How does everyone else with kids manage to work and NOT feel permanently knackered, or am I just feeble?

[DaisyM]

Just started new job, 3 days a week. Previously worked 4 days a week and found it to much, was permanently knackered and had no time for daughter when got in from work. Thought working 3 days a week would be better, would have more energy, feel less tired and generally be a new woman! But no... still feel knackered, infact almost fell asleep at work yesterday. Dont understand how others cope with more than one children and expecially those that work fulltime. Feel really feeble, I have no reason to complain because I'm lucky that I only have to work 3 days (had to cut back on lots of luxuries but made the decision it would be worth it)but interested to know if its just me struggling with this permanent exhaustion or if everyone else is superwoman! I spend a total of 2.5hrs each day commuting to work and have a long walk from the station to office but surely this isnt making me so tired, its not like I spend all day on my feet at work either, I get to sit in a nice comfy office.

I think the new job is making me more knackered, am finding it incredibly stressful and to be honest not sure I've made the right decision which is causing me to lie awake at night with regrets. The new job is an even further walk from the station would you believe so have bought an oyster card, just cannot manage it after only a week. Having to get up much earlier to accomodate new job too, was out of the house at 6.30 am and sat down in my office at about 8.15, felt so angry when I finally got to work that I have to put myself through this each day just to put food on the table. Lost it a bit with my husband last night, said I cant go on like this and even a 3 day working week is to much for me when I want to be at home with my dd. Feel resentful that I am stuck with this commute which is stupid but there are NO local jobs at all. The only ray on the horizon is my dh might get a pay rise so will help financially but cannot reduce hours in new job as just started! Had the conversation again about selling the house and renting closer to london but dh wont have any of it. So depressing.

Daisy - and everyone - it sounds like we are all living in a nightmare. I have to say I think your dh is being a bit unreasonable to say moving closer to London is out of the question. On the other hand, this is only week one, maybe give it some time to bed in and see how things go? That length of commute would do my head in, I have to say.

I was going to say smugly that ooh I wasn't that tired...

...and then I realised that I am thinking of going to bed really quite soon

Daisy I hope you work things out for you.

Perhaps think of other areas of your life you could make easier... and see how you manage after a limited time. Talk to DH and discuss how long you both agree to try this way of life out for.

Do you just have one DD? Do you want more? perhaps in a three months or years time you may feel differently. if you don't i think then is a time to plan a change.

Good luck!

Re-read what I wrote yestedday and feel like a right moaner! I should stop complaining as after all, I only have to do the commute 3 days a week and I know others do it for 5 days and have it much worse. Going to try and focus on the positive ie not in work tomorrow so can have a mini rest at home!

Only have the one dh would love more but know with the commute and current way of life couldnt manage with 2. However, it may be that I go ahead and try for another baby and then after maternity leave re-think job/where we live etc.

Thanks for everyones replies, so great to know I am not alone!