Wearing too many hats!

23 Comments

1. VeronicaOctober 6,2021 at 1:39PM UTC

   Schedule the "me time" into your calendar as you are doing with everything else. Treat that like you do with other things that are non-negotiables, like working. Even if your "me time" is 10 minutes of listening to a meditation before going to bed, that will and can do wonders for your soul and mental well being. Can you have someone come and walk the dogs for you (a neighbors high school kid), which can help alleviate some strain on you. Whatever you do, use that calendar you've been using for non you time to make time for you! Best of luck!

2. Deborah MitchellOctober 6,2021 at 1:46PM UTC

   Well with the 1 year old and the dogs, if there is another human in your space, can they take on more of the work?

   When i was balancing it all I found ways to make my school work my me time. Finding ways to enjoy it by creating rituals around studying , class and homework time.

3. Kim RaperOctober 6,2021 at 1:54PM UTC

   No easy task you have there, juggling all of those priorities. Not sure I have any specifics for you other than make sure you are eating, resting, etc. to keep you going physically. If you have others you can rally, maybe see if someone could watch your daughter and dogs and take an internet cafe day type of thing just for a change of pace for your work or schooling, sometimes just that little bit of change will help immensely.

4. FGB userOctober 6,2021 at 1:56PM UTC

   If it causes more stress to take time away from the work because you're not getting it done, for me I try to defuse oils, and do a few yoga poses in the morning and just eat my favourite foods and blast my favourite music to make it more fun. Quality over quantity of time! It does not have to take more than 10 minutes and it's all realistic within your schedule.

5. Lisa Taj McCellonOctober 6,2021 at 2:28PM UTC

   I like this idea. I've had to do this as well. If you cannot get the down time you want, just make the up time more spa or party like. I always make a nice cold or hot drink that feels tropical or meditative or luxurious. I'll have a lovely plate of snacks. I'll do my work to music that suits my mood rather than just using "focus music". Sometimes productivity drops a little, but the tasks get done without me crashing and burning before they do.

6. Deborah MitchellOctober 6,2021 at 3:44PM UTC

   Exactly. Homework is always in my favorite chair, wearing something comfy and a favorite hot beverage.

7. AnonymousOctober 7,2021 at 9:52PM UTC

   This is a great idea! I usually have music going but I love the idea of a good drink and a snack too!

8. AnonymousOctober 6,2021 at 2:18PM UTC

   I am not always great with time mgmt, but I wanted to say you are amazing. What you have taken on is huge. Please remember not to judge yourself harshly (it doesn't sound like you do which is amazing). You are only 1 person!

9. AnonymousOctober 7,2021 at 9:44PM UTC

   Thank you so much! You’re also amazing!

10. Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume WriterOctober 6,2021 at 2:34PM UTC

    I agree with what the others have said - schedule time (even a small amount) that is strictly for yourself. No compromise.

    I like to think of time management as putting "out of bounds" lines around my work and other commitments so those obligations don't encroach on the other areas of my life. I realize that is very hard when there are deadlines to meet (and dogs to walk), so get creative about how to offload some of your responsibilities to make time for yourself.

11. AnonymousOctober 6,2021 at 2:59PM UTC

    how are you

12. AnonymousOctober 6,2021 at 3:09PM UTC

    I use my calendar to schedule everything including my time for selfcare and relaxing. I try and multitask by combining things like exercise and errands. So instead of driving to the store. I outfitted my bike with last metal baskets so I can ride my bike, get fresh air and pick up food.

    I also keep my projects in folders, along with my personal mail & my to do list. This way everything is in a pocket folder kept neatly tucked away until I need it

    I keep my running to-do lists (sticky ones that are 10 inches in length) stuck to the front of my folders so I am reminded of odd things left to do.

    I put on laundry first thing in the morning while I check emails. I went in on a cleaning service with my neighbor so the service gives us a break in price to clean 2 homes on the same schedule (every other Friday).

    I have my standard groceries delivered once a week free from our local grocery store. This way I'm only shopping at my farmers market or grocery for occasional special items.

    I also order meal plans fir cooking 2x per week from Hello Fresh. This way I don't have to run around planning & shopping. It all comes fresh in a box to assemble & cook.

    I like structure so I like to organize and complete my to-do list daily.

