and daily rhythms to foster as much independence as possible in my mid-to-upper elementary boys.

I think working and providing an excellent homeschool is entirely possible, but it is not easy. In fact, it is and should be difficult. It is akin to working two jobs. And while some people may say it is not possible to provide a high quality education and a high quality work life, I stand firm in that it can be done and done well if you use as many tools and systems you can, foster independence, choose the right curriculum, and have support.

I want to share the following caveats that help make it possible for me to both work and homeschool:

• I work remotely from home

• While work for an outside employer (not myself), I have some flexibility in my schedule, which is more task-oriented than customer-facing.

• I have been in my role for several years, so I am comfortable in my work and tasks

• My students are past the learning to read and lower elementary stages

• I have a support system in my husband who can be flexible with his work when needed, and in an excellent homeschooling community and co-op with many drop-off learning opportunities.