So this week has taught me a couple of things. You see, the laundry's done, meals are happening, the house is even semi-straightened. My children are happy. Things are on an even keel. Embarrassingly, all those things are different this week than how they've been lately. What's different?
I'm not working.
There's time. Everything's working better. I still haven't wrapped a present, we're not exactly at the stage of Christmas miracles here, but it's much, much smoother. I've even had my sewing machine out.
Short of a winning lottery ticket, highly unlikely as we don't play, quitting work is not in my foreseeable future. Somehow, I need to learn to make things run more smoothly even though I work 50 hours a week. It's been affirming to me to see that the problem isn't essentially me, this week things have gone beautifully, my problem is time, maybe organization, and hopefully, there's a system out there that I can learn.
So...how do you do it? If you work full-time, how do you juggle everything and keep things running smoothly? I'd really appreciate any tips and tricks you can share.
I have 1 husband and 4 kids, 28, 20, 11 and 9...I'll be doing the mom thing forever, hence 4evermom.
13 comments:
I work full-time, but I think it's a little easier for me since I don't have a "real job" (as CH says!): I work for a school system. I have a calendar in the kitchen, and CH & I use Google Calendar so we know what's going on. Sure, there are a lot of things that don't get done, but I've learned not to sweat it. I remember when the kids were little getting really stressed out about things not getting done and feeling like it was all my responsibility. Communication is difficult, but essential! :D
I used to work full time when my two youngest were babies/toddlers. I tried to be very organised. It was really hard, but not as hard as it would be now when they all have after school activities.
What used to hate the most was that even though I worked full time, I was still expected to be fully responsible for the children, the cooking, the laundry, the cleaning etc... My husband used to just go to work, come home and do the yard work every fortnight and he was 'done'. Not fair.
Does your husband help out with household chores and running the children around to their after school activities?
It's really hard, because when we're working, we're SO TIRED and use our "free time" to just sit or whatever. Lately I've been taking a few minutes here or there to do various things AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. By "racing myself", I get it done but still have a few minutes of spare time now and then. It's tough, though!
Since i am a stay at home mom i really dont have much advice but i do have lots of empathy. I dont work and still find myself struggling to keep things ordered and done. I know what my problem is lol. I spend too much time "here" and not enough actually doing what i am suppose to or need to do. I am a big procrastinator and use the internet as my excuse lol. I will keep sending prayers your way and ihope you find a system that works for you.
I've got the answer! Hire a live in maid & nanny!! :) You're welcome. Ha ha
I'm dying to hear what the answer is as well ... because as you know I'm struggling as well. And I DON'T work 50 hours a week.
I think that YOU are pretty darned amazing ... because you manage to accomplish more than most people - and so effortlessly (and if you think it isn't, you're crazy!). You're even more amazing when you admit when things don't go the exact way you want them too ... and make the effort to do it differently next time!
I don't work and I still don't get everything done. You got everything done because you had so much less to do! Merry Christmas!
I have NO IDEA how working moms do it. Seriously. I feel like I am running on empty as it is. I think I would croak if I had to work 50 hours too. AAAAAHHHHH!!!!
Good luck! I hope you find a system that works for you!
I know...isn't this always the case?! Goes along with the time and no money or no time and money deal :( Perhaps the family could pool their money for a full time housekeeper...haha! :) Merry Christmas!
I have no idea, I think doing it all is an impossible myth. But, I do think you are amazing & I hope you had a fabulous Christmas day.
Although you have money to ask housekeeper, but to love others cannot replace you.
Did I really NOT comment on this? I think I'm losing my mind, I went by Kat's and had not commented there either. Maybe I stopped by when I had the flu. ANYhoo, I seriously don't know how you accomplish all that you do-- I can't keep up with you and I don't have a second job (first being slave-to-all). Just remember that there is a season to everything-- this season will pass and you will wonder how you did it all with the rest of us. HUGS S!
My suggestion:
Prioritize.
Put them in an order say 1 to 10
Start from above.
If you have reached 6 and the day is over, forget the last 4
It does not matter.
You will have peace of mind and at the same time have the satisfaction of having "something" done.
Our health is more important than just slogging.
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