What does work for you?

[catlover83]

I have been reading some of these threads and a lot of the messages seem to run to: it's really tough, just get on with it.

I have been getting on with it for a year, with a four day week (one day most weeks from home, an hour and fifteen commute each way for the other three days, one day with dd), and i am not sure I am as tough as some of you.
My situation currently works when everything is lovely, when dd sleeps through the night, when no one is ill, when there is not too much work to manage, etc. i think that is maybe 10 percent of the time.

During the year i have been unwell for a lot of the time with various things, got pregnant, and had a miscarriage. I dont blame the latter on stress/tiredness but my first thought when i knew it was a miscarriage was 'well at least I might be allowed some rest now'.

Anyway, I didnt come on to moan but to ask for positive stories. What IS working for you? How do you have most of it, if not have it all?

[scurryfunge]

I think it's about having good support when things don't go to plan.

[NellyBluth]

I'm working 5 days a week, with a similar commute each side, with a young teething baby so I know what you mean. We are lucky that DP works shifts so DD isn't in childcare all the time, and our CM is very flexible.

A few things that are working for us...

A cleaner, if you can afford it
Trying to prepare meals in advance, or DP and I eat our main meal at work so that's one less thing to worry about in the evenings
Choosing clothes that don't need much looking after, or choice when putting on (as in, I have various dresses that don't need ironing, and cardis that match all the dresses, so I don't have to waste time getting ready)
Finding back-up childcare - none of our parents are near enough to really help, so our CM has organised with another local CM for back-up care. This has been a big help

Is there anything in particular you are struggling with - housework, meals, sleep etc - that people could offer specific advice on?