28/09/2026
Hands up who started their own business (or changed their job) to work around their kids and school holidays?
Yep, me too.
Welcome to Pogo Design's origin story.
Once I was a Senior Designer at Totem, a boutique design agency.
I'd taken maternity leave and was getting through the daily grind of full-time work and full-time daycare. As the years passed I had the dawning realisation that with 4 (or was it 5?) weeks leave, how was I going to manage 13 weeks a year of school holidays?
Also, with a hour’s commute each way, I’d also need before and after school care unless I worked less hours. Being a stay-at-home parent wasn’t an option for my personal circumstances.
First I did the sensible thing and looked for a part-time design job. Turns out, there were very few part-time roles. Flexible working or working from home was yet to go mainstream.
Luckily for me, my good friend Angela had negotiated this working parent’s dilemma before me and had started her own business. She suggested this could be an option for me and how it might work.
Having always worked in a studio with a team of designers and account managers, the thought of running my own business was overwhelming. Thankfully there were people willing to share their knowledge and accountant recommendations.
With the right motivation scary things are possible, right? Knowing the reason WHY I should push myself made all the difference.
For me, the desire for my son to attend the local school was the shove I needed. Before and after school care wouldn’t be needed If I worked for myself. I’d have the flexibility to work around my family and take time off for school holidays.
Angela offered me an Annual Report project, but it meant taking the leap 6 month before I’d planned. I’m forever grateful I did as Pogo has been a great way to spend the last 19 years.
It’s provided the flexibility to prioritise my family, meet fellow business owners and take wonderful opportunities. Things like voluntary work, regular travel to my UK family and time to walk the South Island Te Araroa.
After all this time, the main motivation to work for myself remains my greatest business success… walking my son to school on his first day!
Have you changed the way you work for more lifestyle flexibility?
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I'm a community-focused graphic designer that thrives on collaboration and building relationships. I love a bright idea and bringing a bit of bounce!
