It turns out that having a job means you have to go there EVERY SINGLE DAY.
Somehow, I didn't see that coming.
To me it was monumental just to seriously talk about getting a job.
And then it was even bigger to create a resume and apply for jobs.
So then to interview (I went to 3 different interviews) and to GET a job, seems like mission accomplished.
But then I started the job and had a really good day, but afterward had to run a couple errands, then drive 3 squealing girls to BYU for an Activity Day field trip (to meet up with a total of 14 girls) and then drive them home again while dealing with heinous traffic and a newly acquired headache.
Then came the computer time, minor house cleaning and thoughts of tomorrow when I just barely got home! It seems too cruel that I have to get up at 6:30am again tomorrow to go again, and then again, and then again, and then again only to have all of that add up to one week of work.
I hate to think about what's going to happen to my house.
- Tuesday we have a service project then a band concert, so I guess that night is shot.
- Wednesday I have a Relief Society dinner to attend (and somehow need to make a pie for that before hand, but really it needs to be made a day or two in advance for proper consistency).
- Thursday I have a photo shoot and a Primary training meeting.
- Friday I have a photo shoot.
- Saturday I have a funeral and a baptism to attend.
Sweet fancy Moses, how did this happen to me?
**How does everyone else handle all this?
Who is going to make dinner?
Shouldn't pedicures be included somewhere?**
Who is going to make dinner?
Shouldn't pedicures be included somewhere?**
Comment Window Tidbit: This morning I'm attempting to run to WalMart before work so I can get the Toy Story 3 combo pack and use my $8 off coupon. Am I insane?
31 comments:
{hugs}
thinking of you again today...
$8 OFF?!!@ You are not insane. That is totally worth getting up 20 minutes earlier!
Working life will be an adjustment. I don't know how people handle it all. Every time money gets tight and I think of going to work- it is this reality that keeps me from pursuing it. I do know that people handle it though. And you will figure out how to handle it!
A personal chef and a pedicure should absolutely be included in the price.
It's a challenge, to be sure.
You have to embrace the fact that you won't be able to get everything done. I'm reminded of the quote from Sister Beck on Michelle's blog where she says that there isn't enough time for a good woman to do every good thing that she wants to do. Not just the fun things, but the good things. Somethings will have to fall by the wayside. Don't beat yourself up about it. It's a matter of time being finite, not you're abilities.
Selfishly, I'm enjoying these 'starting a new job' posts. You're putting into words what I've always felt, but with your plain and clear Jill-ness.
It will get better, it will get better...
Welcome to my life. Add into the mix a spouse that isn't available to help consistently and there you go. The reason for my insanity!
You already are a rock star at planning, so it will just take a bit of an adjustment. Don't worry. You will get the hang of it in no time. And not having to worry as much about how to make ends meet will be worth it.
I say now that you're bringing in income you deserve a pedicure one Saturday a month, that's what I do!(Or I go on my lunch hour.)
You will adjust to the housework situation. If you aren't home during the day there won't be much mess to clean, and you can use the crock pot more for cooking. Try to make one or two casseroles each weekend or on Saturday/Sunday fix what your family will eat Monday night.
You can do this!
Imagine me going back to work soon with a newborn... see why I have to plan?!
You have been on my mind so such lately and I've been anxious to know how your return to the work force is going. I'm soooo happy that you feel like the school assistant job is a good fit for you--I'm sure it will be!
I don't know how women working outside of the home find their balance, their groove--but if anyone can do it you can--it just might take a bit to figure things out, so be kind to yourself as you adjust.
I agree with others about making freezer meals ahead of time or using your crock-pot as much as possible.
You will get used to it. I will admit that it took me a long time to get into a groove but it did happen. It sounds like your job will be a great fit for you.
As for meals, you have to plan ahead! Sometimes I make things ahead of time that can be baked later. Good luck!!
Oh Jill, I understand!! This was always my hard thing with working too....you just have to keep going and going and going....
but you will love it and your life will adjust. My mother in law went back to work about 5 years ago, she is an aid in a special needs class, and at first she thought she would HATE having to go every day and being away from all the things she had to do at home.
