Work!
May 14, 2012Scott began a job Outside the Home last week, and this has taken some getting used to; the hours are long and he comes home right about when Henry and I are passed out in our respective beds. So that's sad. On the other hand, it's a good job, he doesn't work straight through the weekends anymore, and also we don't bicker during the day over Did You Eat All the Leftovers Because Hello That Was My Lunch. On yet another hand I miss him. Henry misses him. Dinnertime is not the same without him. Not to mention I have to walk the dog for all three walks every day and that is bullshit.
I also started a new job, albeit one I can perform at home, which is great, although it means I have to stop working in time for school pickup and then continue upon reentering the home space until dinner and sometimes I'm working WHILE making dinner and that never ends well. I'm enamored with my new gig because it is entirely unrelated to writing; it's just a nice pay-by-the-hour gig that zips right out of my head the moment I'm done and I can even listen to music or podcasts while I'm working. I don't worry about it, I still have the mental energy to think about my own writing, and I don't require monastic silence. This makes it easier once Henry gets home, because senseless noise-making is one of my son's favorite hobbies. And I don't have to be all I AM ON DEADLINE ENOUGH WITH THE BEEP-BOOP NOISES.
In conclusion, all is well. I'm frazzled, but I'm pretty sure it's temporary. Soon I'll figure out a routine, and I'll be able to write more or at least a weekly post or something for God's sake Alice.
How are you guys? I missed you.
Reader Comments (18)
Hi Alice! I really, truly look forward to your posts, and was happy that this one contained happy news. Can't wait to hear more about it.
What is it with the incessant senseless noise making? I feel your pain.
Yes, walking the dog three times a day is definitely B.S. I highly recommend teaching that furry punk to run on a treadmill (the Dog Whisperer says they love it). He can just learn bladder control the rest of the day.
It sounds like you and your husband are both still working too hard; you're making me feel bad, so stop it. Are you fresh out of rich aunts? I am too, unfortunately. Good luck with the new job(s).
It's such a cliched line but it really is a balancing act. I've just gone back to work three days a week (I have a 10 month old) and my husband and I are finding it quite challenging...
Sigh. Where's my lotto win, dammit?
I was just thinking "where has Alice got to" and then you appear. Yay!
Also? Hang in there. New is always hard until it's not new anymore.
I'm fine, thank you. I also started a new job, full time, after years and years of freelancing. I'm frazzled as well, but you're right, we'll find a new routine. At some point.
Oh new routines! How they topsy-turvy us so! I am 2 years post split/divorce and some days I still feel I don't quite have the new routine down, though it is much easier now. But yes...I am the sole dog walker now and that is tough at times. I can also relate (via my boyfriend's 6 year old) to senseless noise-making. And I am a woman and also have a job (sign language interpreter) that has trained me to focus on every sound and word, so I have a hard time tuning it out. But enough about me...this is YOUR blog and I'm glad you're here!!!
Totally supportive on the routine shake up. It's tough.
But I have a question. No, a demand.
OK, dish: I have to know what kind of job lets you work at home, involves no writing, and is over when your hours are finished.
I know you don't want to blog about work, but could you at least give us a hit, or maybe a standard occupational code?
(WARNING: From here on this becomes creepily geeked out.)
The US listing is here: http://www.bls.gov/soc/major_groups.htm
Although, naturally, I like the Canadian one:
http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/NOC/English/NOC/2011/OccupationIndex.aspx
If you're willing, there is also a much less friendly list for the International standard: http://www.ilo.org/public/english/bureau/stat/isco/isco08/index.htm or the
Congrats on your new gig! So what are you doing? I've gone back and forth between working on-site and working from home (editing). Pros and cons to each, I think, although my current on-site job does allow me to make toast, which was a pro of working at home, so maybe now I'm living the dream...? ;^) Anyway, I hope you'll talk about your new job!
Hi Alice,
I have just recently found your blog and have been going through your old posts while waiting for new ones. I love your writing and also you! Best of luck with the new job!
Ahh, work. It really cuts into my leisure time.
I'm glad you found a way for Henry to continue his senseless boy noises (they need that, you know) without added pressure on you (deadlines, &c) although it's too bad your husband is not around to enjoy them any longer. This new job--is it a circus performer? Cat groomer? Does it involve sorting wheat from chaff? Clearly you need to hold a "What's My Line?" contest.
i'm purty good, thanks! i have tomorrow off and plan to get a pedicure. there are 2 new boxes of tea in the house. in one month and 2 days i will be on a plane with my spouse (at this point i'm going, no matter) to destin, florida for a week of laying on the beach and not thinking.
glad to see your post today.
Glad you're back. I was beginning to wonder if you had been abducted by aliens. Whew...
I am so happy to know about your "Why did you eat my lunch" bickerings (I mean, not really, but you know what I mean). My husband does that too and I have to keep reminding him I am not his cooking slave/wife!
Hi Alice! I just pulled myself up out of my cave to come over and see what you are up to. I have the EXACT SAME problem -- G got a job last winter that requires him to travel all over the state of Missouri and he misses dinner or sometimes the whole damn day a few times a week. Being an unexpectedly single mother while working from home totally sucks. Hope the writing is going well! I'm starting something new and having a hard time getting myself to focus.
It's an epidemic! I just started working not-from-home last week. It's a strange transition. I need to visit the gym in the morning instead of mid-afternoon, and, also, wear leg-coverings made of not-sweatpants for more than 2 hours at a time. I hope your new job continues to go well!
Hi Alice,this is only the second article I've read from your blog,but that's already made me feel like being your all-time reader.
Good luck and take care~~
It *is* an epidemic ... after more than a decade -- and the entirety of our relationship -- working at home, my husband starting working away from home a year ago, and it has been ROUGH. I'm not sure when or if I'll ever get used to it. I'm going back to school for my master's in the fall, though, and that'll give me a lot more to do than sit around wishing he were here. :)