In September, I experienced a significant change in my daily routine when all five of my children finally began attending school full-time. For the first time in 17 years, I found myself with an astonishing 35 hours of uninterrupted time each week. This newfound freedom felt like a dream come true, filled with limitless opportunities.
Throughout the years, I had successfully built a freelance writing career while managing the challenges of motherhood, often working amidst the chaos of young children. My days were filled with the whirlwind of parenting, yet I thrived on the adrenaline and urgency that came with multitasking. I had mastered the art of squeezing work into the smallest of time slots, often conducting phone interviews from my car or negotiating contracts while hiding in a closet.
With my children now in school, I anticipated a world of productivity. I envisioned long stretches of time dedicated to writing, networking, and pursuing new projects. I naively believed that having more time would naturally lead to greater achievements.
However, when the first day of school arrived, I found myself struggling to find motivation. Instead of diving into my work with enthusiasm, I sat at my desk, paralyzed by the silence and lack of urgency. For the first time in over a decade, I felt a disconnect from my writing and considered the possibility of pursuing a traditional job that would require a professional wardrobe and a daily commute.
I thought perhaps a break from work would allow me to focus on home projects or simply enjoy some leisure time. Yet, I found myself napping more than tackling tasks around the house. The projects I had planned gathered dust, and I even noticed a decline in my physical activity, gaining weight instead of exercising as I had during the busier years.
Initially, I was perplexed by this decline in productivity. I had longed for this time, and yet it felt wasted. However, upon reflection, I began to understand my feelings. The constant demands of parenting, while stressful, had provided structure and purpose in my days. The adrenaline rush from managing my family alongside my work had motivated me in a way that the quiet of an empty house did not.
Now, six months into this new routine, I am gradually finding my way back to a new normal. I have resumed writing and reintegrated exercise into my life. I am making a conscious effort to leave the house and have planned several home projects for the month ahead.
Perhaps I simply needed time to adjust to this new lifestyle. I am learning to embrace the ebb and flow of my workday, allowing myself to take breaks and not feel pressured to fill every moment with activity. The transition to this part-time empty nest has marked a new phase in my life, where I no longer need to maximize every single moment. I am learning to appreciate the tranquility and slower pace, even if it sometimes feels uncomfortable.
After 17 years of motherhood, I am realizing that I deserve this time to relax and recalibrate.
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Summary:
This article reflects on the challenges of adjusting to a new routine after children start school full-time. Despite initial expectations of high productivity, the author grapples with feelings of aimlessness in the newfound quietness of an empty house. Over time, she learns to adapt to her new reality, finding balance and personal fulfillment after years of juggling parenting and work.
Keyphrase: productivity after children start school
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