Work/Life Balance

[IngridS]

Hi everyone
I was just wondering if there are any other working mums out there that have managed to find work/life balance?
I work 4 days a week and would like to work 3 but DH says we can't afford it!
Ingrid

Me: 36
Him: 32
DD: 20 months

[sunshine_kat_86]

hi. well im very worried, im a new pregnate mum, and i cnat afford to put my child in day care, and my family all works, so im going to have to be a stay at home mum, im working right up to the birth because i love work, but i dont think i could manage that work/life balance as i have no choice but to manage on one income, and thats going to be 500 dollars

[Sarie]

We are only on one income and sure it's tight, we have a debt that we are also paying so it's extra tight for us right now, but we manage.
I couldn't handle having someone else raise my kids.
JMO

[sunshine_kat_86]

if i xcould work 3days a week and my sis raised my kid those days, i would be ahppy, and that was the plan till she found out she expecting her third child and with mine that would be 4 to look after and im sure thats a bit much. I know what its like paying things of, im trying to get everything all paid b4 bub is born. its very hard and scary but im sure as my partner says, we will manage

[SammyG]

Hi,
It's a constant juggle, I do 2 and a half days and we have to sacrifice a Sunday for me to work so I can get penalty rates. I would cheerfully give up work if we could afford it! Like most families out there though we want to have a lifestyle with our kids so that means working.

[Kade's Mummy]

Holly and Hayley - is there any opportunity for you to do some work from home?

I am going to be starting 10 hours a week from home, which my employer was completely against until they realised how much work I actually do and therefore how much they need me! This means I can earn some money and be with bub. It will be hard to juggle, but at least I can be with him and help with the mortgage.

Unfortunately working in some capacity is essential for us to give Kade the quality of life we think he deserves. If only we could win tattslotto! :D

[Fairyfloss]

Have you tried, sharing baby sitting with neighbours, or people in your mothers group, that way both mums can have paid work, done, without paying for child care. Hope things get better for you.:fingerscrossed:

[xkwzit]

Hi Holly
I work 3 days a week (20 hours) and I find that it works well for us. I like the fact that the girls are only in care for relatively short days. Maybe if you can cut some expenses DH would be more agreeable? It's definately lovely to have days just to do Mummy things.

Cheers

[kmac77]

I work 3 days a week (not only for the money but I have a job that I love). My boss also lets me take time off whenever I need it without making me feel guilty and I can work from home whenever I want to as well. I get the best of both worlds I guess - having a good job and also spending quality time with my family.

I think to have a good work/life balance, you need to have an understanding employer and really look at your expenses to see what you do and don't need. My DH doesn't have a big paying job and I would make more money than my DH if I worked full time but he isn't really the sort of DH to be a stay at home dad so we have had to cut back on alot of things.

Just take the time and look at all your options and expenses. Your work/life balance won't be as good as you want it to if you are doing something that you don't want to do.

[IngridS]

Thanks all
Kylie, I have a job that I enjoy and have the option to work from home. My employer is incredibly flexible and i'm on a really good wicket compared to some other women. I know we can afford for me to work the three days a week but DH just doesn't seem to get that it is possible. I have spoken to so many other mums and their husbands are very similar in this respect!
Ingrid

[leenaomi]

Holly123, I went back to work when DD was 8 months old and ended up working 5 days a week. It wasn't what I had planned to do but the job kind of fell into my lap so we decided to take advantage of the extra cash.

You can manage it if you are VERY organised and both pitch in with all the home and baby duties. Someone on this site mentioned a website called FlyLady (www.flylady.net) which sends you a daily email with lots of tips on getting routines in place and managing your household. I found it really helpful when I was working and still use it now.

Apart from that, make the most of your family time when you have it. You'll find the right balance and realise that you can do both your jobs really well!!

Good luck.

[fee's]

You can manage it if you are VERY organised and both pitch in with all the home and baby duties. Someone on this site mentioned a website called FlyLady (www.flylady.net) which sends you a daily email with lots of tips on getting routines in place and managing your household. I found it really helpful when I was working and still use it now.

I had a look at this site and I am hooked....... I am planning to get some really good tips from this to get me through my first few months back at work starting in June.

[leenaomi]

Glad you found it useful Fee! The daily email digests take some getting used to but once you get the hang of ignoring what doesn't apply to you and trying out what does, you'll find that you start to do stuff automatically. Have a good read of the welcome email you get and refer back to the website often. Good luck and I hope all goes well for you back at work!