Is there anyone who'd like to share the trials and tribulations of working full-time?

[Ladylay]

I love perusing MN in my lunch-hour . But there dont seem to be any threads for those of us who are in full-time work whilst bringing up a family.

Whilst I share a load of the same concerns as SAHM's and part-time workers, I also have different stuff to deal with, like just trying to get everyone out the bloody house in the morning on time!! ahem. And wondered if anyone fancied comparing notes, advice etc?

How's all the working mums today?
My dd2 has a cold and cough so is having a day at home with me whilst I attempt to work from home. It's the usual chaos and I'm not getting a lot done, I know I'll be working this evening to make up for it. And I'm feeling very sorry for myself as I have same cough and cold but can't take the day off.

we like to think it's DD who chose her bedtime. Today she got up at 6:30am.

We recently did a trip to the UK and despite initially going to bed at 8pm due to the time difference she had worked her way back to 5pm by the end of the first week.

I've heard about a potential part time job that might be coming up, so fingers crossed. They're putting in the funding application in the next few weeks, so it will be a couple of months before they hear anything.

Our house simply runs by the minimum possible. DH doesn't understand cleaning.

So was having a lovely morning and then... the car broke down - luckily after I'd done the DSs' drop offs - but it only takes one cog to go and the whole system seems to fall apart, doesn't it? Was rescued by lovely local garage who are fitting a new alternator today so I can have the car back tomorrow, think it may need replacing soon though which will take up the extra money DH has been earning by doing more hours at work - was hoping to save that for a trip to Florida next year... ho hum.

Can I join?

I only have one DS who's 13 months. I work FT.

My days goes like this.

Up 6.30am
Shower
6.45am DS up / dressed
7.05 leave home. 5mn drive (I know that I'm lucky to have a short commuting)
7.30 DS at nursery
7.45 - 4pm work
4.10 pick up DS
4.30 home
5.15 DS bath
5.45 DS dinner
6.15 DS in bed
7pm dinner for me and DH
9pm bedtime!

I like to think I have a well organised messy day! My main issue been a FT working mum is to care for DS when he's sick and nursery won't take him. DH is self employed so he can't take the time off. I know that by July I'll have to take unpaid leave when he won't be able to go to nursery.

Hello anniemac and mwah to foxinsocks! Yes we bought a house a last, a gorgeous thatched farmhouse, we love it! Nice to see you both.

I have been offered the chance to do a project and have just seen an amazing nanny.

But I don't know what to do. Swan around a bit longer or take a job. It's full-time or nothing for me unfortunately.

Can I ask what was your settling in period like with a nanny. Did you do a few hours for a few weeks or jump right in?

Dunno if I have any tips. I've spent the previous 14 years just muddling through.

Oh one thing that helps re the morning rush is not allowing any TV until the children are clean and dressed and bags are packed.

Another tip of mine is never ever to clean or do chores at the weekend. Except for cooking, which I enjoy and isn't much of a chore. So all cleaning and clothes washing and tidying happens in the week. Weekends are for drinking socialising, i reckon

So tired today - came home early as had to do 2 hr conf call which finished at 6:30pm. Then had a call at 8pm for half an hour with my boss in the states. In the meantime, hoovered the floor and mopped. Tonight it seemed really hard..... Other days though - I feel like it is a piece of cake

It's the end of the week thing, maybe? I find I have less stamina now than I used to - always used to be a breeze - now I definitely feel the end of the week

work ft,get up silly o'clock and am queen routine and preparation
pack all stuff night before
make lunches night before
iron and hang up week worth clothes for me and dc.
lay out all outfits and accessories
my work bag packed night before
work phones,ipad ,ipod charged overnight
shower to make up in 15min
batch cook and freeze meals.portion up for reheat-take out night before regaet in micro

havent a clue what folk on about when talk about mummy guilt.im not guilty at enjoying work and being provider

I agree Quattrocento. I had an overnight overseas this week as well which adds to it. In order to do my job sometimes it is a complete juggling exercise - wonderful nanny/husband help!

I don't or can't compartmentalise. Calls get taken at home, reports get brought home, equally I take random hours off during the working day to attend to medicals, hairdresser, dentist etc.

QC - snap. Do exactly the same. Do get some horrified looks from friends sometimes - but I like the flexibility

Thanks Anniemac, the timing is a bit out so might not be possible. Just saw a girl from your neck of the woods. Really nice too. Funny isn't it how one can decide hmm yes or umm no within first 30 seconds. Am very happy to know that when I do a project there are great people out there.

Yes that's what I thought, she could stay with family until something comes up. I think she really liked ds2 so could be good!

The only thing is she has her own child. 2 1/2 year old. I worry a little that he falls in the middle and may change the dynamic? And the rate is £80 per day (she was on £90 a few years ago pre-dc) does that sound reasonable do you think? It does mean I can't do nanny-share/

thanks ok will do