Solitary chicken - need advice

[AJuff]

My choir went back on Wednesday evening and it was good to see everyone again. A lady who sat next to me told me she didn't know how I managed choir and being on the choir comittee with three children and a full time job. I just smiled at her and told her I managed with OHs support.

 

Then later when I was telling OH about the 10 week beekeeping course I intend to go on in February he asked where I was planning to get the time to look after bees.

 

It got me thinking about what I actually do over the week apart from work and juggle three children to their after school activities.

 

Keep hens

Piano lessons

Choir & Choir committee

PCC

Church Youth Team Leader

Being safe group - child protection and health and safety (Church)

Stitch and "Ooops, word censored!" group

Chamber choir

Girl's choir chaperone duty

 

Should I drop some of these commitments?

Also I'm sad about having to return to work on Monday.

[Lesley]

I'm sure you'll fit bees in as well - they always say 'If you want something doing, ask a busy person'

 

You may need OHs support at honey harvest time though.

[xScrunchee]

Do you feel that you can cope?

If you feel ok then go for it but if you feel overloaded-maybe sort out the things that you really want to do and stop doing the things that you don't enjoy as much.

 

As for work making you feel sad-any chance of a career change? Being a kept lady?

Cutting down on hours?

 

I still think, if you are happy and don't feel that you have taken on too much-carry on.

 

Life is very short, try to do whatever makes you feel happiest

[Egluntyne]

If you enjoy them....carry on. Ignore the dust and get a Roomba!

 

Life is very short, try to do whatever makes you feel happiest

Couldn't agree more.

[Seagazer]

I agree, if you don't feel its a problem then just carry on. Some people just like to be busy all the time.

[Snowy]

I've been a bit like you Ajuff - lots of church committments, sewing, doing craft fairs, hen parties, 3 children, running a toddler group, running a weekly ladies church meeting, plus working. I was also church secretary until last year. I resigned as I realised I just wasn't giving my all and it wasn't fair on others. My work has also increased from this week so the toddler group will have to go. I know I'll miss it, I missed doing the secretarys job, but I felt much better once it had gone, so much less pressure. And my successor is doing a much better job than me Sometimes you do need to prioritise and life changes direction all the time. It's knowing what to stick with and what to leave behind.

[AJuff]

Snowy I think you've hit the nail on the head. I've decided leading the Youth Group for the last eight plus years has taken it's toll. I think I'll start the new term then hand over at October half term.

 

Off to think very carefully about it whilst I clean out the cube.

[ubereglu]

Once you've been on the course you'll have a clearer idea about how much time it will take, and if you think you've got enough time to do it, then go for it!

[Olly]

I also have loads of things going on outside work, one of mine being choir, too! although I don't have children to look after as well, a full-time job on its own.

 

It is easy to get drawn into things, and if you show you are capable and reliable, you are likely to get asked to do more and more. I have one golden rule - is it fun? Obviously few things are fun all the time, but if you are attending meetings that you don't enjoy, or doing voluntary work that is making your life difficult, then it's time to move on. On the other hand, if you are busy but really feeling fulfilled, then celebrate it.

 

The issue for me with beekeeping was not the actual looking-after the bees, which is relatively short bursts of time most of the year, instead it was the knowledge that I would need to attend monthly meetings because I know I need the support of my local group. I'm already out at least two nights a week, often three. I decided in the end that I'd just go for it, but if it is getting too much, then I will let go of something else that I do.

 

I think you deserve a round of applause for all the things you do Communities rely on people like you who get involved and do things for others.

 

I know what you mean about being sad about going back to work, but for me it's the outside activities that I do which make my life worthwhile, not work and so I can get through the 9-5 because it enables me to do the other things. It's all a question of how you look at it!

[Space Chick]

I agree with others, do what makes you happy.

 

Into my week, I fit in a full time job, look after my elderly grandfather, spend time with my God children, look after the pets (although dog is in MILs when we are in work), attend a Spanish evening course, cook everything from scratch, go to football, am a committee member of our local neighbourhood conservation group, host monthly dinner parties for my friends with children and still manage to get on the forum every day

 

Some people thrive on being busy

[Alis girls]

it could be OH's way of saying he wants to see a bit more of you. Maybe by dropping something you can justify bee keeping. I know my OH got fed up of PTA activities even if he enjoyed the goss I've had enough now you can only be a class rep for so long