How Do You Find Time to Work, Be a Wife, Be a Mom, Work Out, Eat Well, and Sleep

What's your husband's schedule like? Is it the same?

If that's the case and you have zero quality time for yourself or your relationship with your husband, then you definitely need to change something. But not solely for your son.

First thing I can think of is the job. It sounds like it might be too far away and the commute is knocking you around a bit. I can understand that - I chose earlier hours because of the commute. Is there a possibility that you could change jobs or get into a new career?

No one is pigeon-holed into their 9-5 job. I truly believe that God, in His infinite wisdom, gave you one shot on this Earth for a reason. If you can arrange it, try to work a different schedule out with your job. If not, try to work out some everyday responsibilities with your husband (errands, cooking, cleaning, etc). I'm sure he's as frustrated as you. Put your resume together and send them out this week. Get ready for interviews :) Or check out the local colleges for some training into another line of work.

Your son will fit into any schedule you decide so I'd focus first and foremost on your partner in life and yourself. Without the two of you working a schedule that meets both your needs, your life will become a chore. You don't want your son to pick up on that so something HAS to change. Talk with your husband about what's going on and, remember, men think in logical terms - they don't sit in the "gray" area for more than a few minutes (the "gray" area is defined here as indecision). As an outside observer to your day, you husband can offer some valuable insight on your time management, home management and career choices.

Exercise at work because this seems to be the only time you can get a few minutes to yourself. You'd be surprised at how much you could lose by walking each hour you're at work for only 10 minutes. Take a co-worker with you and, if you smoke, stop. It will help you to lose weight to eat the right foods that are filled with complex carbs to give you a natural energy boost but don't over-do the carbs because you want to have them help you - not pack more weight on.

Steven Covey's tapes and workbooks on time management helped me a lot to understand things in their simplest terms. Perhaps because he's a man and thinks this way but, seriously, it helped to stop the confusion in my own mind and develop a plan of attack for my life, home, career but, most importantly, showing the man I love most in this world that my priorities are clear.

Dear J.-
I have a 9 week old boy (my first) and tomorrow is my first day back to work. I know how your feeling because I am worried about managing everything already! I have been given the advice to ask for help. If you have friends or family that might be able to help, ASK. Ask your husband to help a little more if possible, after all, you are both parents. I hope this helps and works for you>

Hi J.,

I loved reading your story. I am sorry to hear about the pounds and cholesterol level. Your story is same as mine (I live in Austell and work in Perimeter area), multiplied by three (3). I have three-- 13, 11 and 22months.

You will never FIND the time. You have to MAKE the time. Make yourself prioritize YOU first and the rest will fall into place. The payoff is so great! Your child(ren) will be so much better off with a well-rested, physically-fit, pampered Mom who provides them with structure and a loving environment than one who has no energy to read or tuck them into bed, etc...

I save $ for a housekeeper every month or so. Nothing better than a professional cleaning & rest every fourth Saturday:) Take care

Hi J.,

I know exactly how you feel, but I'm married with 3 children and just recently quit my full-time job of 2 years. I found that planning ahead helps me out alot, prepare meals in advance and freeze them. This always helps with meal prep, also leave something for the hubby to do. We as women try to do it all and sometimes you just can't. Maybe try working out twice a week and sleep a little later on the weekends. As for lunch breaks you should definately take them. This is a great time for you to have time to yourself. I know you want to leave a little early, but you are really burning yourself out. Even if you take a 15 minute walk you should really leave your work area, this may be the only you time that you get.

Good luck

J.:

The first thing I would recommend is that you hire a cleaning service twice a month. You work hard, and you deserve your weekends free from cleaning to be with your son and husband! If you can manage some laundry during the week, perhaps that would lighten your weekend load, and think Crockpot meals, or, cook a lot on the weekend. My sister is a atty. with a 6 mos old. She does all her cooking on the weekend, so when she gets home at 7:30 pm she can just make a salad, reheat and eat.

A job closer to home may give you a few additional hours per day, and enable you to leave the house later, and maybe get in some exercise 2-3 days per week in the morning. Also, maybe you and your hubby could adopt the I cook/you clean method. That would lighten your load each evening....one person cooks, the other cleans. Another thing I have learned is to clean while I cook, so there is less to do after dinner.

I was a full time teacher before kids, and now work part time "free lance" teaching. So, I have cut my hours (and money) way back. I still often don't find time for it all. My kids are older, and stay up later, so I am able to exercise sometimes while they play, or if my hubby bathes them. It sounds like exercise is VERY important for your, for your health, and that is SERIOUS. You have to make the time somehow!!! Maybe sit down with hubby and try to work out a schedule, and plan family activies like strolling the baby on the Silver Comet Trail on the weekends, so you have family and exercise all roled into one!

Good luck to you, and keep your chin up, you will get it all ironed out sooner or later. You will find the schedule that works right for you and your family!