Before I delve in to today's post, I've got a question for you.

Did you notice that I skipped a day?

I'm curious actually because I always feel really guilty about skipping a day of blogging, especially during a series.  But you know what?  Since this series is all about work/life balance, I turned that feeling of guilt into liberation.

It's OK if you don't post everyday.  It's OK to take a day off.

And moving right along...today's all about establishing a support network.

A support network can (and should) consist of your family, your friends, and yes, your clients.

Now don't get me wrong, obviously you'll depend on the former two a bit differently than the latter.  However, if you're a person juggling a job, a blog, a family, a household (just to name a very very few) you can't do it all by yourself, all alone, all the time.  That's superhuman.  And while many of you reading this are totally super and 100% human...being a superhuman is just not a sustainable solution.

Most of us already have a support network in place but we just aren't tapping into it.  What do I mean by that?  You can't expect people to help you unless you tell them what you need.

Case in point:  My husband and I don't go out on dates or to parties as much because we can't find a babysitter.  But the truth of the matter is that if we planned ahead far enough, we could find a babysitter.  Our parents all live in the same area, not to mention extended family.  We just always wait until the last minute to ask.

When it comes to clients, they can be part of your support network, too.  How?  Well, if you don't already, you should have check-ins.  I have weekly check-ins with the Care.com team about MomForce and some last five minutes while others will last an hour...but once we're done?  We've got action items and ideas and we're re-energized.  To me, that's a form of support because the expectations always remain clear.  (By the way, did I mention that Shannon Lane from Care.com and I will be at Blogher rockin' the Care.com and MomForce brands?)

I'll tell you, my friends are a huge part of my support network.  We're there to support each other's goals, cheer each other on when we're having an "off" day, and make each other laugh.  Some of these friends are offline, quite a few are online, and there's a handful that are both.  When life gets hectic, I turn to my friends.

My husband is by far, is my biggest source of support.  When my work/life balance is...well...out of balance?  He's the one that picks up the slack.  I know it's frustrating for him at times but we've gotten really good (or better...it's always a work in progress) at communicating and keeping that communication open.  It's so important and he knows how grateful I am for his support too.

Which brings me to say this:  having a support network means that you need to proactively be part of a support network for other people too.  It's all about give and take.  Saying please and thank you and not being afraid to say that you need help from time to time.

What are your thoughts on having a support network?

Oh, and if you want to continue this discussion (in more a blog-centric way) show your support for the Room of Your Own at Blogher "Grow Your Blog through Community and a Support Network", hosted by myself and Shannon of Phatmommy at this year's conference.

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