Embracing Change and Finding Balance
Perimenopause is finally coming to light and GenX women are bringing it to the forefront! We’re gathering information for those going through it now, honoring those who’ve come through it, and paving the way for the next generation. This is a phase every woman will experience in some form. There’s no bypassing it, so let’s start planning for it. Let’s make space for it. Working from home during perimenopause allows flexibility and grace during this time of change.
Speaking for myself (Ali here!), I didn’t have hot flashes or mood swings at first. Around age 35, I just started feeling dissatisfied with life, with my job, with everything. I had a great husband, two amazing teens, a teaching career and what looked like the perfect life. But something inside me felt off. Now, looking back I can see clearly that was the start of perimenopause.
Perimenopause can be a confusing, exhausting, and deeply transformative time. You might be experiencing sleep issues, anxiety, brain fog, or just an overwhelming sense that your current job no longer fits who you are. It can also be a time of exciting change and a new perspective on your life!
If you’re working from home during perimenopause, or dreaming of making that shift, you’re not alone. Many women find that remote work offers more room to breathe, reset, and create a work life that aligns with their changing needs.
This article is part of our ongoing rhythm series. If you haven’t yet, check out Rhythm vs Routine and Working With Your Cycle to explore how aligning with your body can transform the way you work.
Why Working from Home During Perimenopause Matters
Let’s be honest: perimenopause doesn’t get talked about enough, especially in workspaces. But your hormones are shifting, your energy is different, and what once felt manageable may now feel overwhelming.
Working from home during perimenopause isn’t about avoiding work — it’s about working in a way that actually fits the way your body and brain function now. Whether your cycle is still regular, becoming erratic, or has stopped altogether, remote work can help you respond to your own rhythm with more compassion and less pressure.
It means being able to slow down on the days you feel flat, and take advantage of creative bursts when they come. It means not forcing yourself into meetings when brain fog hits. It means having the option to rest, reset, and still show up for your life and career in a way that honors your changing body.
Remote work gives you the freedom to protect your energy, align your schedule with your cycle, and finally feel like you’re working with yourself — not against yourself.
Symptoms Could That Impact Work (and What to Do About Them)
Perimenopause symptoms are more than just hot flashes. They can affect your concentration, your confidence, your sleep, and even your communication style. If you’re forgetting things, feeling frazzled, or simply not firing on all cylinders, you’re not broken. You’re changing.
Some ways to support yourself:
- Use simple tools like checklists, reminders, and digital calendars to stay on track.
- Protect your rest: a consistent sleep rhythm can help regulate your mood and focus.
- Embrace short breaks throughout the day to ground your nervous system.
- Focus on nourishing downtime — swap out that glass of wine for a warm herbal tea or a walk outdoors.
- Fuel your body with stabilizing meals that support hormonal health (think: protein, healthy fats, fiber).
- Practice boundaries with overstimulation. Turn off unnecessary notifications and be mindful of screen time.
- Connect with other women — ask colleagues, friends, or mentors who’ve been through menopause how they managed it. Their stories and strategies can offer both insight and comfort.
A gentle reminder: One lesser-discussed symptom is irritability or reduced tolerance for others — especially in busy or overstimulating environments. Be mindful of how you communicate with colleagues, particularly younger women. This is a time when some of us can become less patient, but it’s also a powerful opportunity to model grace, wisdom, and encouragement.
If you feel that edge rising, take a breath and reflect.
The younger women around you are learning, growing, and finding their place — just as we once did. Life hasn’t beaten them up yet! They are a source of joy — a reminder that our inner younger self is still there. Let’s support their ideas and contributions with kindness. Be the woman you needed in your 20s.
How to Talk to Your Boss About Flexibility
Not every woman is ready to quit her job and go freelance. You might love your work but struggle with the rigid structure. This is where negotiating flexibility can be a game-changer.
