Working this week but I don't have time for it

[fondoutcheese]

I have so much to do to prepare for Christmas next week. I just don't have time for work. I'm FT and cant afford to take any time off.

I am WAH today, just sitting staring ay my PC looking at all the things around me that need doing. They are within arms reach ... but I cannot get to them due to work. Sigh.

Christmas is the same date every year, it’s not like it’s a surprise. Next year start your prep earlier.

This year, what you have on your list won’t take long. Just prioritise the most important ones, the what doesn’t get done, doesn’t get done. The world won’t end.

I 100% feel this way this week.
Work is slow but I still have alot of admin stuff to do. Even if I was to WFH I wouldn't do much other than load the dishwasher or washing machine to put on while making a cup of tea as obviously I AM WORKING!

My evenings are a fine balance of normal weekly household admin/cleaning and Christmas prep. And I am very organised usually. This year I admit I have not been as organised.

My haircut is most defiantly not happening before Christmas. Usually I only have it done at Christmas so that is sad.

My Christmas hit list this week is:
Tonight - Write cards and post at the local post box! Put the kitchen Christmas bits out that are still in the box under the table 2 weeks after coming out of the loft!
Thursday - nothing as we are out at a Christmas activity from 4-9pm. Silverstone Lap of lights whoop whoop
Friday - write the food list for 23rd to 28th, Wrap DH's presents.
Saturday - busy all day and evening so nothing
Sunday - busy all day and evening so nothing
Monday - Christmas activity day with the kids - wrap stocking fillers evening
Tues - 6am food shop before activities with kids. Evening, check everything is done
Wed - WORK erg!

And that is just christmas not normal household thing!

Same. I only have Sunday off now til Christmas Day.
I have no idea when I’m going to get anything done.

This is why I love WFH

Laptop on, answering emails when they come in whilst doing all the house stuff with Christmas movies on in the background ☺️

Most Of these things are online that can be done after work or during your lunch break.

I think you’re being a bit insensitive.

You WFH, so in the time it takes for most people to commute you could have half the things on your list done.
You also have a DH who can do half of those things or watch the kids whilst you do a late night shop.

I get that you’re just venting but your Christmas seems very easy compared to many people on here who don’t have a partner or WFH.

once DCs tutor leaves at lunchtime ..I will then be doing the same @havingoneofthosedays I now have one important task I need to do today for work .. it is tricky and complex but not necessarily too time consuming, I just need to methodically work through the steps for it. Tackling it head on to get it out of the way

Thank you for taking care of the animals, not just at Christmas but every day. My girl is getting her teeth cleaned in the New Year 🥴

@Moontwigdotcom

Thank you for caring for the animals, that also goes to all the services that have to work over the festive period. Very grateful 🙏🏻

I dunno why people moaning about the WFHers doing Christmas stuff think any more working is going on in offices.

I work for the emergency services and even we're sat here playing bingo, decorating our Christmas trees and writing a Christmas quiz to do on Christmas day after we've had our Christmas dinner. It's just the time of year isn't it, everyone in a festive mood and no one really feeling like being nose-to-the-grindstone all day long.

@fondoutcheese

Absolutely get that work task done! Then try tackling your Christmas list bit by bit, loads of good tips on the thread.

I recommend a C5 Hallmark movie on the background, not much thinking needed for those ones

@JudgeBread

Thank you to you and your colleagues at the emergency services. Lovely to hear that you are able to participate in some festive activities whilst in the workplace!

Can you not make a list for things that could be done in your lunch hour?

I WFH but am currently ill so couldn't give a flying fig about anything that needs doing, I am just laying over my laptop and dealing with essential stuff.

Everything else can all wait until the weekend (thankfully the kids gifts are all purchased and wrapped and food shop ordered for 24th - anything else I achieve will be a bonus)

I’m in working, though there’s hardly anyone here. I’m busy doing nothing. I use the term working loosely 😂 There is nothing to do. I’m glad it’s my last day and I’m back 5th January.

You obviously have so little regard for your work as you’re on Mumsnet instead of working?

This is exactly why WFH workers are being pulled back in to the office, because you’re not paid to create posts on Mumsnet.

Just crack on with your list of non-work related things to do, may as well be productive in one way rather than wasting a day on SM, and just hope your boss doesn’t find out 🙄

I should have broken up Monday til Boxing Day but I covered someone’s shift yesterday,so today is my first day off. It’s taken me 2 hours to wrap everything that I’d stashed away!
My house is now a complete state & I need to foodshop as well. I’ve got a presentation evening tomorrow for middle child’s A level certificates & about 12 loads of laundry to put away….I’m currently making coffee 😆☕️

Just do what you need to do at home. If there is nothing for you to be working on work wise - then just go do a task, then check on you laptop fur messages or anything else that’s come in that you should be doing. Manage your time and workload - there is no need for you to sit looking at a screen with nothing to do.

Omg this is me. I’m staring at my laptop trying to work but my mind is everywhere - so failing on all fronts! No leave left, work FT, three kids (and stockings to organise), travelling to family at the weekend for Xmas week and need to get sorted. DH super stressed with his job and incapable of being much help.

Fast forward to the evening and grand plans to organise but I’m usually shattered after various taxiing, cooking, cleaning up, prepping for leaving super early for office tomorrow.

And because I’m so stressed and unfocused I’m now looking for distraction and replying to a Mumsnet thread 😂😂. My own worst enemy but I think the stress makes me spiral…

I suppose I’m writing this in solidarity -you are not alone! And you’ve reassured me a bit that I’m not - thank you!

The obvious solution is get off your phone…

Some employers encourage you to make the most of the quieter times - mine does, as long as you're getting stuff done that needs to be done. There are plenty of times when it's manic and we're working extra (unpaid) hours.

People are often aghast at the mention of unpaid overtime on here, but sometimes the job doesn't fall into you contract hours. The expectation you get your shit done past your clock-off time is counter-balanced by taking a long lunch or taking it easier during quiet periods.

Just shows who has the shoulder the burden of Xmas then, doesn’t it. While men just turn up on the day!

You better hurry up and finish the shopping or it won’t get delivered in time. Better organisation sounds like it would have been key in this case!

The struggle is real! Hope you enjoyed your coffee and some breathing space!

You know they get paid!

Yeah because no one ever looks at their phones when they’re in the office 🙄🤦🏻‍♀️

I've said a couple of times today how much I hate this week in Christmas. I still have a until the 23rd at work for which I will have to work which is going very slowly even working from home - and yes it would go slowly if I was in the office although might be more nibbles and fun. I spent my lunch break yesterday getting jobs done - and yes that's my hours lunch break that work expect to take for the wfh haters.
When I close my laptop I will still have some stuff to do and the list feels endless. Christmas feels further away than it did at the start of December.