Now that I’ve fully resigned myself to the fact that in just a little over a week I’ll be back to work full-time (granted, it’s two part-time jobs but I think combined they are going to add up to over full-time…) I’m attempting to brainstorm ways that I can make the transition less stressful.
My number one goal is to still be a full-time Mom to Bo. I still want to spend as much time as I can with him as he is my number one priority — job or no job.
I also do not want to outsource so much that it doesn’t make sense for me to work. Luckily, I think it would take a lot of outsourcing to make my pay become negative. For a frame of reference — we will be spending $200 a month on childcare which will come off the top of my salary. So we can definitely afford to outsource a few more things…
Here are my ideas to make the transition easier.
1. Hire someone to do a thorough cleaning every two weeks.
Cost – $100 a month.
Perks – While I’ll still have to straighten everything every day I can leave the big stuff — like the toilets and baseboards to someone else. It will also give me more time with Bo as when I am home I can focus more on him and less on cleaning the toilet. If you know me, you know I’m totally anal so house cleanliness is a big source of stress for me.
Negatives - Having someone else in my house. The thought that people will look down on me for doing this. My in-laws aren’t exactly ones to outsource — anything, ever — but then again my MIL stayed home when she had small children.
2. Only cook three times a week – making enough for two nights with each meal and eating out the other night.
Cost - No extra cost.
Perks – Instead of cooking 6 meals a week I’ll only cook three and then we will eat leftovers on the other night.
Negatives - That means eating leftovers 3 nights a week.
3. Do prep work and online class work after Bo is in bed. (I know there is going to be a ton more work than I can do in the amount of time I have. In the past I’ve gone in early but now that really isn’t an option.)
Cost – No extra cost.
Perks – Quiet time to work when the school is empty or the house is peaceful.
Negatives - No down time. No time to spend with Mike. Later bedtime. Less sleep.
What do you think of these ideas? Do you have any ideas that might help me? Those of you out there that are working moms, how do you make this work? Any and all suggestions appreciated.
childcare is only $200/month for you–WOW, cheap!! you should try paying for a daycare facility to watch your child. we pay $440/month for one toddler. the younger the child=high tuition.
here are some quotes from other mothers that i have taken from a website—-something to ponder the next time you think you need to clean your house….
"Cleaning the house while children are growing…is like shoveling the driveway before it stops snowing."
“A spotless home, I may never have, but the time spent with my son surpasses even the cleanest intentions.”
“I never heard anyone with grown children say "I wish I spent more time cleaning the house"."
“Childhood is short but so very sweet, it shouldn't be missed out on by parents because they're too busy scrubbing every little nook and cranny.”
“I don't have a dirty house. I have a house that I have deliberately not cleaned in order to give my children a controlled environment in which to improve their immune systems! Too much cleaning is bad. Ditch the duster and have fun with your little ones – cleaning can wait until another time…”
if hiring a maid is your decision, GREAT! that's something that will help your family. WHO CARES WHAT OTHER PEOPLE WILL THINK. remember when some of your friends told you that when you were talking about the wedding trip with Bo? this is your life, this is Mike's life and this is Bo's life. make decisions on what's best for you as a family.
Also–in closing——
Make time for "YOU & MIKE" make sure you're happy and make sure mike is happy….in the bedroom.
My house has gone to hell in a handbasket and most of the time I don’t care. If I could afford to hire someone I would. Go for it!
I think these are excellent ideas.
I had another one about meals, what about sharing with another family two nights? You could cook one night for both families and them the next. This way you wouldn’t have as many leftovers.
Hi Jamie!
When I was working I would cook 3 times a week too. And instead of just plain leftovers, I would make something else out of the leftovers. So cook a roast in the crock pot (btw I used the crockpot probably 2 times out of the 3 i cooked!) Then instead of just leftover roast the next day, you can make tacos out of the meat, or BBQ. Just change it a little.
I also froze meals. I did good for awhile and would brown or boil like 6 pounds of lean beaf, that way when you want to use it, that part is already done. Or when I would make a lasagna, I would make TWO and freeze one for the next time. You can freeze all kinds of main dishes.
It worked great for us. We were gone 11 hours a day with a 40 minute drive to work. We would come home to dinner all ready to eat, no real prep time for me!
As far as cleaning.. when I was working, I would and still do spot clean every day. The on Sundays that was my cleaning day and daddy’s day with the boys… well a few hours. He would take the boys one and one out and I had the house to myself to clean!
Good Luck!