It's difficult and, sometimes, it's just inevitable and usually (depending on the circumstances) my home life will take precedence.
BUT, in order to actually accomplish my work tasks, maintain some semblance of clean, working household and still have "mommy" time, "wife" time and "ME" time, I have a posted schedule. I sat down with my husband and my child and explained what "we" needed to do as a team to take care of the unfun stuff, make time for the "funner" stuff and let Mom work during her "work time".
The other thing is that I KEEP to that posted schedule. I get up in the morning, send my son off to school, put my 3rd shift husband to bed, take a shower and get dressed. Then, I sit down at my computer and work on my "To Do" list until lunch time.
There are set days that I go to the post office (to mail out Ebay sales packages) and go to the library or newspaper offices (to do research and/or submit pieces). I usually combine these trips with a stop at the grocery store to save time and gas. (I keep a running grocery list on my frig. It is divided into "MUST HAVE NOW", "WILL NEED SOON" and "LUXURY - WOULD LIKE TO HAVE".) The "MUST HAVE"s are what I pick up on my "work" trips.
During my hour and a half lunchbreak, I plan/start supper, maybe start a load of laundry; run a quick rag over the kitchen countertops and grab a good lunch. Then, I take a quick walk around my block, check my snail mailbox and head back inside to work.
My son gets home from school at 3:30pm. So, I work until about 2:45pm. Then, I read for 15 minutes (a trashy romance or entertainment magazine), enjoy a hot, bubble bath, watch a soap or do something else just for ME. When kiddo arrives home - he must first do chores and homework. I take advantage of this time to finish up any emails or typing I may have been doing.
Then, my time is with my son/husband, eating dinner, watching television, playing, gardening, etc. until my son's bedtime. I wake my husband, feed him, and work until 10pm. Then, I cruise Bellaonline some more, watch the tv news and end my night with a good book or a nice cup of tea.
One night of our week is DATE night (my hubby's night off) and one night is FAMILY night (eat out, rent a movie, go bowling, etc.,).
On weekends, I only allow about four hours a day (if THAT) for work. The rest of the time is filled with home projects, garden, yard work, church, and fun!!!
Without just enough planning to keep me organized I would be drifting around getting alot of nothing accomplished. My house is clean (sanitary) but is NOT going to make the cover of any magazine anytime soon. My family and friends know that and they can deal with it or not come over! Stop by for a visit anytime, but you may have to ignore a basket of yet-to-be-folded laundry or a pile of mail on the dining room table.......that's US!!!!
My income is supplemental to my husband's. However, should anything happen to my husband or to his job, we would be able to live on my salary - though budgeting would be tight. I have determined in my thirty-eight years that I will probably never be a millionairess.
For me to waste my energy trying to obtain another extra dollar and losing precious time with my son, my husband and the rest of my family aong the way - is worthless for me. My choice. I much prefer living a modest, comfortable but HAPPY life to one spent constantly straining towards something that may or may not happen (wealth).
My parents taught me that this moment, this day with these loved ones is more important than any desk, chair or promotion...
Sorry to be so long in my answer.......... <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />
