Started my new job

[prairiewife]

I went to work two days ago at a local gift shop in town. I've never done sales before so it's a huge change for me.

I'm so tired, it's been many years since I stood on my feet all day long. The first day I felt so uncomfortable I had no idea what to do and have never worked a cash register before. I came home fixed supper for us and fell asleep on the couch at 8:00.

The second day was better, but I have a hard time approaching customers. My boss is great and so understanding. She's so energetic and positive so I do think this will be end up being a good job.

I have noticed my house has suffered the past few days. The job is only part time but I work different days each week. I have every other Saturday off. During holiday times I'll work Saturdays and Sundays and sometimes later in the evenings. So I need to figure out some new ways to keep my house organized, meal planning, laundry, etc...

I'd love some ideas from others who work odd schedules and how you keep everything at home in order.

[FrugalMomof3]

Well congrats on the new job!

[dcompton]

I'm definitely not the one to ask. I've given up in the order department. I catch it as I can and as I have the energy. I hope you get some good suggestions - I'd like to hear them too!

And congratulations of the job and the good boss - that can make all the difference.

[Jskell911]

Congrats on the job!

As to the organization thing, right now it'll seem impossible I know. But as you settle into a new routine with work, you will also come up with new routines for the house.

DH works 12hr overnights and I work M-F 8-4, so we've had to improvise on more than one occassion!

[frugalfarmwife]

Break down the chores into 10-15 minute increments and make a list. Just do what you can, don't go for perfection.

On the job CONGRATS!! It's a good tired isn't it? I know I enjoyed going back to work and sleep well after a good shift.

kj

[C@rol]

Good luck with the new job.
I'm sure you'll do wonderful.

[Ceashels]

Congratulations on the job. I break my chores down into 15 minute tasks as well.

[JustMegan79]

I work odd hours also (for instance today 1130 to whenever I get off--because Im a server I never know when, so most likeley around 9 pm) and tommorrow I go in at 5, and Sat at 10 am)---so I know how you feel!

But....My organzation has failed miserably. Im so tired and unmotivated...SO and I are trying to come up with a plan so we each are assigned certain rooms to clean...I think this might work out. Good lUck and just try to break things down a little at a time.

Congrats on your new job!

[mommy4ever]

I'm not sure I can help. I'm an at home worker. I work 60 hours from home caring for kidlets. So I never know when I'll catch a timeto do things. Sure I work mon-fri, but 3 in sports which is a full time job in itself.

When you get your schedule, make a plan.

Part time... are you 8 houir days 2 or 3 days a week? Or several days at 4 hours a day?

Regardless, when you get your schedule, plan your time. It seems like effort now, but you'll thank yourself for it.

If you work late, use your morning to menu plan. Get to know your crockpot, it'll be your best friend!

On one day off plan errands. Groceries, bank, Dr, etc.

Cleaning, well, that's tricky. Enlist whoever is home to help. Make a list of what needs to be done daily. If you've been home for awhile doing it all, your household won't know what needs to be done.

Break it down into small blocks. Kitchen- empty/load dishwasher. Sweep floors, clean counters.

Livingroom- pick up toys/books/flyers. If it doesn't belong put it away.

Keep it simple. On a full day off you can do a deeper clean. I like the FlyLady way, meaning each week a different room gets focused on and deep cleaned. But daily touch ups everywhere that only take a few minutes.

On work days, keep it easy. Lay out clothes thenight before. Take out what you need to make the main meal. Make your lunch if you need one. Get everyone else doing the same thing, prepping the night before. This will ease the rush in the morning.

Laundry, I Delay a wash at night, I set it in, and prep it, use the timer to start an hour before I get up,a nd toss in the dryer when I get up. Usually leaves me enough time to put away before the rush starts(for me that's 7:30am).

What else...

I'll post more if any of this is helpful, and once my brainfog goes away.

[erinny1983]

Oh, the many joys of a retail job. The great thing about a job where you have to stand all day: the pounds will melt off (if you have any to lose).

I always take an Aleve in the morning along with a glucosamine pill to help my knees. Other than that just be your regular ol'friendly self. The schedule will probably regulate after a while.

Congratulations and good luck

[prairiewife]

Thanks to everyone for your support and great ideas. This is the first time I've had to reply all week long. A little down time this afternoon feels great.

Megan - I love your avitar, so sweet.

Mommy4ever - thanks for the reminder about a load of laundry each day. My sweeties work clothes have to be washed separate so it feels like I always have so much to do. Also a great reminder about the crockpot, I planned a taco soup for this week.

erinny1983 - yes, I do hope days on my feet will result in some weight loss. I could sure stand to lose a few pounds. I took an aleve at night before I went to bed because I have felt so achey this week.

By the end of the week I did feel a little more confident. I'm still intiminated by the register and did have one very impatience customer this week, but everyone else behind her was very understanding.

Next week I only work three days, I was hoping for at least four, but have to divide days up with the other part-time girl.