Do you work in your PJs? and other balancing questions...

[DaisyCottageDesigns]

As I sit here at 2 pm in my pjs (which are more like sweats) I was forced to ask myself, am I the only one?

I know it's ridiculous, but between cleaning my bathrooms, feeding and caring for children, packaging orders, and just generally taking care of things, I haven't even had time to shower and get dressed yet.

So, how do you balance life with your shop (especially if you have kiddos)? I try to devote an hour or two to my house each morning so it stays in order. After that, I try to devote some time to my kids and work here and there until nap time. Then it's work work work until they get up. By that time, it's time to make dinner, get kids ready for bed, etc.

I know I should be thankful that I have orders and this is an issue... I'm just a little overwhelmed right now. It definitely doesn't help that my husband is going to be out of town with work all next week.

[isewcute]

I do my embroidery while wearing pink footed bunny pj's!


It's all a big juggling act. Just remember to breathe.

[LaurasLastDitch]

I work in my sweats and feel absolutely no guilt over it, and I certainly don't think it hurts my productivity or my attitude that I'm actually working.

[Former_Member]

Intotally get it! It's so hard to balance everything. I don't have kids yet, but I'm planning my wedding, working full time, putting a lot of work into Etsy, ect ect for ever.

I have to trick myself into cleaning the house. I use the TED Talks app on my phone, plug in earbuds, and walk around cleaning the house for a set amount of time. I feel like I'm being productive and learning and I can decide if I want to clean for five minutes or 20.

If I didn't do this, my house would be a wreck!

[ChristalDreamz]

i love wearing my infamous gray sweats, and a pair of fuzzy socks. I love it! Have a great weekend everyone!

[Former_Member]

I work in a law firm during the day, so I have to wear my nice clothes. But, once I get home and go to the garage to sand, drill, and cut logs, I am in old jeans, an old shirt, tennis shoes, an apron, goggles and a face mask so I don't breathe all the wood dust. Whooo-hot momma! haha It gets very hot and sweaty in the summer and very cold in the winter.

[Former_Member]

Hi! I live in my pjs! I don't ever have time to shower and dress until kids are in bed! I shower and no use putting clothes on if I'm going to go to bed in a couple hours, so out come a clean pair of pjs! It's a lot of work juggling kids, cleaning, and etsy, but I love it!

[AdamRabbit]

I used to wear comfy clothes but I found myself getting way too tired throughout the day and taking long naps. Now I wear jeans and will even take naps in jeans otherwise I will be out for 3 hours lol.

[Former_Member]

I'm typically in comfy clothes or PJs until I HAVE to leave the house, then I feel guilty and put on real clothes. As in jeans and a nicer shirt. Not all out by any means. :)

[Former_Member]

If I didn't smoke cigarettes forcing me out side I would totally spend days in my pjs.

[Former_Member]

Most days, yes. Normally I wait until the end of the day to clean, but will also clean in the morning. Basically, the time my boys are gone is spent working and when they are here, it's hard to focus on work so I clean then. They help me, of course, so it's a group effort.

My son is 9 now so I can get help with the dishes and laundry, he puts away the clean dishes and folds and puts away his clothes. Husband helps by cleaning half the house. We found a system where everyone helps out.

It can be hard when the kids are little. Just try to do what you can and give yourself some slack. The house doesn't have to be perfect, the chores can wait until you have time. It's all about finding some balance and just letting some things go. Good luck!

[Former_Member]

I was wondering how parents juggle Etsy and all the other responsibilities that come. I'm at home with my little one at the moment and she just started crawling so my whole world has changed! Nap time and bed time are my only times to really work on Etsy items.

[Former_Member]

When feather bouquets weren't my full time job, I was an interior designer at a large firm in the city. I'm happy to give up high heels, fancy clothes and having my lunch at my desk. Yoga pants, a big baggy sweater and a cup of tea is the way to work.

[SlightlySprightly]

I'm totally there with you, Lauren! It's a total balancing act (but I don't think I balance it all very well). Naptime and after bedtime are my saving grace, but I stay up way too late and then wind up exhausted the next morning. I'm always trying to figure out how to keep up with the shop without neglecting housework and making sure I spend quality time with my son and my husband. I'm always jealous that everyone else seems so put together and has it all figured out, so I'm thankful there are others in their pjs until late in the day too!

[WilliamsGiftshop]

Never.
I get dressed before nine thirty in the morning. Every morning. Even when I'm ill.
My day hasn't started if I'm not dressed yet.
Usually I wear jeans and tees, so I'm not talking formal dressing.

[Former_Member]

Pj's / sweats are my comfort zone. I'm always looking for the most comfortable, warmest, and of course the cutest. My big thing right now are slippers love umm.....

[heartsabustin]

Nope. If I spent all day in my jammies, I wouldn't get anything done. I don't put on make-up, but I dress for "work". Besides, with metalsmithing and soap making, it's too dangerous to be dressed in sloppy clothing. I have to be safe, first and foremost.

[Former_Member]

Most of the time when I'm crafting I will throw on an old pair of men's shorts that are about 2 sizes to big and a t-shirt. I work in an office for my full-time job os as soon as I hit the door the shorts come on. I just have to remember to wash them every now and then :)

[Former_Member]

I've been encouraging my girls to get dressed first thing in the morning, so that leaves me getting dressed also, to be a good example to them. Having had my shop open for a (very) few months I'm starting to learn that I can leave the computer and things aren't going to go crazy. I struggled with that. = )

I also have things I have to get done before I can really focus on my shop (feeding the kiddies, reading, home schooling, cleaning). Time to go play trouble! Have a great weekend!

[Former_Member]

This is a fun discussion. First of all, you see my photo over here
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<.....Well, right now Im in my sweats too that don't match, with my hair in a scrunchi on top of my head with 1/2 the makeup on. LOL .......
My kids are all married now, so my time is my time and I can do what I want....whoooo hooooo !! lol

[Former_Member]

When I used to telecommute, I worked in PJs all the time. I only switched to normal clothes for grocery shopping and such.

[Former_Member]

I work at my "other" job all week and it's while wearing the total opposite of pj's - jeans aren't even allowed, as a matter of fact! Long story short: when I work on my Etsy shop I am definitely in jeans or pj's!

[EclectasieDesigns]

There is no balance. Most days I force myself to go to the post office rather than requesting a pick up. That way I have to put on real clothes before my husband comes home.

[FrogBlossoms]

This is too funny! No kids or hubby here but lovin' my pj's! I do manage to get dressed eventually. :)

[Former_Member]

PJ's... dont wear them... Just joking, since I have to leave the house to get to the shop its jeans & tshirt everyday for me, quite the change after 28 years of putting on a uniform everyday.