Back To Work

It was about a year ago that the wheels were set in motion that would take be back to full time, outside of the house employement. I had been working as support staff at the funeral home since the fall of 2016 and seemingly out of nowhere I was tapped for an office manager position.

I started training last May and that’s when the fun started. By July I was up to full time hours and trying to figure out how to balance working and being a mom and wife.

By October I was on my own in the office, the training wheels were off and that’s when I saw just how big of an adjustment this was going to be.

Bill travels…A LOT.

Juggling working all day, getting the kids fed and through homework and to and from karate can be a daunting task when he’s away. There are many nights as I crawl into bed that I think of my single mother friends, the ones who live life this way everyday. I often wonder how they do it? Where to the find the strength?

I’ve had to get a little better at managing my time. I’ve had to lean on Bill (when he’s home) and the boys a little more to keep the house running. Sometimes it doesn’t all get done and I’ve had to learn to let it go.

I’m really enjoying the extra income. I also enjoy having a reason to leave the house everyday. I’ve gone from jeans and a T-shirt everyday to a nice, business casual woredrobe.

Things that I’ve found difficult?

Grocery shopping! I hate shopping of any kind on the weekend. I miss the days of having the stores mostly to myself, no lines, no cart road rage.

I miss hanging with Bill and running his errands with him.

Giving up the freedom to pick up and go whenever has been one of the bigger adjustments. I need to work a certain number of hours a week and I need to request time off. No more spur of the moment trips for me.

All in all it’s been positive change for me and I look forward to many, many years here at my desk.

Are you a full time working mom? I want to hear from you! What is your best tip for keeping the work/life balance?