Skepticism and doubt plagued all possibilities.
Energy levels so drained that just getting through the day was an insurmountable challenge.
Going back to the work force was completely out of the question.
But here I am.
2 and a half weeks in, endless hours of walking, dozens of client meetings, 3 sessions of falling asleep on the couch, one massive toe blister and (at last) a sales order later…I am doing what I thought was simply impossible.
In the same vain people keep asking “How do you do it? Raising twins…”, Mr Surfer keeps asking where I’ve suddenly found the energy.
You just do. You figure out a way to just do.
“Something’s gotta give, though,” he warned.
If I didn’t know my husband better, I would say he was trying to give me an ultimatum.
But I do know him and I understand which plane he’s coming from.
He’s worried about my mental health. He doesn’t want to see me running on desperate fumes and anxiety again.
Fair enough.
Stripping down to complete raw honesty, I’m a little apprehensive myself.
How’s it’s all going to pan out?
Twin wrangling, part time work, blogging, volunteering.
That’s a lot of juggling.
But it’s all worth it. They’re all important to me.
I have always loved sales. Just hated my douche bag bosses.
But this job? It’s a dream.
It’s churning a fire back in my belly.
Something I doubted I’d completely find again.
And this boss? Thank goodness, she’s not a douche bag.
There are no regrets in doing this earlier. I wasn’t ready. It wasn’t important.
Now I am. Now it is.
I am exhausted. Bone deep exhausted. But unequivocally, I am profoundly satisfied.
What puts the fire in your belly? What makes you deeply satisfied, yet exhausted? Have you ever had a douche bag for a boss?
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Nikki@Wonderfully Women says
I get that exhausted shiz, I juggle so many balls as a single mum, but we do what we have to do and try and fit in a little of what I love to do! So great you love your job! xx N
Nikki@Wonderfully Women recently posted..Fountains For Success In 2015!
Zita says
I love love love that quote!
Am sure you will find a way through it all, good luck!
Zita recently posted..for what to wear on a long haul flight
Renee at Mummy, Wife, Me says
Good for you, Grace! It’s an amazing feeling when you get that internal fire roaring again. You will be absolutely exhausted at first, but then somehow you find a way to make it all work without you being absolutely shattered. I am tired a lot of the time, so I have to peel back on my blog, which is sad because that is the thing that lights the fire in my belly. It’s my job that pays the bills though. You will be fine, Just remember to take care of you and don’t run yourself into the ground. I also do not bring work home if I can avoid it.
Renee at Mummy, Wife, Me recently posted..5 tips for building a home in sub-tropical Queensland
Lydia C. Lee says
Good to hear – and you’re right. It’s the passion that brings the energy and the pleasure
Lydia C. Lee recently posted..The grass is always greener….
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit says
I hear ya Grace!
Good for you.
Just keep swimming, just keep swimming
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit recently posted..Day 1955 – How to become confident
Lauren @ Create Bake Make says
I’m so happy for you Grace! Once that fire has been lit, there will be no stopping you x
Lauren @ Create Bake Make recently posted..Banana Pikelets – Fabulous Foodie Fridays #38
Malinda (@MBPaperPackages) says
i Am so happy for you. As you know I’m searching for my belly fire. And when I find it o hope that I am as happy as you. I know it will be exhausting but I think that as mothers we know to expect it. Member to keep the balance though.
Malinda (@MBPaperPackages) recently posted..Friday Favourite: Blah Blah Magazine
Peachy Keen Mumma says
I’ve had so many douche bag bosses that when I get a nice one I am shocked, and have to wait awhile before being completely convinced. My favourite boss was the one I had at the job I got the same week I found out I was pregnant. I couldn’t believe it. Where had he been all my life. Oh well. He did make pregnancy in the work place easier for me. Such a good guy.
I’m hoping things settle into a routine for you. Learning a new job’s ropes is tiring so hopefully that will pass and you’ll feel less exhausted. Sounds like your husband is a great support too! All the best, Grace!
Peachy Keen Mumma recently posted..Highchair Uprising
robo says
Hats off to you! I have no idea how it gets done. I get to the end of the whirlwind that is some weeks and just wonder how I did it. Everything associated with being a parent is enough – throw work into the mix and you’re in for a very interesting ride. Listen to your gut. X
robo recently posted..Brain Rot
Min@WriteoftheMiddle says
So pleased you are enjoying it Grace! Do whatever you can to help make life a bit easier – an ironing lady, a cleaner, whatever you can afford to do to help lighten your load a bit and free up some time to just chill with the boys or rest. YES I have had heaps of douche bag bosses and they can ruin your working life altogether. Having a good boss and working with great people makes all the difference 🙂
Min@WriteoftheMiddle recently posted..Taking Stock – February 2015
Emily says
Oh Grace, I’m so glad you’re enjoying it! Sounds like the juggle is worth it. I’m about to start a job that’s 15 hours a week. With only one day (7 hours) without the kids. Enter late hours and weekend work, stage right. But like you, I just really need to do this.
I hope the exhaustion drifts away as the juggle becomes easier. xx
Emily recently posted..Muddled-up Farm – Mike Dumbleton and Jobi Murphy (book review)
Desire Empire says
Wow the first sale must feel very sweet despite the exhaustion.
