Courtesy of Janelle Jones
- Janelle Jones is a marketing expert and operates a children’s event business.
- She educates her children, aged 5 and 9, at home.
- Her definition of success has shifted from financial gain to personal flexibility.
This narrative is based on a discussion with Janelle Jones, the creator of 4Kiddos. It has been condensed and edited for clarity.
I’ve always envisioned homeschooling my kids. I prepared for it even before they were born. I owned a rental property listed on Airbnb, which provided the flexibility to focus on their education.
However, my plans changed when my condo association altered its short-term rental policies. I continued my role as a marketing consultant while homeschooling. Earlier this year, I launched a business centered on children’s events.
Balancing motherhood, two businesses, and homeschooling is challenging. The expense that worries me most isn’t groceries or the mortgage-it’s childcare. Like many female entrepreneurs, I constantly evaluate the cost of professional opportunities against the time needed for childcare.
My Day Spans Morning to Night
My typical day starts at 6 a.m. with work until 8 a.m. This is when I handle emails, organize my to-do lists, and prepare mentally for my roles as educator, entrepreneur, and parent.
Afterward, I wake my daughter (my son is an early riser) and transition into my roles as mom and teacher. Our mornings are dedicated to homeschooling tasks. By mid-morning, we often embark on nature walks or educational trips.
Courtesy of Janelle Jones
Post-lunch, the kids have downtime in their rooms. My son enjoys writing, while my daughter loves dancing. During this period, I schedule client calls and meetings in my home office, making it clear to the kids that I need uninterrupted work time.
Once the kids are asleep, I work again from 7 to 10 p.m., focusing on intensive tasks like writing, planning, and strategizing to keep my business thriving.
Childcare Budgeting and Challenges
This routine works, but it’s demanding. If a client call arises unexpectedly, I might resort to letting the kids watch TV. I often consider hiring a babysitter to increase my productivity.
However, finding suitable childcare isn’t straightforward. My son is bright and inquisitive, which can be challenging for sitters. Even if I could afford it, finding the right person isn’t easy.
I allocate $150 weekly for a few hours of childcare, using a trusted sitter or an on-call service. When my work requires in-person client meetings, I rely on external help. I also utilize local camps during school breaks for focused work periods.
Turning Down Work Due to Childcare
Sometimes, I decline work to avoid overloading myself, even if it’s lucrative. I’m currently reducing my involvement with a particular client because the demands outweigh the benefits.
Courtesy of Janelle Jones
My emotional connection to a client often influences my decision. If I enjoy the collaboration and see potential growth, I’m more inclined to invest in childcare. Otherwise, I’m not afraid to let go of the client.
The Joy of Travel Justifies the Effort
For me, entrepreneurship is about more than financial gain-it’s about freedom. While money can provide freedom, so can time.
My ultimate goal is to travel the world with my children. Both my business and their education are portable. Two years ago, we spent a month in India, and we’ve also explored Europe and Mexico. I’m dreaming of a trip to Thailand. If I can travel abroad for a month each year, I consider myself successful.
