Finding the time...

[Former_Member]

Maybe it is because both of my kids have flu right now, but I seem to be finding it very hard to have the time to make things other than the custom orders I have going on right now. My intention is to sit down and paint something new everyday and that just isn't happening.

Do you find it hard to juggle your family and your business?

[IstriaDesign]

Extremely hard, and I don't even have a day job. I'm a stay at home mom. I have a 16 month old baby boy, and a 32 year old kid (my husband lol). With the two of them, and taking care of the house, meals, laundry and everything else, I often create at night when my son finally falls asleep. But oftentimes, by then I'm already too tired myself. So, I completely understand how you feel.
I try not to beat myself up over it though.

[Former_Member]

Yes it is hard - I have a day job plus two kids. Sometimes I only have a few minutes daily just to check my shop stats and that's all. I try to find more time during weekends and when I'm off from work.

[Former_Member]

I guess that is the same reason we are all up posting in the middle of the night LOL

[Former_Member]

well i guess that depends on where you are in the world

[Former_Member]

Time is so elusive. . .job, kids, school, kids activities (baseball season is about to start- skating just ended) it's a miracle I ever get anything done. . .Thank goodness for weekends!

[Former_Member]

I get up an hour before hubby every morning so that I can not only get the coffe and breakfast started but check my email and Etsy. After he leaves, I stay up and work on getting things ready for the day, product, etc. until I have to take the girl I watch to the bus. Once we get back, it is chores, breakfast and homeschooling....while they are on breaks, having lunch I pop back on here. I also pop back on in the evening after dinner and once the kids are in bed.

[livjewellery]

It is hard. I try to sneak in a little work when I can (when my daughter is in school, during playdates, her bathtime). I have even been known to take my jewellery outside to the patio table to work while my daughter plays outside. Basically, if I have five minutes to myself, I work. I figure that I am doing the best I can with what I have, and try to give myself a break. :)

[PookieandJack]

It is hard having a day job and trying to add items..I applaud all those who have children at home and find the time for Etsy!

[Former_Member]

I applaud you all! It is all this planning, preping and doing that makes you YOU! :) I can say that because I'm on the other side of this...my kids are out of college and I've got plenty of time to do but, there are those times that I miss everything that you're juggling...yes I know you can't see it now...give it sometime! All of your creativity and skill will get you thru to the next phase..trust me! Enjoy the ride...:)

[Former_Member]

I'm in the same boat, Cindy! I am fighting a cold right now. I have a 7yr, 5yr, and 21mnth old. I babysit part time, and I am just out of time, lol. The last 6 things that I made were custom orders and I have two more that next. I love custom orders (I really do!) but I feel like I have no time to add to my shop. I know that there will be time enough to build up my stock later (hopefully not too much time, but there is an ebb and flow) but I hope my business doesn't suffer in the meantime.
I think we just have to do what we can, when we can. And give ourselves a break when we just can't do it all. I have a pretty defined schedule, but sometimes, it just falls apart. There's always tomorrow :)

[Former_Member]

Yes...sometimes I wonder how I would ever get to do anything. Weekends get more busy, because hubby wants me to be around him and not designing jewelry.
I think I have awful time management skills and I need to work on that. I so want to read this novel called Tiger Hills- but am still on page 9 since March 10, 2012

[Former_Member]

Same here, my kids are 16 & 12 1/2. They are involved in so many activities. I get a lot of my crocheting done while we are are at practices and meets. :)
I have several custom orders right now as soon as those are caught up I am looking forward to adding several new items to my shop.

[Former_Member]

Took my daughter to a movie yesterday and I was sanding rings while I was there. . .had to! It's something that doesn't take a lot of attention, but needed to get done. . .

[Former_Member]

My girls are 1 1/2 and 4. I love having them with me but it will be so nice when they are finally in school. Then I will have a few hours in the day time. Even now my little one is banging on my computer keys......:o)