Turns out she LOVES it. Loves the women she works with, loves the social aspect, loves the kids, loves that it gets her going every day and her entire life is more organized because of it.
It just takes a little adjusting. Hope today is GREAT!!
Make a pie? Heavens no! Now you buy a pie at Marie Calendar's for $6.99. It's worth the $6.99 to make your life a little less crazy. When anyone asks you can explain that Sister Calendar was kind enough to make the pie for you. :)
BUY THE PIE!!!
You had another poster a few days ago who mentioned doing a little bit of housework errands everyday so you don't go crazy. Good Luck.
I obviously missed the post about where you got a job.
You are so right-the never-ending day after day of work really is the pits. That's why everybody's workin' for the weekend. (Which goes way too fast!) I agree that now is the time to streamline your obligations and take short-cuts. (I am trying to do that too because I feel like my hands are so full right now.) But that is SO much easier said than done! If you figure it out, please do a how-to post!
I have been wanting to comment lately because I can relate to what you are going through. I accidentally got a job teaching Jr. High Art(never intended to work much less teach,) and it is a huge adjustment. However, since we will be joining the $800 club in about a year and a half (two missionaries out at the same time. twins in our case.) I consider it a blessing to have a job at a school so I am home when my kids are home. The hardest part is giving up your alone/personal time.
Good luck, and try to keep blogging. That is another thing I have struggled to keep up with.
Oh, Jill. I completely understand. I so appreciated hearing Natasha's quote and TX?'s (can't remember the name)comment as well.
I plan my meals a week in advance...and the kids have to help me prepare it. Tuesday and Wednesday I work 12 hours so those are great crock pot days - or I make a big pan of enchiladas or something like that - that will last for 2 dinners.
My house is never as clean as I would like it. The laundry never seems to get completely done. Make sure you defend your time with your kids. You may have to opt out of things that you have volunteered to help with in the past...family first!
Hang in there - you're in my prayers. On the plus side...HOORAY FOR A NEW JOB!!
Life can be crazy and you have to deal with what life gives you. For me it is a not as clean of a house as I want, but I work full time and am taking about 10 credits at school this semester and plan on taking about 11 next semester. It can get really crazy with my 3 kids and my husband also going to school.
You do the best you can and don't worry about the appearance of things. If anyone complains then they can come and do it for you.
Sweet fancy Moses is right!
I have found that getting up before all of humanity to run errands before work is actually quite nice - the stores are empty and I feel like I have actually accomplished something before I even get to work.
Boy you've got your week cut out for you sister...but you will feel so accomplished when all is said and done!
It really does sound like your new job is a perfect fit. Do you work only when the kids are in school and get summers off? If so, you'll have 4 days off at Thanksgiving and then Christmas break, and summer! Hopefully that's enough motivation to keep things going!
This post made me want to laugh and cry, all at once. I feel quite sure that I too would have been surprised by the idea of having to go back every single day.
All I can say is, I'm so glad you don't have to work until 5:00! Think how much less time you'd have then.
Two photo shoots in one week?! At least that's more money coming in, right?
Pedis should be included. Definately.
When I worked full time, I did a few things. 1 was we got 4 moms together, we would each prepare 4 of the same meals that could be put in the freezer, every other Monday we would swap, so I'd come home with 4 meals in my freezer and we could eat left overs, breakfast for dinner, whatever, but after cooking for like an hour on a Saturday, I didn't have to cook every night. You just have to remember to take your meal out of the freezer in the morning so it thaws so you can cook it. Another think I did when a couple of those girls moved away was that on a Saturday I would make double recipes of 4-5 things and put them in the freezer. There are 4 people in my family, so making a 9X13 pan of lasagna doesn't make sense. I could make the same amount, cut it in half, freeze it and have two meals. When I did that with 4 go-to meals I had 8 dinners that again, took me roughly 2 hours to prepare. My kids love making pizza and the boboli pizza crust is a great alternative to me making home made crust. Every one gets to make their section the way they want it. n the freezer section, there is a new brand of stir fry called Contessa. It is really good food and its not terrible for you. Last, learn to love and use the crockpot. I got a cookbook called "Not your Mother's Crock Pot" or something like that and I really like it. I found that we eat a lot healthier when I can prepare in advance like that/
You'll get it down, I swear. Even now that I am home full time I still do some of the same food prep.
