Working After the Nest is Empty

Even though I've come to appreciate certain aspects of living in an empty nest--the quiet, the free time, redecorating, new projects, the ability to do what I want when I want, etc.--- I am still not using my time wisely. As a matter of fact, a good bit of all that free time was being wasted.

Not to worry, I've discovered how to fix this problem.I got a job.

I was a SAHM for about 22 years. I started working as an interventionist at the elementary school the lovelies attended for 4 years (until funding ran out) and then found myself back at home. But no lovelies were here as they were all out doing their own grown-up living. So those first three years of the empty nest were spent floundering and misusing precious time.

Yesterday marked the end of my first week back at school after three years. This time, I will be in the computer lab and I'm really looking forward to it (after all this MAP testing is over and done with). I probably should have considered doing this before now.

Here's why:

• I use every second of my days to the fullest when I am working probably because my time at home is now limited-though not that much. Now, I get up and get moving and get things done whereas before, my mindset was something along the lines of having plenty of time to do things which led to never getting anything done at all.
• I feel better and don't spend time wondering what to do or sitting in front of the television.
• I feel energized from being around people I love and those marvelous students.
• I feel challenged because what the hell do I know about teaching computer I am learning about new things.  
• I don't dwell on negative/sad/depressing/etc. things because there's no idle time for that anymore.
• My mood is always good because you just can't help it when you're around positive people and happy kids and then come home to two dogs who make you feel so loved.
• It's very helpful with finding and keeping my mindfulness. 

These are all good things. Yes, I'm pretty dang tired after my first week. But that's to be expected. It's really busy right now with the testing and I have to get up and hit the ground moving because I still have to walk the dogs before I head out. Which means we're out there before the sun because, in order to get all the computers set up for testing, I have to be at school before the sun is up. That's fine though because the heat and humidity aren't as bad at that time and neither are the mosquitoes. Blasted things.

And let's not forget the financial aspect of this whole job thing. When one chooses to stay at home and raise the kids, one gives up any means of  financial independence. I wouldn't change my mind about staying home with the lovelies but I have to admit it is nice to know that I will have my own money.

So, if it came down to a vote as to whether or not taking a job when the nest becomes empty, I would definitely vote YES. No matter if it's returning to a previous job or getting a new job or getting a job for the very first time. I say, GO FOR IT!

What was/is the best job you've ever had? And you can't say raising your kids because those of us who have done it know how great that is! :)

Schedules and Free Time..and Pinterest

One thing that kept things running relatively smoothly while raising 4 daughters was scheduling. And by scheduling, I mean scheduling everything. EVERYTHING. It worked. We knew who had to be where and when they had to be there. Yes, we ran late sometimes even with a schedule. But it was a guide- a mother’s helper, if you will-and not written in stone. As we all know, having children means learning how to go with the flow.  

There were times that I got sick of schedules and scheduling. But I doubt I would have been able to function very well without them. Besides, we took a decent break from schedules during the summers because there were very few activities that required scheduling. I mean, who needs to schedule a day at the beach? We only live five minutes from the beach and we went every day. No schedule needed.

Certainly, as our daughters got older and more involved, there were sports, science, music, etc. camps but these were almost always day camps and the scheduling was quite simple- go to the beach after camp.

Occasionally, I would dream of a day when schedules were no longer necessary to get through a day efficiently. But, truth be told, our family thrived on schedules.  

Hubs and I have been living in our empty nest for three years now. As I look around, I have to wonder just what, exactly, it is that I have accomplished with all this ‘free’ empty nest time. I know that I’ve been busy but I don’t really see the results of that busy-ness. There is no organization to it. And then it hit me-and I’ve mentioned it before--

I need a schedule.

Free time is nice. If I want to watch a movie. Or have no desire to accomplish anything. 

No. I definitely need a schedule. It will keep me focused and less stressed. It will help me get everything done in a day that needs to be done. And, it will help me have free time. To spend on Pinterest. Instead of spending too much time there. That’s right. The truth is out. Pinterest is my latest addiction. And I am out of control.

If I stopped pinning anything new right now, I would still be busy for life! I can’t wait to start some of the amazing projects and craft ideas! Why have I not started already? Because I can’t get off Pinterest long enough to make the really-cool-full-of-awesomeness-crafts/projects/ideas I’ve seen on Pinterest!

So, I thought that maybe- just maybe- if I got that schedule thing going again I would stay off of Pinterest long enough to start some of those wonderful crafts/projects/ideas get some real work done around this place. 

Sheesh.

Are you on Pinterest? Then click on the link above and follow along with me! Not on Pinterest but want to be? I'll send you an invite! The more the merrier! Plus, it's FUN!

Oh, and addicting. Just so you know.