Thursday, January 8, 2009

Creative Thinking Helps Working Moms With Time Management

By Craig Calvin

Today's working mother faces challenges that stay at home mothers don't face. Between a professional career, being a mother and a wife, a working mother is required to multitask and do it well. But which part of her life should take priority? She wants and needs her career, often to help with household finances. But children do grow up quick and time spent working is time spent away from them during their formative years.

And then there's the role of wife who is responsible for taking care of the household, with an endless list of errands and chores. Meals need to be planned and cooked, dishes need to be done, and a never ending pile of laundry waits to be done. In the middle of all this, there almost never seems to be time for the woman. Well there are some things that can possibly make life easier. Ask your employer about job sharing. This is a concept that has grown popular over the last several years. It basically amounts to two people sharing one job.

Commonly, job sharing is a three/two, two/three work schedule, alternating from week to week. This solution will allow the wife some extra time, even though it does involve a loss of some income. Mothers groups are also an excellent solution. Moms can take turns sharing taxi services, babysitting, and even grocery shopping. These are a few quick and easy options that can ease the stress and give a working mother time to exhale.

Consider taking a business like approach to your home. Work is a lot less crazy when you're organized, right? Many working moms are starting to run their homes like a business - right down to utilizing an 'inbox' for important school papers and bills. Your Blackberry, Palm or cellphone/electronic planner can be a lifesaver when it comes to organizing your busy schedule.

The husband can certainly contribute also, whether it is taking out the trash, or picking up socks. For some, this will be more of a challenge than for others. He may not sweep or fold towels, but surely there's something he would be willing to contribute that would ease your stress and allow you some personal time.

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