Balancing your act - earning extra and quality time with the family

Philippines
August 7, 2010 1:45pm CST
I have been looking for online work and thought that maybe no one wants to hire me but I was wrong because it happened one day that a few people trusted me and hired me to work for them. I was giddy and very happy with what has happened. My hubby was also supportive of it. I started working on the project and in the middle of my second project, I realised that I was neglecting my 'quality time' with him. Due to this, I decided to take a break. My question is how do you balance earning extra and quality time with the family? Bear in mind, I also have a regular work shift. Please help!
4 responses
bingskee
@bingskee (5234)
• Philippines
8 Aug 10
i created a work plan for each week. although my busy life as a mother does not enable me to complete my online tasks religiously, at least i have a guide. it serves as a checklist, too, for each day.
Rachiel
@funkeyguhl (1743)
• Philippines
18 Aug 10
Hi Bingskee! Now that is a plan but there are times when there are online projects that has to be finished ASAP. Thanks for the tip though... might use that very soon!
Gerbera10
@Gerbera10 (58)
• Malta
8 Aug 10
It is tough to work your usual job and work online too besides caring for your family. I am in the same situation and I try to make it a point that at least one day of the week, I try not to work on the internet so that I can spend some time with my family, go out somewhere or take them to the beach for a swim. I think you should hold on to your internet job though as it is not so easy to be hired. Now that you have it, hold on to it. A project usually has a stipulated time to finish it so when you do, try and take a little break in between starting another project.
Rachiel
@funkeyguhl (1743)
• Philippines
18 Aug 10
It is tough because for me there are times that I would apply for work and not get it though sometimes, unexpectedly someone will ask you to do something for them - catching you off-guard like when you already have something planned with hubby. I am taking baby steps again in getting online work (hopefully) I will be able to manage my time well. thanks
jayguar
@jayguar (273)
• India
7 Aug 10
As always getting a job is a big task. I think, you should take a break once a week and spend time with your family. In times like these when the global economy is suffering, it is not possible to compromise with a single job. If you are into online work, then you can request your employer for at least a single day break once a week. That is way better than not spending quality time with the family.
maezee
@maezee (41988)
• United States
7 Aug 10
I have this problem, not with family, but with friends. I don't have any kids, or a boyfriend, or someone I MUST see and spend time with, so it clears up my schedule pretty well (sadly). I have a couple of close friends that I try to see once or twice a week at least, but besides that I usually just work and plan around it. Obviously the case is different with you, though. It's nice that you are taking a break to spend some time with your family.
Rachiel
@funkeyguhl (1743)
• Philippines
12 Aug 10
I was just like you before my husband came back here in Dubai. I was so used to just having my own time that at times, I still have to adjust. We had to separate for about 2 years because he was establishing a business in our home country. It is nice to have a break but I do want to go back and write however I need to have a strategy so that no one suffers (me included!)