Welcome, readers! I considered posting this to my parenting blog, but really it's more of a personal life thing, so I thought I'd share here.
I've been a work from home Dad now for a little over a year and a quarter, and it's taken a lot of adjusting! People just don't realize how time intensive being at home and taking care of kids, especially while trying contribute monetarily.
Yesterday, I decided to let work take a bit of a back burner since this is the slow season on the month before things get busy, to focus on household, kids, chores, etc. You know, the typical house wife thing. To track my progress and account for my time I used a mobile app (also has a desktop application) called Toggl. It's really fantastic and the free! You can learn more about it here: https://toggl.com/
In about a 12 hr time-frame (after breakfast and morning routine but ending at bedtime routine) I tracked every single time I switched gears or changed tasks, and the split time investment in doing everything a stay at home body does without leaving any of it for their spouse was STAGGERING! View below:
I've been a work from home Dad now for a little over a year and a quarter, and it's taken a lot of adjusting! People just don't realize how time intensive being at home and taking care of kids, especially while trying contribute monetarily.
Yesterday, I decided to let work take a bit of a back burner since this is the slow season on the month before things get busy, to focus on household, kids, chores, etc. You know, the typical house wife thing. To track my progress and account for my time I used a mobile app (also has a desktop application) called Toggl. It's really fantastic and the free! You can learn more about it here: https://toggl.com/
In about a 12 hr time-frame (after breakfast and morning routine but ending at bedtime routine) I tracked every single time I switched gears or changed tasks, and the split time investment in doing everything a stay at home body does without leaving any of it for their spouse was STAGGERING! View below:
Now, imagine if everything pulling at your attention was termed by client's.
Work, Kids, and Meal-times ALONE was an 8 hour day. Don't get me wrong, I'm not usually this organized or proactive spread during the day, but just tracking and running the numbers helps me realize, that by continuing to do so would VASTLY reduce my amount of stress with increase productivity, having less to worry about and knowing exactly what I've put my time and attention into. Also it allows for better planning to make sure that priorities are being met with skillful response, instead of frantic reaction.
Most know the value of a budget and the peace of mind and discipline it gives one's self over their finances. The time has come to budget my time better, and make the most of this Work/Life balance struggle!
Also, if you know a Mom who stays at home with the kids, and tries to work on the side, or especially a single mom (or dad for that matter) working from home. Go give them a hug and tell them they ARE enough, and that they are doing awesome! More is done behind the scenes that most will ever realize!
