The Ultimate Guide On How to Manage a Family And Work

Picture it: It’s Friday night, you’re relaxing in the bathtub with a glass of wine and you think to yourself, “I have a good job, a great family and a beautiful home…wow, I really do have it all.” But then it hits you…you have it…ALL. You have all the things that come with having a good job (work commitments, meetings), a great family (doctor appointments, soccer practice, ughh and homework) and a beautiful home (maintenance, mortgage). Wait! Before you decide to end it all by drowning yourself in bubbles, you can handle all the things life throws at you by following this handy guide.

Let Scheduling Be Your BFF

A schedule of your family’s activities can be your Thelma to your Louise. And I’m not talking about the calendar reminders on your phone….put this baby everywhere. The fridge, a cute Pinterest-worthy/DIY version on the wall, a handy-dandy day planner that will surely come with some sort of inspirational quote inscribed on the front (because if you don’t have faith in yourself, at least the planner does). A visual of where everyone is going, what they are doing, and when they are doing it will allow you to see what is actually going on.

Learn to say “Nope”

Sure, volunteering for the school field trip to the farm sounds all fun and games but we all know how it’s going to end: a bunch of hot and sweaty 6 year-olds will end up terrorizing the chickens. Now, I’m not saying don’t volunteer any time to the school. Just decide what school-related activity best utilizes your time and resources.

Guess where else you can use your new favorite word? As scary as it may sound you are allowed to say “no” at work. Speak up and let your boss know that you have a lot on your plate. Trust me, he or she will appreciate the honesty instead of a mental breakdown in the office supply closet.

Make Time for Yourself

Back to that glass of wine and bubble bath…speaking of…when it is the last time you showered?? May need to put that on the schedule. This is why it’s important (not only for you but mostly your coworkers) to make time for yourself. It can be anything from a quick yoga session, a trip to the nail salon or going for a walk or run (just make sure you actually return home).

Understanding It’s a Choice

Wait, what? All this work, volunteering, playdates, sports stuff…this is all a choice?? Ding, ding! As harsh at it may sound, we are responsible for bringing the life’s responsibilities upon ourselves. And while we can’t quit our jobs and move to the Bahamas (minus the kids), we do have the choice of how, when and where we spend our time.  

Look, if you are spreading yourself too thin, you’re more likely to break. Saying “no” more often, understanding your choices, and getting that oh, so, so sweet “me time” will not only help improve your family and work life but you as well.