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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To wonder how the buggering hell

36 replies

karmacoma1 · 01/12/2017 07:15

Working parents cope with work after a really bad night with DC?

Teething 8 month old means I’ve had barely an hours sleep. I have a job interview at 11.

I have to drop her off at my dads 40 mins away, then drive another 30 mins to interview, somehow perform, drive back, collect DD and come home.

Parents do this everyday - any tips? Seriously feel like I could just fuck it all off and melt into the sofa.

OP posts:
Pickleypickles · 01/12/2017 07:16

I sympathise, i usually find after half an hour and a cup of tea the head fog starts to lift 🙂

Whyamistillawake · 01/12/2017 07:17

It's just shit! Are you on your own? I had DH to share the load but I still have about six months after I went back to work after DD that I barely remember. You get used to it and also nights like that yet increasingly rare.

Kentnurse2015 · 01/12/2017 07:17

You just do what you have to do! It's shit I know!

Lovelilies · 01/12/2017 07:17

You just get used to it.
I actually find a day at work easier than being at home with the DC Wink

kimlo · 01/12/2017 07:18

long term? Coffee, routine and going to bed early.

For you today, coffee.

FittonTower · 01/12/2017 07:18

Coffee, sugar and you get used to it! Mine generally sleep through now but it took both of them until they were two and I went back to work when they were 18 months old.
When they have a bad night now and I have to go into work I really struggle, I don't know how I did it every day but I did. You just manage.
Sorry, not very helpful. With a job interview the adrenaline should get you through and the you can rest at least. Good luck x

Cleanermaidcook · 01/12/2017 07:18

Coffee x hope your interview goes well.

DeriArms · 01/12/2017 07:18

No tips (not a parent) but just to wish you good luck. Get some coffee, power through. Can you grab a power nap in the afternoon before picking her up?

FittonTower · 01/12/2017 07:19

18 months old? I wish. 10 months old!

Original poster
karmacoma1 · 01/12/2017 07:22

Thank you for the well wishes and responses.
I will take heed and go to the Starbucks drive thru I normally drive past!

OP posts:
BillywilliamV · 01/12/2017 07:22

Have you watched "The Living Dead" on the TV, thats how we do it. Lots of gurning, lurching and eye-rolling.

and caffeine of course.

P1nkSparkles · 01/12/2017 07:22

Literally you just survive... adrenaline, coffee and colleagues who empathise and have your back help.

Good luck with your interview. As others have said the adrenaline will probably help!! Xx

overnightangel · 01/12/2017 07:23

Good luck with your interview! 🙂

Moanyoldcow · 01/12/2017 07:36

Like PP said you just get used to it and employ the help of caffeine, sugar and codeine.

My son didn't start sleeping through until he was about 3/4 and I went back to work when he was 1. It was hell for a couple of weeks and now I'm used to it. Still not 'fun' though!!

Moanyoldcow · 01/12/2017 07:37

And good luck!

Zogthebiggestdragon · 01/12/2017 07:39

Go for a coffee but why not have a towel or something in the car with you to cover your interview outfit? Looks ridiculous but guarantee that you won't have to turn up knackered AND covered in coffee!

Good luck in the interview.

GetOffTheTableMabel · 01/12/2017 07:40

I will t to the Starbucks drive-thru
Have you on got a travel coffee mug. It think Starbucks will give you 50p off and the rigid travel mugs are less likely to spill. Or ask them not to overfill - maybe have a medium size drink in a large cup? You will feel worse if you arrive at your interview with coffee down your front!
Good luck!

Zogthebiggestdragon · 01/12/2017 07:41

Ha, cross post with spill avoidance advice!

NoCryingInEngineering · 01/12/2017 07:47

Another vote for coffee here. Also, find a sacrificial jumper/fleece you can put on over your interview clothes so that hopefully any baby slime won't get on your good outfit.

Good luck!

yorkshapudding · 01/12/2017 07:47

You cope because you have to. Sorry, I know that's not particularly helpful but it's true. It's crap but you just have to get on with it.

My DD was a great sleeper initially but then when she was about 13 months old she suddenly stopped requiring sleep. For about 12 months (actually may have been closer to 18) we were both working full time (DH with a 1.5hr each way commute) on 2-4 hours sleep a night most nights, sometimes less. We were basically zombies. I look back and wonder how we managed but we did because we had no choice.

She sleeps well now but I live in fear that it will all go tits up again.

RefuseTheLies · 01/12/2017 07:50

I have a fairly substantial red bull addiction.

extinctspecies · 01/12/2017 07:52

My DH taught me the I had the option to "tough it out" when I was exhausted.

I find it really helpful. You can get through anything like this as long as it's a relatively short time.

Then when you get home - flop.

You will be fine. Coffee. Good luck.

liquidrevolution · 01/12/2017 07:53

MacDonald breakfasts and a shit load of tea.

It's horrible.

Good luck in interview!

Unexpectedbaby · 01/12/2017 07:54

Coffee, lots of coffee!

Oh and I end up in bed by 9:30 at the latest every weekend.

LoopyLou1981 · 01/12/2017 07:55

You really do just get used to it. I don’t know what sort of work you do but I work in an office and it’s easier to do a day there with no sleep than it is spending a day looking after the kids!
And, as everyone else has said, coffee!!
Good luck with your interview xx

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