There are many joys that maternity leave can bring, but one thing it can provide is clarity about what you want in your career. When you’re up at 3:00 AM with a crying baby, the idea of running your own business from home may seem insane. All you want at that moment is to sleep and rest. However, when your brain is working a million miles an hour, why not jot down all your thoughts about running your own business?

Maybe you don’t want to go back to work. Perhaps working from home is your next step, and you just need a way to do it. With the right mindset, you’ll be able to put together a plan to ensure that your maternity leave turns into something prosperous. Starting a business on maternity leave doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right advice from financial advisors and companies such as Tivly, as well as from your bank, you can determine whether it’s a good idea. Maternity leave can either introduce you to a passion project that you can monetize or show you that there are so many options for you as a mother that you don’t want to just keep working for somebody else anymore. So let’s take a look at the things you need to do to start a business on maternity leave.

Just go for it. The hardest part when you decide to run a business at any time in life is just going for it. Choosing to make that first step when you’re on maternity leave and you’re sleep-deprived is hard, but it’s not impossible. Stop looking at this business idea of yours as an impossibility, because being on maternity leave doesn’t mean you can’t do it. Since you’re not financially dependent on your business during maternity leave, there’s no immediate pressure to generate income. This frees up your mind to focus on more creative pursuits even as you measure milk for bottles.

Get prepared. When the baby is napping between diaper changes, or while you’re doing chores and enjoying midnight cuddles, you can think about your business and start planning it in your head. Jot down notes on your phone whenever inspiration strikes, as you decide to turn your idea into reality. Preparing yourself isn’t the easiest thing to do, but it’s extremely beneficial if you want to ensure that your business plan becomes tangible. Consider all the moments you have between feedings. Use these intervals strategically to map out your business plan, ensuring you remain organized without adding unnecessary stress. Remember to prioritize rest as well; a well-rested mind is more efficient and creative. Integrate downtime into your schedule to rejuvenate and maintain a healthy balance between work and personal care. This approach allows you to utilize snippets of time effectively, integrating your planning seamlessly into your daily routine, while also ensuring you are well-rested and alert.

Make some connections. Running a successful business isn’t easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. All of the hard work and the help that others have provided throughout your career means that you have a network and contacts out there that you may not even be aware of. While on maternity leave, consider reaching out via LinkedIn or other professional social media platforms to rekindle old professional relationships or start new ones. Attend virtual networking events or webinars that align with your business interests. You can also join online forums and community groups related to your industry. These efforts can help you stay connected and possibly uncover new opportunities without needing to leave your home, making it manageable alongside your new parenting duties.

Maternity leave might seem like a pause from your professional life, but it can actually be a unique opportunity to reflect on and reshape your career path. Whether it’s jotting down business ideas inspired by late-night feedings or strategically using nap times for planning and networking, maternity leave offers a distinct period to ponder and prepare without the usual pressures of a full-time job. By utilizing this time effectively, you can lay the groundwork for a venture that is not only fulfilling but also well-suited to your new lifestyle as a parent. Embrace this chance to innovate and integrate your professional aspirations with your personal growth. After all, the journey of motherhood and entrepreneurship both start with one bold step forward.

This is a sponsored post.