A bit of background, I have a child with special needs (14 yo), I gave up my job years ago because of the career I was in, it was impossible to get time off for appointments, looking after DC when ill etc. I always thought that as time goes on I’ll get some part of my life back but DCs needs seemed to have increased.
I work within the family business now so it’s more flexible but I’m finding it so difficult. The job itself is demanding but trying to be a “carer”, mum and looking after the house seems near impossible.
I have tried meal planning but I don’t know if I’m just stupid but I overthink it so much that it becomes overwhelming. I can’t grasp how cooked chicken can still be eaten (if kept in the fridge) after 3 days (I panic and overthink it that someone will get ill), how do people make it look so easy, they cut lettuce and it doesn’t brown, mines soggy and browning by day 2!
I come home from work at about 5.00pm and this week has been manic so we’ve had nothing but takeaway all week, actually most weeks have at least 70% takeaways. The house is a state, DH takes care of the kitchen throughout the week and will put a wash in when we’re not rushing out the door or so shattered from work.
I don’t have a tumble drier so we have to make time to go to the laundrette which makes it so much harder (can’t always dry clothes outside, I definitely took advantage of the heatwave though).
I just feel so overwhelmed by everything, I feel like everyday is a fight to achieve something that isn’t possible. I don’t have any family around to help so it is just me and DH supporting each other. I’ve had enough of eating so unhealthy and it really isn’t good for DC, I just can’t juggle it all. I love my job and it’s great not only for my MH but also for the business, giving up work isn’t an option but carrying on like this isn’t either.
Anyone actually managed to achieve a balance?
So not to drip feed, I also have ADHD, it’s well controlled by medication but it does mean that I get very overwhelmed very quickly and doubt everything that I do.