freelancers' watercooler: anyone else feel like they don't have a "proper" job?

[hatwoman]

I feel in need of a multiple water cooler rant...please join in

summer holidays: juggling and muddling, falling behind, not doing anything properly. I'm so ready for term to start...can't believe it's another week

dh's climbing trip and my deadlines: just as the school holidays ends and I should be able to back to normal routine (working full day Mon and Thur, school hours the other days) dh is going off climbing for a week. I have two deadines in 3 weeks' time, one of which involves standing up infront of a load of people and talking about the work I've been doing over the summmer

wishing I had a proper job: oh I know all the pluses but I just want an office and colleagues and working hours and child care.

please talk to me and tell me I'm not alone

It doesn't help that my sister is only 30!!!

We are having a short break in Edinburgh as a family between Christmas and NYE and BF and I are going for a spa day next month as it falls between both our 40ths - how about you, have you made any plans?

Well DH told me to 'leave it to him' but I'm not holding out big hopes. Perhaps a small party in January when all the Christmas excitement has died down.

Oooh I wonder what he has planned for you?
DH turned 40 in May and we had a small party, it was great fun.

On a different note I just don't seem to be getting much done this week work wise, so far its been a case of one step forward and ten steps back!

I didn't have a party for my 40th as it was in the middle of the financial meltdown and we work in financial services mostly so it was miserable work wise and there was no cash to spare.

I am planning a "halfway to 90" party for my 45th to compensate.

I picked up another client yesterday. Went to volunteer some time for a local charity and came out with a training booking and a new coaching client!

I am currently on here avoiding writing the copy for my new website. I may have to farm this out. I just can't do it. No idea why - I can wrrte courses, presentations, anything really. Just not this.

What's worse is I can hear my own coaching questions going round in my head!!

Gaaaah!

Hello everyone, I'm up at 6.30am doing an hour's work before the DSs have to get up for school (well, not DS3 but he gets up anyway) because I have my weekly coffee with my mummy friends from school today. Oh the joys of freelancing! I love my Thursday coffee catch up with those guys but I hate the fact that I still have to get work done, it just has to fit around things like this.

Helengrace I love the idea of half way to 90 party! I want one too if I don't get to do anything much for this one.

Helenagrace A 45th is definitely in order!

I'm finding myself in a strange situation this week! DS has started secondary school and this is the first time in 8 years that I haven't had to do the school run (other than school hols). My working days have suddenly got longer which is great as I'm no longer having to work into the evenings, however it is taking some re-adjusting.

Becky Enjoy your coffee!

I'm having a day off tomorrow as I'm taking DM and MIL out for lunch

Morning chaps. The end of my 90,000-word document is in sight - am having a celebratory cuppa. Just 21 pages of references to get through....arg!
Had a nice morning though - took the toddler down to the river to dispose of stale bread to ducks. She thought is was hilarious which reminded me that the pour soul has not done many proper-toddler activities! I am watching a friend applying and interviewing for jobs to fit around the school day, and reminding myself that all the stress my work currently causes the household is worth it if I don't have to go through all that in the future. Am playing the long game :)

I'm cold. There are times when I wish I worked in a nice centrally-heated office. I could put the heating on but it seems too early to!

I've got decorators in so rads off the wall so no heating!

Helen : DH and I had a joint 45th party (90 not out) in early summer. It was GREAT. Friends old and new, kids as waiting staff, mucho silliness. Cannot wait till we turn 50 - but 20th wedding anniversary comes sooner and is another good excuse

Whee! Large piece of work finished this morning, 2 days ahead of deadline . Celebrated w wine and roast chicken :) Might interact with family now.

Hello everyone! Another week... Monday is a slow work day for me as I help out at a toy library / toddler group in the morning and go to Zumba, DH being around willing, in the early evening. I've got stacks to do as well. Ho hum. I've had a lovely weekend, went to visit my oldest friend (known her since I was five). I hope everyone is ok, working hard?

Hello all, I'm earwigging at the moment. Work full time, but not for myself at the moment. Am currently gaining new skills and hoping to planning on starting my own consultancy in the next year. Preferably before my big 4-0.

Unfortunately, I'll have to start off by fitting it in after normal work hours but hopefully I'll be able to get it going.

enjoying reading all of your real world experiences. Congrats Helen!

Hi everyone,

I've been reading through your messages and can relate to some of the things you've said.

I'm actually employed full time but work from my home office. So I do have some of the structure in place but also with that comes the isolation of being on my own all day.

I have an 2 year old who stays with family or our childminder during the week. It is nice that I get to be with him before work and I'm always at home when he gets back. I have tried to work with him at home but it's sooo hard, and really don't want to dump him infront of the tv all day to get things done!!

My childminder is away next week for the school holiday week so having to change things around to look after him, thank god for family!!

Anyone here in the Leicestershire area?

I'm a freelance book editor (mainly education and travel) - I've been on mat leave, but am just getting back into things by working part-time (evenings and weekends) until DD starts nursery in Feb.
Lovely to find this thread (like I need any more distraction), and will read it properly now.

vme am in Leics too .

Hi grass - I'm a freelance editor too! Just getting back to working full time since my ds has just started school. Hope it goes well for you!

Not sure if we get any work done spending all this time at the watercooler :) But I love it.

I love what I do, and especially the family-work combination of it. But...it's sometimes hard to make it work. I have learned a lot though and am now rigorously efficient. Well..sort of. See also my blog on 10 commandments for Work At Home Mums at www.mumandcareer.co.uk/featured-2/

I am still experimenting with holidays, and for a while thought I was the only person who disliked long school holidays. What a relief to find you all do.

I no longer feel guilty about holidays, as I have decided that if I had a proper job I wouldn't have more than 5-6 weeks per year. Which is what I take now, and it's off to granny, daddy, summer club, joining me in grocery shopping, etc. on the other weeks. No guilt here!

Managing the husband is harder, he gets into the 'see you don't love me mode' if I refuse to do a '2-minute' job for him during the week. I think it'll be a while before we have that one sorted....

Please tell me what all these DD1, DD2, DH, e.tc