Carolyn.
Desire Empire recently posted..A Beautiful Beach Cottage in Queenscliff
EssentiallyJess says
So happy for you Grace. It’s awesome when you get to do the thing you love.
Just look after yourself ok. We all love ya xx
EssentiallyJess recently posted..Five Reasons Why I’ll Never Be on TV (Except by accident)
Sarah @ tomfo says
I”m glad you are loving the new job. I hear you with the exhaustion, it’s been a week like that here. Douche bag bosses, I’ve had some rippers, even though they were, they taught me lessons like resilience. I like the new one now though. (Lol that’s me!) have an awesome day Grace.
Sarah @ tomfo recently posted..Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork for Large Gatherings
Pinky Poinker says
You ARE a busy, busy lady. Take vitamins and try to get enough sleep. Grandma Poinker’s advice. It’s great to hear you have a nice boss. That should take the pressure off a bit 🙂
Pinky Poinker recently posted..Fifty Shades of Foreplay
Lisa@RandomActsOfZen says
That’s the best kind of exhausted Grace! I’m so happy for you, that you’ve got that fire roaring again. Go you! xx
Lisa@RandomActsOfZen recently posted..How Dare I?!!
Vicki @ Knocked Up and Abroad says
Sounds to me like the exhaustion is worth it if there is that fire burning inside. You will find a way to make it work as long as you find some time somewhere in your week to just breathe. Good on your Grace. You’re so winning at life right now x
Vicki @ Knocked Up and Abroad recently posted..Notice and Melt
Erika @ Ever-changing Life of a Mum says
Congrats on the new job! I’m sure the feelings of exhaustion will settle in time. Working part-time or full-time as a mum is always a juggle, but if it’s something you really want, you will make it work. Just remember to always go with your heart! And don’t forget to take some time out for yourself so you don’t run yourself into the ground and keep up those special moments with your family. Wishing you all the very best!
Erika @ Ever-changing Life of a Mum recently posted..Getting ready for baby
Raych aka Mystery Case says
So pleased the job is working out. Take care of yourself. Just popping in briefly this morning and will be back later tonight for some blog hopping.
Raych aka Mystery Case recently posted..The Perfect LBD 52 Ways – Be My Valentine
Fairlie says
If I compare how much I pack into each week now with what I did about five or so years ago, I’m astounded. But that quote is so true…if it’s important to me, I find a way to make everything work. Partly, I cope by deciding how good is enough for each task. There’s some things I don’t do to quite the perfecting standards I may have in the past…but it’s still okay. Sometimes just enough is perfectly fine, other times I need to go that extra mile….but I don’t have to go the extra mile on EVERYTHING. I wish you all the best as you transition into this new phase in your life. Challenging, but ultimately so rewarding,
Fairlie recently posted..What to do when luggage is lost
Amy says
Make sure you take some Grace-time too. I’m loving that your boss may see this and note that her approval rating is “not a douchebag”!!
Amy recently posted..A Shot of Reason
Lisa Hill says
It’s so so good to do something for yourself, even if that something is wrapped up to look like work. Congrats on the first sale! What an awesome sense of achievement that must be.
I’ve had a douche-bag boss, and I dreaded work every day, even though I didn’t mind the job. It’s amazing the difference a decent boss can make. 🙂
Lisa Hill recently posted..Apps, apps, apps
Toni @ Finding Myself Young says
I still have nightmares about having to go back to work, so I know I am nowhere near ready. I’m actually really enjoying writing either via the blog or my freelance work. Its making me feel quite fulfilled at the moment as well as being a mummy 🙂
Toni @ Finding Myself Young recently posted..Coconut water for kids (Cocobella Kids review)
Vanessa says
I was working mostly part time last year, and have bee full time for 6 weeks now. It is HARD. I am physically exhausted all the time. So much so that I had a blood test yesterday just to make sure my iron etc levels are all ok.
Vanessa recently posted..Third Birthday!
Aleney @ BoyEatsWorld says
SO happy for you! I’m glad it’s working out for you and that you are doing such an amazing job juggling ALL THE THINGS! You rock x
Aleney @ BoyEatsWorld recently posted..A chat with Ian “Herbie” Hemphill – Lyndey & Herbie’s Moveable Feast
Ai Sakura says
So so so happy for you Mama Grace! Being a working mum is hard, and I can expect it even more so with young twins.. but I’ve no doubt in your inner strength and will power. Ganbatte!!
Ai Sakura recently posted..Singapore Cheongsams :: {Matching} Cheongsam for Mums & Little Girls
Stephanie says
Great that you have rekindled that fire in the belly Grace. Hats off to you! Definitely remember to take care of yourself! x
Stephanie recently posted..Food – Creamed Corn and Bacon Fritters
Mumabulous says
You’ll feel less exhausted once you’ve settled into the new routine. Your body and mind just need to get used to it. I hear you though, I did three days in Dadabs office this week and I’m exhausted.
