I’ve been at stay-at-home mom for the last seven years. With my child now in school, I decided to go back to work. I’ve landed a job I’m excited about, but I’m nervous about the major changes coming to my family’s routine. In getting ready to go from SAHM to full-time employee, I asked the people who always have the best advice – other moms on the blog – for tips on going back to work. Here’s what they had to say!
“Meal plan the entire month.”
“I plan my meals in advance.”
“Meal plan for the week.”
I hear ya ladies. I cook most of the time rather than going out, so meal planning is already part of my routine. I am adding one night to hit the easy button – a planned evening during the week to pick up dinner on the way home from work. I can plan it around my busiest day of the week, and honestly, my family is happy to have something different. It’s a little treat for all of us.
“Sundays make sure that laundry is done and ready to go.”
“Do laundry on Saturday.”
As someone who will let the laundry baskets go until overflowing, this is something I will have to get used to – doing laundry more regularly. My plan is to set one load a day during the week to wash early in the morning, so that it is ready to go in the dryer when I wake up. By the time I am dressed for work, it’s ready to hang or fold. All laundry will be done by Friday, so no fooling with it on the weekend.
“It’s okay to rest.”
This has always been a challenge for me while being a SAHM. There always seems to be something to wash or clean or put away. I’m sure those feelings will be stronger when I have been away from the house all day at work. I will remind myself that letting some of the chores go to rest will be fine. Hanging out with my son and husband are priority number one. And taking time for myself to relax and recharge in whatever way I choose will make be a better mom, wife and employee.
“Create a capsule wardrobe.”
This is my own tip. Having a few pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits is awesome. No pawing through the closet, worrying about what to wear each day, because anything I grab will pretty much work with everything else. Add a few pieces on trend for the year, and you are all set.
Thanks to the advice from my fellow moms, I feel better prepared to go back to work. It will take some time for me and my family to find our new routine, but having a game plan is half the battle. Now to fit in book club, the gym and date night 🙂