tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270544641593518569.post1498824303153075626..comments2023-10-15T09:52:07.000+01:00Comments on Chez Mummy: Riding the work / life rollercoasterAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04221289003579950395noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270544641593518569.post-20998388459383537152012-07-04T11:50:09.987+01:002012-07-04T11:50:09.987+01:00I could feel my heart sinking as I read your post....I could feel my heart sinking as I read your post... I started working life as a parent (I started as a parent pretty young!) so I never had the 'return to work' scenario, but balancing work and life from day one was always a priority especially with travelling for work and doing it solo for a good while. I've exited my corporate career now and work as a coach instead - helping women figure out where to find (& how to keep) their work life balance. It'll always be a juggling act (& a shorter commute would definitely help) but this might be worth a try:<br />* If you could design your ideal week (work and time with the family) what would it look like?<br />* Make a list of exactly what it would take for that to happen (no matter how far fetched the ideas may sound, resist the temptation to edit yourself & just write).<br />* Look back over your list and pull out the top 20% of things you think are going to make the biggest difference to your work life balance right now.<br />* Take your 20% and start getting creative about how to make them happen... What could you start doing differently, who else could you ask, are there other ways to outsource something, what could you ask your boss for (& how could you pitch it so they see the win/win behind the idea?).<br /><br />Hopefully that will give you a start! There are two other things to consider - what habits or ways of doing things have you fallen into that are no longer working? Sometimes when we become working parents we attempt to continue doing it all when what's required is a spring clean to get back to what's actually necessary.. Also, you never really know what's possible with your employer until you ask. Know where you stand, be genuine, make a sound and practical case and at the least it should open up a conversation. <br /><br />The last thing I want to say is while you're finding your balance, take heart in the fact that you are worried at all - it indicates how great a Mum you are. Guilt is such a brutal emotion and hard to tackle, sometimes it can be helpful to remember everything you get and are able to give through working (the practical and personal stuff you mentioned above). I know nothing replaces quality time with a parent, sometimes though, explaining what working brings to the house can help kids understand it a little more and soften the experience. Kids are so ridiculously smart and often very understanding... Sometimes it's good for them to see that you're working hard, trying to balance life and that you care deeply for them too. It sows the seeds early for responsible adulthood parenting. If it's any comfort, my son has grown up to be really well rounded, financially independent and a really happy young man. He has a great work ethic and values relationships and the importance of earning and saving. I've watched others grow up with more time from their parents and less smarts, so maybe we should all ease off on the guilt a little? Best of luck Laura xTeresahttp://www.redefininglifecoaching.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270544641593518569.post-22275638897531931572012-05-05T13:11:47.585+01:002012-05-05T13:11:47.585+01:00Sounds like you've found a great routine that ...Sounds like you've found a great routine that really works for you. I hope I find one of those too soonChez Mummyhttp://www.chezmummy.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270544641593518569.post-87936162837114886792012-05-05T13:11:15.525+01:002012-05-05T13:11:15.525+01:00It is hard. I am fortunate to have an understandin...It is hard. I am fortunate to have an understanding boss at leastChez Mummyhttp://www.chezmummy.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270544641593518569.post-31483310074508593952012-05-05T13:10:37.390+01:002012-05-05T13:10:37.390+01:00I promise I will! xI promise I will! xChez Mummyhttp://www.chezmummy.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270544641593518569.post-34439087737929364092012-04-24T18:10:14.714+01:002012-04-24T18:10:14.714+01:00If you find the answer please let me know xIf you find the answer please let me know xNorthernmumnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270544641593518569.post-14236988643832131612012-04-22T08:17:46.224+01:002012-04-22T08:17:46.224+01:00Hugs x Must be very difficult dragging yourself aw...Hugs x Must be very difficult dragging yourself away each day.Erica Pricehttp://www.92three30.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270544641593518569.post-60977767587451126172012-04-20T08:37:31.588+01:002012-04-20T08:37:31.588+01:00I work 4 days a week with Wednesdays off. My commu...I work 4 days a week with Wednesdays off. My commute is an hour (great for reading books). My mother lives with us to look after our boys. I think it's a great arrangement as the boys get to know their grandmother really well and I get to get out of the house for the sake of my sanity :) I have been doing this on and off since my fist was 6 months old (had 9 months off when we moved to the UK and 11 months off maternity leave with my 2nd) so after 7 years we're all used to it :) I hope you figure out your work/life balance, there's no worse feeling than to feel that you're stuck in a routine that is not suiting you at all.mrs b @crankymonkeys in londonhttp://crankymonkeys.com/blog/noreply@blogger.com