One of the reasons is that I started up a mini company / initiative / thing called IT Confidence. My Dad got an iPhone and I was helping him make the most of it, when he suggested that was something I could help others with, and potentially charge for. And not just iPhones, but laptops, iPads, kindles, all manner of devices. It made sense, so I decided to go ahead and have had quite a few clients since then. They have had me install and teach Skype, or look at using RTE Player, help them be secure on Facebook, or just be more confident in using their technology. It has been very enjoyable for the most part and I hope it will grow.
It is almost exactly a year since I finished up my old job as an Admin/PA. Although I really enjoyed the work, I can honestly say that I really haven't missed the job at all. The relief of not having to be an employee and a mother and a house wife all in the same day! The difference in being able to plan out my own week without having to jump through childcare hoops as meetings occurred outside my normal working hours!
An article I read at the weekend was commenting that this generation of young women knows too much about being a working Mum. Previous generations of women were breaking new ground and went for it, discovering the issues along the way. Then the whole concept of 'having it all' began to be thrashed out, written about and debated. The writer of this piece quoted recent films like What To Expect When Your Expecting and Friends With Kids, both of which I happen to have seen recently. She reckons that the whole issue is so over discussed, over analysed and over filmed that women her age are now often convinced that they can't have it all and in many cases delay having kids or decide not to instead of attempting to juggle career and kids, as the myth that they can be a successful career woman and a good mother has been thoroughly debunked.
Despite racking my brains as I finished work, there didn't seem to be an obvious next job for me, in which I could be at the school gates at the right time, without breaking the speed limit on the N11 every day. One in which I could have some responsibility, but not too much, so that I could just leave work at work and be with the kids 100% when at home. And one in which I could design my own schedule and be in charge of my own time. The reason there wasn't an obvious next job should be apparent...
Until my Dad said what he did - what a genius! It ticked all the boxes and I have enjoyed the challenge of teaching people to make the most of their technology. It has been incredibly varied and interesting; different devices, different abilities, just different people! I can honestly say that I never expected to start my own 'company'. I use the speech marks, as it seems kind of small to give it that title. But it is officially registered with the correct authorities as such, so I guess it truly is.
It's a great solution for a Mum of young kids - I feel like I am able to contribute a bit to the finances of Keene Inc and I am also able to exercise my brain with something other than cleaning or the kids. But, this is all on my own schedule, and that's the key for working Mums, combining everything is tricky. Media stories like the recent scare over the quality of care in Ireland's creches really don't help, as they only add to the stress and guilt of the whole scenario.
I am not expecting IT confidence to make me a millionaire... although I think Andrew is hoping to retire soon on that basis. It is just great to have something that can fit into family life without fuss or drama and I don't take for granted what a rare and amazing opportunity this is.
IT Confidence is therefore to blame a bit for the lack of blogging! But I will make an effort to be a better blogger from now on...
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