13. LaurenOctober 6,2021 at 3:41PM UTC

    Give yourself a HUGE pat on the back because you are juggling a lot and sometimes the first step is just acknowledging we are doing a lot. Sometimes recharging might only be 10 minutes a day to just close your eyes or listen to a meditation. Personally, for me, I need to get outside and breath in the fresh air. Keep it up you're doing great!

14. AnonymousOctober 7,2021 at 9:42PM UTC

    Thank you so much! I also like to get outside. Something about being around trees calms me down!

15. LoveAngel402October 6,2021 at 4:34PM UTC

    Kudos to you! Take a deep breath. I've been in your shoes many years ago and the only thing that kept me going was knowing that it's only temporary and I would soon graduate.
    I was a young single mother taking care of six children. Ages 6-weeks, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 10 years old (four were mine and the other two were my friend who could not take care of her baby and 3-year-old). I worked full time and went to an accelerated bachelor's degree program. I was putting in 32 credit hours per semester. I had all the children in daycare or school during the daytime and twice a week during the evenings while in school, I had my mother watch them.
    During lunchtime at work, I would eat and study. Two days a week, I arranged for an afterschool program for the older kids and someone to pick up and watch the younger children for an hour. That was my "me time" to take a nap, breath, listen to music and unwind. However, I kept myself physiologically motived to reach my goal to graduate. 18 months later, I graduated Summa Cum Laude. I was so focused with each minute of the day, that when I had those extra moments of free time, it felt strange.
    I understand things are overwhelming. Do what works for you and your baby. Just as you schedule meetings for work, schedule “me time” for you.

16. AnonymousOctober 7,2021 at 6:03PM UTC

    You my dear, are an amazing human to have completed your degree with all of that going on! Thank you for this, you’ve truly given me hope!

17. Eva SteortzOctober 6,2021 at 11:14PM UTC

    I just listened to a talk by Martha Beck who was advocating "rest" and "reward" as mandatories for our greatest productivity levels. You aren't going to do be your best for your job or family if you don't take care of you. I would prioritize some time for you each day and not have a moment of guilt as it is an important part of your overall success. Good luck! Cheering you on!

18. AnonymousOctober 7,2021 at 9:41PM UTC

    Thank you! I think about that mindset all the time!

19. Coach Nancie Kay ShumanOctober 7,2021 at 12:06AM UTC

    So you haven't mentioned if you have any support with the dogs, the child, the house. If you do, are you utilizing them to their fullest? If not, what can you do in order to better use them?

    Next, do you have a specified space for your work and study? Does it have a door which closes? If not, can you create such a space? Even if it is the balcony? Get a DO NOT DISTURB sign and don't be afraid to use it.

    Try setting your day up in such a way that you have breaks built in. Think about what your day would be like if you were having to commute to work. Instead of taking 30 mins to drive, take those to meditate, listen to an inspirational song, dance or play with your child. But not work.

    Remember to eat healthy and hydrate. Build this in.

    And when things go off the rails, and they will, remember to laugh, or cry, which ever feeling is most authentic. And if you need someone to talk to in order to figure out your priorities, make the call. It should help.

20. AnonymousOctober 7,2021 at 9:40PM UTC

    My husband does help some but he works 6 days a week and commutes so is home a lot less than I am. That said, I’m not great at asking for help, and often feel like I need to do everything myself so I think I need to reach out to him and ask for help or a break! I do have an office that’s dedicated for work, but I try to stay out of there unless I’m working so my school area is set up in the living room currently. I like the “do not disturb” sign idea! Thank you for the advice and encouragement!

21. Crystal RhinebergerOctober 7,2021 at 9:20AM UTC

    Have you also charted out the time slots on a dry erase board? Its easier to see where and how you can work in errands.
    We had just done all this last year, my student was 5th grade. I expanded on topics to help push him and get prepped for middle school. That set a learning ground that he is in charge of his education

22. AnonymousOctober 7,2021 at 9:36PM UTC

    The whiteboard is a great idea! I used to keep an excel file with every hour accounted for but I think having something I will look at often would help a lot! Thanks for the idea!

23. Crystal RhinebergerOctober 8,2021 at 1:56PM UTC

    Cool thing w the whiteboard was it allowed us to immediately change for days off
    Vacation weeks
    And oddly we had like three class scheduling changes to handle during the whole year