You could propose:
- Working from home during your luteal or menstrual phase when symptoms are strongest
- Reducing or skipping meetings during certain days of your cycle
- Introducing a results-based workflow (vs a traditional 9 to 5)
The key is to frame your request around outcomes and productivity. You’re not asking for a break — you’re proposing a more efficient, respectful way to get your work done. This may be unfamiliar territory for your boss — especially if he’s never had to consider perimenopause at work. Approach the conversation gently, and come prepared with clear, solution-oriented ideas.
Work-from-Home Options That Support You During This Time
Before diving into something new, consider whether your current job could be adapted into a remote or hybrid role. Many workplaces are more open to flexibility than ever and making the case for working from home during perimenopause is a valid, important conversation to have.
You might also want to consider diversifying your income streams. Having different types of work can let you match tasks to your energy and focus levels. This might mean combining part-time client work with creative freelance projects or passive income streams.
Look for work that grows and shifts with you — not work that demands you stay the same.
Here are remote work ideas that allow for more autonomy, flow, and comfort:
- Freelance Writing or Editing – great for deep focus days
- Virtual Assistance – especially good for women who love structure
- Social Media or Content Creation – can work in sprints around your energy
- Customer Support or Online Chat Roles – typically from home and with schedule variety
- Remote Project Management – high-skill work with good pay and independence
Check out our Get Started Guide to explore platforms and tools to help you land your first work-from-home role.
Support and Resources That Help
There are more resources out there than ever before — YouTube channels, books, podcasts, Instagram accounts, and even TikTok creators talking openly and honestly about perimenopause. But here’s the truth: no matter how much information you find online, your journey is your own.
Start by talking to your doctor or health practitioner. Ask about your hormone levels, potential supplements, or treatment options that could support you. Everyone’s body is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all. Don’t just push through. You don’t have to suffer. You don’t have to “suck it up” and keep going while silently falling apart. Get support. You deserve it.
And when you come across another woman who’s clearly struggling, be kind. Don’t jump in with solutions or overwhelm her with advice. Just reach out. Lead with empathy. A simple “Are you okay?” can open a door.
So many women still don’t even know what perimenopause is — let alone how to manage it. One resource I really love is Dr. Mary Claire Haver and The Pause Life. Her content is honest, digestible, and makes you feel seen. If you’re not sure where to start, she’s a great guide.
You’re not alone. We’re in this together.
Talk to Your People: Working from Home During Perimenopause Isn’t Meant to Be Done Alone
You are not lazy, and you are not broken. You’re evolving. Working from home during perimenopause is one powerful way to reclaim your time, your energy, and your voice.
Start small. Explore your options. Track your symptoms and pay attention to what rhythms feel genuinely supportive. Notice when your energy is high — and when it’s low. Don’t judge it. This is about observing, not fixing. It’s about getting curious and giving yourself grace.
Make sure you’ve done a little research, too. Learn about your symptoms. Understand how your hormones are shifting. And start matching your work — or your goals — to your current season.
Talk to the people you love around you. Let them know that you’re going through these changes, and at times you may be a little more irritable, or you may be flat and need some support. People love to help — and if you quietly let them in and share a little education about what you’re navigating, everyone benefits. This kind of openness creates ripple effects for generations to come.
My Tip- Talk to Your Partner and Your Kids
Get that conversation about perimenopause and menopause happening. For too long we have kept women’s hormones, cycles and changes in secret corners talking about them quietly. Let them in, share and build your support network.
It’s A New Beginning!!
Let this be a turning point. Not just for your hormones, but for your whole life setup. Come at it with positivity way too often we are told it’s the end but it’s not, it’s the beginning!
This phase can be the beginning of something powerful. You’ve got decades of life still to live and how you shape them is up to you! Working from home during perimenopause is one option as part of your change of life! Start imagining what is next!
Want help getting started? Explore flexible remote jobs here and take your first step toward building a work life that fits your next chapter.
