Hi, I am new here but this post sooo describes my life! I work about 22 hrs in the office and another 4 (or more) form home. I have a kead job in the office, so its parttime hiours, full time respopnsibily with 3 young children - its insane. I am actually getting to the end of my rope lately. Feels like i cant do well at home ( its a mess) or at work ( always stressed).

I currently work about 25 hours a week part-time. But, my boss wants me to work full-time. I work with 23 men and I'm the only working mother in the group. All of the men put in 60 hour work weeks. So, hence, now I'm being pressured to pull my weight. Both of my kids will be in elementary school starting in Sept. but I don't really want to pay for afterschool care for them and take away from our time together. Its a really tough situation to be a working mom in a "man's" world.

When I was expecting my first, my best friend (stay-at-home mom of 3) told me she hadn't really slept for 7 years (kids ages 7,5,2) and I said "not me" I will control my life, my children's sleep and have fulltime help since I will be working full time. Oh, what a laugh she had, she was soooo right and she is still my best friend! I now work part time, with baby #3 on the way (kids age 4 and 1.5), and if I get 5-6 hours of sleep in a row I am thrilled! The blog on outsourcing is valuable, we probably all need lessons on how to ask for help effectively! This site is great for realizing we are not alone!

Yes, we're all exhausted. When my kids were still both in diapers, I became a single mom and full time student. I've been really poor for six years and take on part time writing/research gigs to make up money. However, I have more time with the kids and manage to have a relatively clean home and home-cooked meals. Albeit, I forsake sleep just like you and my face is really showing it. I hate that we work more hours than most people but this is the result of us not banning together and demanding better policy. We shouldn't be so tired, its killing us all. Forums like this may help us gain some self-confidence and start changing things so our daughters don't suffer sleep deprivation someday.

I know how you feel. It is a lot for someone to do. Do you work at home? I myself am trying to somehow find a way to work from home also. I am expecting my second child and I have a 2 1/2 year old. I also am a full time student online. It is impossible for me to get everything I want done in one day. I wake up and get my son settled with some breakfast and a little tv. While he's doing that I try to clean up around the house as much as I can in 30 minutes. Whatever doesn't get done just stays that way. The next time you may have some time to do other household stuff is when they take a nap. 45 minutes goes a long way when you are going at it!. I love laundry, because thats easy. The machines do everythin for you. Good luck on balancing your schedule. Just relax, because you are only one person!

I work part-time (20 hours a week in a managerial role in an office). I have to be really conscious and not work when I am not in the office. That's the only way I can make it work. I'm not being paid to work outside the office, so I really try and keep it that way. It is definitely a struggle as I am the type that likes to get things done and have ideas when I'm not at work. But after doing this for almost 7 years I think I am finally getting it right.

I used to work part-time but for the last two years have returned to the 40+ hour work week. Honestly, I feel like I work the same amount as I did but I earn double the money. Trying to a balance part-time job and kids and the house and my own sanity felt like more work than having dedicated office hours full-time.