Busy job and 4 kids!

[Millbank82]

Hi all, I’m looking for all your best tips and advice to help me get my life better organised and get the most out of it. I have four kids 14,11,7 and almost 2. I work 30 hours a week over 4 days and do a couple of on call shifts. I work in a very stressful, busy job in the NHS. My husband is working crazy hours at the moment in his job. We don’t want to reduce our hours as we have decided to try and fund some big holidays this year after the loss of a friend made us think about what we want to focus on.

I just need to get organised! I need to be better at home with the simple things like cleaning, ironing, getting the kids helping out etc, etc. I don’t have any routines with these things and I’m never on top of it. I’m also SHOCKING with money and need to get organised here.

Has anyone got any good tips to help us juggle our busy life better? Thanks xx

Hi @Millbank82. I’ve only got 2 DC but hoping to have a third so am also trying to get organised and make life easier so will follow with interest!

I’ve found batch cooking super helpful. I freeze things like spag Bol, casseroles, risotto etc in portion sizes depending on who it’s for and then pop it in the freezer so we always have home cooked meals even on days where we’re late home etc.

in terms of finances, I would definitely recommend you start with working out your income and outgoings. I use a spreadsheet and so I include an element of savings as a ‘bill’ which helps me put the money away when I get paid. Like you, I do 4 days but work full-time over those 4 days although looking to reduce to 30 hours soon.

I also think it’s important to have some down time otherwise you will feel overwhelmed and burn out! It’s the folding of the washing I hate!

How did you get on @Millbank82 ?

What worked?

we're very disorganised. We have a family diary in the kitchen and our lives are highly scheduled but aside from that it's chaos 😉