Merlin’s weekly podcast with Dan Benjamin. We talk about creativity, independence, and making things you love.
Time management for parents
MIkael Lindberg | Oct 10 2007
The excellent news that Merlin is joining the parent flock prompted me to write this post. I became a parent about a year ago and I've been battling the "loss" of about 8-16 hours of every day to parenting and the unpredictability element that babies bring to your schedule. I'm interested in hearing what other parents have done in order to keep a grip on their schedule and their lives. For me, the most extreme effect was that I decided to change jobs in order to do something I really like, despite having to take a 50% pay cut. I just can't afford to waste hours doing things that doesn't make me happy. I've also taken a few hints from Merlin and now carry a small note pad (sort of a hipster PDA) in my pocket at all times for capture purposes. I think my previous attempts at GTD has failed just because I havn't needed it enough. Now, I can't survive without it. As for handling the unpredictability element of children, my wife and I have a system where we try to never replan the current day schedule but instead handle exceptions as far into the future as possible. This keeps our schedules reasonably stable. What are your experiences? 58 Comments
POSTED IN:
 Communication with spouse!Submitted by rshs on October 10, 2007 - 10:45am.
The biggest stumbling block I have found is my wife's assumption that, if I am visible, I am available. It's human nature, and apparently there is little way around the reality that she will approach me for help with the little one no matter how busy I appear to be, how busy I've told her I am, how unavailable I am, and that includes being on a conference call. If I am visible, I am available. There are three steps to solve this. The first and most important is communication. "Honey, today I am working at home from 11:30 to 1:30. My office door will be closed. Please feel free to walk in for help if our daughter's hair is on fire." Two, is being an absentee father (doesn't that sound moral?). There are times I must go away in order to help my wife resist temptation. I must earn the money that will pay to raise the family. And three is to devote every moment I am not actually working to the family. There is no down time, no "me" time, no fuzzy in-between time -- and NO MULTITASKING. When I'm working, I'M WORKING. When I'm with the family, I'M WITH THE FAMILY. Visit a blog by an Oscar-nominated screenwriter. » POSTED IN:
|
|
| EXPLORE 43Folders | THE GOOD STUFF |