So this is a M-F job? Is it the whole school day? I can't wait to hear more about it.
GOOD LUCK!
Can I tell you how invigorating I've found this comment section to be? I don't think I've ever been this motivated reading a comment section before. It is such a comforting thing to know that you aren't alone in your particular struggles because they aren't that particular in the first place. And that there are solutions, and ways around problems, and things you can do to make your burdens lighter. Ah. I can do it...
I'm rededicating myself to life. I've needed this kick in the pants!
congrats on the job jill! I'm sure it is quite the adjustment after being home for so many years.
Honestly I don't know how people do it, but I know some that do it so well I wonder how I'm not getting more done. I think you are one of those woman...who can do it all. Everything you do is goal and have such a gift for time management. I'm sure it will be an adjustment for a while, but you will get the hang of it. And be teaching the rest of us how it's done.
congrats!!
I have to admit being mom, working and trying to do anything else is quite hard. I'm still trying to adjust and I'm only working part-time.
Hope you were able to pull of the $8 savings this morning. btw, where did that great coupon come from? What did I miss?
I think you might have to do crock pot dinners now...?
I do think that pedicures should be included! :-)
Hope your busy week runs smoothly
I agree with Michelle that this post made me want to laugh and cry. I will be watching you to see how you do it b/c I may be going back to work before too long.
You're right--the Every Single Day part of work is what makes it so stinkin hard. My hat goes off to working moms. I barely get dinner on the table and I have no excuse.
I'm with everyone else--buy the pie, schedule the pedicure--you need the reward!
I just went a little cross eyed at your schedule... and I have 4 kids! But just think of all the weight you might lose from the stress and not having time to eat. lol ;) When I started working, I lost 15lbs in the first two months while juggling work and 3 kids.
The crock pot is your best friend, dear. Especially until everybody adjusts to this chaos. Randy could even swing home on lunch to check it, see if temp/water need messing with.
Pedicures should always be included. ;)
Congratulations on your job! I loved working in a school. All that learning and edifying just speaks to my spirit!
But woah, it must be a bit stressful on the homefront. It'll be tricky at first, I'm sure, but then smooth out later. Stick with survival mode in the beginning, that's all I advise.
Good luck! Love, Bree
Oh Jill, the honesty in this post made me laugh.
The good news is we people are adaptable. Whether we like it or not, we adapt. Good luck!
"It turns out that having a job means you have to go there EVERY SINGLE DAY."
Oh Jill! You really made me smile with that one. I've worked since I was 15, with the exception of six years when I was able to stay home with my kids. I keep asking myself the same thing about going to work...EVERY SINGLE DAY?
Keep telling yourself, it's ok and just remember....you work at the school, you get summers off!
Congrats on your job. The kids and teachers are lucky to have you!
I will never forget the Sunday about 12 years ago when someone made the comment in RS about "time and a season"
The great thing about you Jill is that you can have no regrets.
When you had the time to keep your house at the top of it's game you did, you may not have the time now, because your energy will go elsewhere.
You have a new season for sure and you will be you, which is to make this Season the best of times!
ditto
That's great that you used the What About Bob reference!
Haven't you ever heard that expression that if you want to get something done, just ask a busy person?! You're going to do just fine, Jill...you're already organized and this new chapter in your life will only highlight that talent!
I've recently started working for Susan and wasn't sure how I was going to fit it all in...but knowing that I've got work committments helps me think ahead more than normal and I'm finding that I'm actually accomplishing more!!! What the? Yes! It's true!!! More!!!
So keep reminding yourself how wonderful you are, Bob er..I mean, Jill... tee hee
woops! I thought I was commenting on Monday's post...(I said I was getting a lot more accomplished lately, but I didn't say it was all going so well) hee hee
Anyway...what I was going to say about this post was...The pebble ice machine confirms that this job was meant for you!!!
Plus...hasn't being a mother prepared you for the "time to make the donuts" feeling? Day in...Day out...same old...same old?
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