What are your options for childcare? Do you have family or friends, or do you have to hire a babysitter?
Can you go for a walk over lunch?
Can you listen to soothing music while you work? Load it onto your smarphone and plug in ear buds.
Can you call a friend and just talk for a few minutes?
Can you drop the kids at the grandparents for an afternoon so you can take a nap?
just a few thoughts
Looks like you have a long commute, what do you do on your commute? If you're driving, can you put on podcasts instead of listening to morning radio? I find that listening to funny podcasts helps my day start off better.
If you can find 15 minutes you can do one of these free guided meditations
Free guided meditations (https://insighttimer.com/wendylotter)
I am also working on getting my Master's so that school work either happens at work (when things are slow) or after the kids are in bed.
I am also working on getting my Master's so that school work either happens at work (when things are slow) or after the kids are in bed.
Can you put this on hold for awhile? Getting that off your plate would make a huge difference I think.
The job called to schedule an interview!! The hiring manager will be out next week, so it won't be until June.This is positive news!
Update if anyone is interested.
The job that would cut the commute in half did not happen but a job that will cut the commute by about 15 mins (each way) and has flexible schedules, including 9-80 if I want and potentially a couple days a month from home, is happening. There is a LONG period between offer and start date though so I am hoping for Aug, when the kids start school. There is also no travel with this job which is another huge win!
The 5 year old and I had a Mama/Kiddo alone day (half day) last Saturday and it was incredibly beneficial for both of us. We volunteered at the veggie co-op that I participate in, walked around the Farmer's Market, then went to the Library, next we had lunch together, and finished it off by going to picking out a birthday present for a cousin. Cost me a little bit of money but nothing outside of what was already budgeted. I am hoping to continue that at least every other Saturday!
We are taking a trip back to our home state next week and I will be able to hang out with family and my closest friend, I can't wait!
I traded in the 100% EV for a Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) to reduce the need to stop and charge during winter commutes (doesn't really matter in the warmer months but will be a HUGE reduction in wasted time during the winter), this is not the most favorable move for the long term finances or the environment but I needed to prioritize my time/self-care over other things.
On the financial side, I have drastically streamlined things. The house & HELOC was refinanced (dropping interest rate), DH's vehicle was sold and replaced with a cash vehicle and other recurring bills were re-evaluated to tighten the budget all the way around.Spoiler: show