Ever wonder what it really looks like to work for yourself from home? Spoiler alert: it ain’t always pretty, but it works for me. Here’s a peek behind the scenes at what I actually do all day—and how I keep everything running without losing my mind.
My Day Starts Before the Sun’s Up
Like clockwork, I’m up at 5:00 AM. First things first: I make my husband’s lunch and drive him to work. It’s our little ritual, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. By 6:00, I’m back home and jumping into the shower—sometimes with my favorite podcast, other times catching up with my go-to TikTok live host. That’s my way of easing into the day.
But I don’t jump straight into work. I let the early hours stay slow and simple on purpose.
The Fun Stuff Comes First
I don’t officially “start work” until after Santiago’s first break at 8:40 AM. We always chat for a few minutes—that call marks the true start of my workday. Before that, I use those quiet hours for all the lighter stuff:
- Catching up on the news
- Skimming through emails
- Cleaning up the kitchen or tidying the house
- Posting or scrolling through my business socials
- Packing orders from Mama Crow’s
It’s work, but it’s the fun kind. The stuff that doesn’t feel like work at all. It helps me ease into the heavier tasks that come later.
The Real Hustle Kicks In
Once 9:00 hits, it’s time to dig into the real work. I’m blessed to be able to set my own hours, which gives me the freedom to work how I want—but that also means I have to keep myself in check.
I’ve got two regular clients I contract with, and I sometimes take on ad-hoc projects too. That means copywriting, editing, blog content, or whatever else they need. On top of that, I manage two of my own blogs, make and list new wax melt products for Mama Crow’s, and keep up with content across Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Snapchat, TikTok, and Pinterest.
Yep. It’s a lot.
Lunch Dates, Even From Afar
At 11:30, it’s time for a lunch break—but not just any lunch. We’ve got a standing phone lunch date every weekday, unless it’s Friday. On Fridays, I drive to town to bring him lunch in person. We’ll sit in the car, eat, and catch up like a real date—just one that happens in a parking lot. It might sound silly, but after nearly 16 years together, it’s still one of my favorite parts of the day.
Back to the Grind (Wherever I Am)
After lunch, I work until it’s time to go pick Santiago up from work. And yes, I’m usually working in the car while I wait. If something’s due or I’ve still got creative energy, I’ll even work a couple more hours in bed that evening.
I know it might sound like a lot, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’m an introverted homebody, so staying in my own space while still getting everything done is a blessing.
Schedules Keep Me Sane
Living with OCD means I need structure, or else everything falls apart. I use Google Calendar to block off time for each client, blog, and Mama Crow’s tasks. If something pushes me off schedule, it’s like a domino effect—and I don’t like chaos.
That’s why I plan every part of my day, from order packing to TikTok posting. It keeps my head clear and my business running smooth.
Why It All Works for Me
Some folks think working from home means sleeping in and lounging around. Not in this house. My day is packed, but it’s built around my priorities—my marriage, my sanity, and my business. I get to choose what matters most, and no job will ever come before my relationship.
We stay in constant contact, we support each other, and we make time for the little things—like a five-minute phone call or lunch in a parking lot. It’s unconventional, but it works for us.
So yeah, that’s what I really do all day. It might not look glamorous, but it’s honest work, and it’s all mine.
Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.