Mumabulous recently posted..On Balance
Kimba Likes says
I’m so happy for you! You will get through it because a) you’re awesome and b) your husband is awesome and will be making sure you’re ok xx
Kimba Likes recently posted..Currently Crushing On Pretty
Sanch @ Living my Imperfect Life says
Good on you Grace! I think when things are important to you, you manage to get the energy. Sure you will be exhausted at the end of the day and might need a few days off every couple of months to recharge, but it will be worth it. Because you are doing what you love. I juggle a lot too even though I don’t have kids. Like you they are all important to me and I find the time and energy somehow to squeeze full time work, hiking/camping, hitting the gym, studying at uni, writing, blogging and socialising in my week. They are all important! 🙂
Sanch @ Living my Imperfect Life recently posted..A Decade
Robyn says
You’re fabulous Grace. So please you’re doing what you love. Just make sure you put your feet up on the weekend :))
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Leanda Michelle says
Your post Grace is so inspiring… thank you for shining your beautiful light. I needed to read this today ♥
Anne @ Domesblissity says
Gotta hand it to you Grace. I couldn’t do it with my two. I admire anyone who can juggle both work and family. Thanks for the party.
Anne @ Domesblissity xx
natalie @ Our Parallel Connection says
You are doing an amazing job Grace, two young children and 3 days working. It does get easier and your poor little body (and mind) will get use to it. Hey it’s Friday time to recover and then do it all again.
natalie @ Our Parallel Connection recently posted..8 tips to successfully pass a job interview
Mandy Barbie Bieber Beyond says
I hear Ya…and I’m not even working outside the house…. Get some multivitamins and snack on high protein food throughout the day for some longer lasting energy…. Sometimes I don’t think others quite get how hard it is to “have it all”.. But that’s great that you are enjoying it, well done you!!
Mandy Barbie Bieber Beyond recently posted..Backstreetâs Back Alright! How the Backstreet Boys tour could change your relationship with your tween forever.
Annaleis says
It’s always hard at the beginning but your family will work out a new rhythm and I suggest great shoes for the blisters. take care x
Annaleis recently posted..Perth Mint
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me says
I bet you’re just exhausted but also buzzing with your new role! GO GIRL! I’m so excited and happy for you. The life of a working mum is tough that’s for sure x
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me recently posted..Elongated melons.
Julie @ Off to the park says
I’m so glad that you are enjoying the new job Grace! I am trying to decide whether to try working from home as a freelancer or return to part-time work after 6 years of being home. I’m a little apprehensive to say the least. Being home with my girls has changed my thoughts of what I want to do, so hopefully I can find something that suits me. xx
Mary Denman says
Good for you! I hope you find refreshment with your new job!
Thanks for still blogging and hosting!
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Kristyn says
You are amazing Mama G! Super amazing!
Kristyn recently posted..Closing time?
Janet aka Middle Aged Mama says
Glad to hear you are enjoying it! The tiredness is normal when you start a new job – it will pass!
Janet aka Middle Aged Mama recently posted..Why does a Heart Mean Love?
Rachel_Ourtownbrisbane says
Oh Grace… once you are bitten by the sales bug you never really get rid of it!! So glad to hear it’s put fire in your belly. It IS a juggle and a struggle some times but just keep talking to Mr Surfer about how you’re going and most of all be flexible – with bedtimes, with your relationship, with EVERYTHING! You are a total star xx
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Bec @ The Plumbette says
I love reading that you’re happy Grace and I’m so glad the job is going well for you. I hope you can get some rest this weekend and that you get used to your new routine. 🙂
Bec @ The Plumbette recently posted..How to be an expert without being arrogant
Denyse says
OK….I admit it, I am late. I have a link ready to add and missed the boat! Never mind… I hear you on the roles you have now. I hear you on what you want to do and love to do. As someone who has, on occasion, bitten off more than she wants to do (in the cold light of day) I found if it didn’t excite me but drained me it had to go. Since moving to the coast I’ve added some roles to my life because I need to be ‘out there’ and ‘professionally stimulated’ but using the above test has worked for me so far. Still got time for art, the beach and photography as well as driving back to see grandkids and dad. Keep on keeping on what makes you smile… Denyse xx
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Kylie Purtell - A Study in Contradictions says
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the work. It’s definitely tough trying to juggle it all, but if it brings you joy and passion and happiness then it’s worth it.
I said to Dave last night that despite the early mornings, long days and need for military organisation, I have absolutely LOVED doing it for Tafe. When I was working while Punky was small it was such a chore. I wasn’t doing a job I loved anymore. But Tafe? It’s the same kind of schedule and organisation I had to have for work, but I actually look forward to it each week. I can’t wait to do the Diploma next year!
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Jean says
Hang in there. Admit it: you like the buzz of earning some money, applying some skills.
Hopefully hubby has reoriented certain things so he picks up the gaps in terms of tasks, etc. Or …just leave certain dustballs in rms. My sister with 3 teenagers does not have a squeaky clean house.
Pria says
I loved how you worded this Grace “Skepticism and doubt plagued all possibilities.” I could totally relate to the exhausting feeling and it’s so amazing how my kids running to me every time I come home makes everything feel worth it. It fuels me to do more for them.