How Do You Do It?!?

This is a question that I hear quite frequently.  The reality is pretty simple- everything just seems to work out.

What am I talking about?  Well, in case you're not a regular over on my Facebook page, you might not know that I'm a bit of an overachiever perfectionist with OCD tendencies.  Yikes!

I have two jobs, work the equivalent of 60 hours each week and homeschool in addition to being Wife and Mom.  I'm pretty busy.  Ok- I am very busy.  Many of you have asked how this is even possible and want to know how you can do this too.  So today I thought I would share with you my typical weekly schedule.


Monday
10-Noon Homeschool Classes- away from home
Noon-2pm Errands
2-8pm Customer Service (Job #1) while doing homeschool lessons with kiddo

Total = 6 hours work
             4 hours homeschooling


Tuesday
9-8pm Job #1 at home while doing homeschool lessons with kiddo

*This is the day I also schedule all appointments as needed.  I'm talking- doctor visits, dog grooming, orthodontist etc.

Total = 11 hours work
             2 hours homeschooling


Wednesday
10-Noon Homeschool Classes- away from home
1-5:30pm Job #1 while doing homeschool lessons with kiddo at home
6-7pm Karate at YMCA
7-9pm Open Swim at YMCA, about every other week

Total = 4.5 hours work
             6 hours homeschooling
             

Thursday
9-4pm Job #1 at home while doing homeschool lessons with the kiddo
12:30-2:30pm Homeschool Classes at YMCA, drop off & come home to work
5pm-11pm  Administrative Assistant (Job #2)- away from home

Total = 13 hours work
             4 hours homeschooling


Friday
9-4pm Job #1 at home while doing homeschool classes
5pm-Midnight Job #2, every other week
7-9pm Open Swim at YMCA if not working job #2

Total = 14 hours work
             3 hours homeschooling



Saturday
Job #2 Hours vary but approximately 6-10 hours
Kiddo's soccer game, times vary

Total = 6-10 hours work



Sunday
Job #2 Hours vary between 6-10 hours approximately every other Sunday

Total = 6-10 hours work



Grand Total for the Week:

Work:  60.5-68.5 hours
Homeschooling: 19 hours


Wow!  Until I put my schedule in written form, I didn't realize how much time I really spend working.  Please keep in mind that this is also an average.  Some weeks are less and some are more.

A few things to note.  

• I don't work every single weekend, all weekend long.  I typically have one Saturday or Sunday off per month.  However, many times this day off is filled with family activities or babysitting.  Rarely do I have a real "FREE" day.
• Both my jobs offer a very flexible schedule.  This is my only priority when looking for work- flexibility is key to a schedule as busy as this!
• This schedule might not work as well if I wasn't allowed to work from home for job #1.
• Job #1 also involves assembly work, so many times I am assembling for job #1 on the weekends after coming home from job #2.  On these days, I can spend 18 hours working.
• In addition to work and homeschool- I am also in charge of all cooking, cleaning and household chores like grocery shopping and bill paying.  Food is always prepped and left for my boys when I'm out working as my main priority is ALWAYS my husband and son.
• Because both the husband & I have heavy work loads, our date nights are sacred.  Our schedules usually align about twice per month and we are able to enjoy a night out together.  If a month has gone by and we've missed date night, I will switch shifts with a co-worker at job #2 so that I can spend a night out with my man.  My marriage comes first!

Want to read more about working and homeschooling?

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The Homeschooled Housewife Works

You've asked and now I'm answering.  What do I do?

Well the simple answer is that I do part time customer service from my home.  I found this job on craigslist, beat out 100's of other prospects- many of which were former Microsoft employees and held Master's degrees and so here I am- working and homeschooling.

The company I work for is a local, family run company.  There's less then 5 employees and I am pretty much the only one who handles the customer service.  I answer customer questions and place orders via phone and online chat.  In addition, I also help with assembly of the product when needed.

I do not get paid a lot.  But I do this job because it allows me to be home to homeschool and run our house.  I am always on the lookout for new jobs and more ways to add to our family income.  At this point in life, I have a few requirements from any new job that I accept.

1.  Flexible.  Any prospective employer must acknowledge that my family comes first.  With my son's ever changing homeschool classes and activities, a flexible schedule is a must.

2.  The ability to have my son with me if needed.  It's simple really- I stay home so we don't have to pay for daycare.  So any job that I take must allow for me to have my son with me if I'm unable to have my husband or other family members watch him.

And that's it.  Yep- just two priorities when I take on any new job.  Notice that I didn't say money or career advancement.  These things aren't even on my list although I'm sure for most people they would be the main reasons behind accepting any new position.

So Moms- if you're looking to work and homeschool I have some advice for you.

• Be willing to do anything.  If the job is flexible and allows you to have your kids, then it doesn't matter what the actual job is.  I've cleaned offices and scooped animal poop all because it met my two requirements above.
• Work several part time jobs instead of one full time job.  It's much easier to find a couple part time jobs that offer a flexible schedule then it is to find a full time one. 
• Work odd hours.  There's a market for folks who are willing to work super early, late at night, weekends or swing shift.  And yes- many times these odd hours mean more pay.
• Apply, apply, apply.  Seriously- if you're even remotely qualified then apply for it!  Who cares that they want a college degree and you don't have one.  Or the hours don't seem like enough.  You never know what the job will become if you didn't at least apply for it.
• Get creative.  Think outside the box.  Ask family and friends if they have any work for you, contact your local church about working in the nursery or for evening childcare for choir practices and MOPS meetings.
• Every little bit helps.  If you're in desperate need of money, then you need to realize that NO job is too small.  I complete surveys online for $3 each.  Seriously- only $3.
• Change your attitude.  This is by far my biggest piece of advice.  There is NO way to make lots of money without working your butt off.  Be prepared to do what it takes.  And while you're at it- have confidence in yourself.  I have never gone on a job interview and NOT been offered the job.  I'm not boasting here- this is simply because I know what my skills are, my strengths and my weakness and I take pride in who I am.  With an attitude like that- you can't fail.

Here's a list of jobs that I've personally had while homeschooling:

Babysitter

Night shift at hotel

Assembly for my current job

Human Resource Assistant

Pet sitter

Janitor

Market Research with Fieldworks Seattle

Church nursery worker

Housecleaning

Assistant Marketing Director at Retirement Home

Ebay seller

Online survey taker with Pinecone Research

Blogger

Vacation Bible School day leader

Independent employee for gas price research

Customer Service

Assembly & Production

Sales

Event staff at convention center

So yeah- nothing too glamorous here but it helps pay the bills.  Being able to stay home is a blessing but I won't say that it doesn't come without hard work and sacrifice.  

You can do this Mommas!

***Want to Read More****

I'm a Working Homeschooling Mom

*After publish edit.

At the time of the original posting, I was only working one job.  I now have a second job as an Administrative Assistant outside the home on nights and weekends.