20 Genius Ways to Balance Homemaking With a Full-Time Job

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So, you’re a homemaker trying to balance homemaking with a full-time job, huh? And you’re probably struggling to juggle all of your responsibilities and feeling completely overwhelmed?

I get it, friend.. As a fellow homemaking work at home mom, I have felt those same feelings. And while homemaking with a job is definitely hard work and one of our biggest challenges, it’s totally possible.

Can You Work and Still be a Homemaker?

Absolutely, you can work a traditional full-time job and still be a successful homemaker.

Being a homemaker isn’t limited to whether or not you have a job outside the home (although it might look different than a full-time homemaker and stay-at-home mom).

I always say: if you take care of a home and the people in it, you’re a homemaker.

I know many women who are successfully balancing both work and homemaking and who are finding creative ways to prioritize their family’s well-being and maintain their home, even with a busy work schedule.

Striking a good balance will help you be a more productive employee and a better homemaker.

How Can I Manage Homemaking with a Full-Time Job?

A few ways tips to help you balance homemaking with a full-time job is to…

• make a plan
• manage your time wisely
• create a productive morning routine
• time block, schedule tasks
• create a designated work space
• time block, prioritize, get organized
• utilize a planner/calendar
• delegate tasks
• limit distractions
• be up front with your employer
• be flexible and adaptable
• take time to rest, set realistic expectations
• care for yourself, simplify where you can
• stay positive
• ask for help (and accept it).

Make a Plan

One of the core elements of success in this balancing act is creating an action plan that breaks down your daily tasks into small, workable parts.

If you don’t have a plan, your days will feel jumbled and you’ll be left wondering where all of your time went?

I can’t count the times I have thought to myself “How is this day already over and yet I haven’t accomplished anything”.

Evaluate your current situation. Make a list of your professional and household responsibilities and priorities as a homemaker with a full-time job.

What goals take precedence in this specific season of life?

Remember, the seasons are ever-changing and what works for you right now may not always be best in the future.

So, get clear on your present goals and go from there! Don’t forget to re-evaluate often!

Manage Your Time Wisely

Limited time in the day mixed with an abundance of responsibilities calls for some serious time management skills.

Managing your time wisely is a crucial aspect of balancing homemaking with a full-time job.

With a limited number of hours in the day and a long list of responsibilities, effective time management can make a significant difference in how smoothly things run.

During your lunch break, make the most of this precious time. Consider planning your meals or adding items to your grocery list, which can help streamline your week and ensure you have nutritious options readily available.

It’s not a bad idea to take this opportunity to schedule appointments if needed, whether they’re related to your home or personal life.

It’s also an excellent moment to review your budget and make sure you’re on track with your financial goals.

By making the most of your lunch break, you’ll find that you can tackle homemaking tasks efficiently while juggling a full-time job, making your days more manageable and less stressful.

Related: Top 15+ Time Management Skills for Homemakers (Productivity Tips)

Create a Productive Morning Routine

A well-structured morning routine can be (and has been) such a game-changer when it comes to balancing homemaking with a full-time job. Starting the day with a clear plan sets a positive tone and ensures that you tackle the most important tasks before the day’s demands take over.

For example, dedicating the first 30 minutes of your morning to planning meals for the day or the week can save you time and stress later on.

You could prepare ingredients for breakfast, pack lunches, or set out dinner essentials, all of which streamline your daily tasks and leave you with more time to focus on work and family.

Incorporating cleaning routines into your morning can also be super helpful. A quick 15-minute sweep of high-traffic areas like the kitchen or living room can make your home feel organized and welcoming and reduce the mental clutter that can build up throughout the day.

If you have small children like me, a morning routine that includes a bit of one-on-one time with them, maybe reading a book or playing a short game, can help them feel connected and secure before you head off to work or break away to your home office.

Time Block

I’m obsessed with time blocking.

Time blocking is such a great way to help you navigate the demands of both homemaking and a full-time job while maintaining a sense of balance.

I like to start by creating a list of your daily or weekly tasks—everything from homemaking duties to work commitments and personal activities. Once you have your list, assign dedicated time blocks to each task.

I block off 30 minutes every morning for my morning routine. 9am-12p is blocked off for homeschool (I work from home most days so I create my schedule a little differently).

Be realistic about the time you have available for certain tasks and try not to overschedule yourself.

Avoid overloading your schedule, because we all know this can get us into trouble. When we overwhelm ourselves with to do’s, we’re often met with stress and burnout.

Instead, focus on completing one task at a time during its designated time block. This will help you to give your full attention to the task at hand, making you more productive and efficient.

Related: Slow Homemaking; 10 Simple Ways to Bring it Back

Schedule Tasks

Scheduling tasks will help you stay on track with what needs to be done throughout the week and it reduces the chances of you forgetting a specific task.

Start by creating a weekly schedule that allocates dedicated time blocks for homemaking tasks, work responsibilities, and that all-important “me” time.

By setting aside specific slots for homemaking, you can efficiently manage chores, cleaning, and other household duties without feeling overwhelmed. Your work commitments also get their dedicated time, helping you stay productive and focused during your work hours.

With a well-structured schedule in place, you’ll find it much easier to navigate the demands of both homemaking and a full-time job, leaving you with a sense of accomplishment and more quality time for yourself.

Create a Designated Work Space (If Working from Home)

If you have a work from home job or career, you are going to want to create a designated work space.

Having a designated workspace helps you mentally separate your work life from your home life.

When you step into this workspace, you’re signaling to yourself and your family that it’s time to focus on work-related tasks. This clear division can significantly boost your productivity and concentration.

Now, your workspace doesn’t have to be elaborate or spacious. It can be a corner of a room, a small desk, or even a cozy nook. The key is to make it functional and organized.

Ensure you have all the tools and equipment you need within arm’s reach, whether it’s your computer, stationery, or reference materials.

Having a dedicated work area also allows you to physically leave work behind when you’re done for the day. This separation is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Once you exit your workspace, you can fully engage in homemaking activities and personal time without the constant distraction of work-related tasks.

Separating work and home life is essential in focusing on specific tasks (whether that be work-related or a household chore, task, or responsibility).

You don’t want to walk into the family room with your littles and be distracted by the pile of work on your desk that you put aside for later (because then you’re not in the moment with what’s most important at that time).

Prioritize

Prioritization is huge. We can’t do it all- at least not all at once.

For homemakers, this can sometimes be a hard pill to swallow. But we have to get comfortable prioritizing what needs to be done now and what can wait.

Prioritize tasks based on importance and urgency so that you aren’t feeling so overwhelmed by your many to-do’s while balancing homemaking with a full-time job.

Instead of feeling pressured by a never-ending to-do list, focus on the most important things first.

This will help you take care of your home while making sure you have enough time to care for your children and maintain a successful career.

Start by creating a list of your daily or weekly tasks. Then, categorize them based on their significance and immediacy.

Identify what needs your attention right now and what can be postponed to a later time.

For example, if you have an important work deadline approaching, that task may take precedence over other homemaking responsibilities for the time being.

On the other hand, if there are critical household chores or family commitments, those should be your top priorities during your non-working hours.

Prioritization allows you to tackle one task at a time with focus and efficiency. It prevents the feeling of being stretched too thin and reduces the stress of trying to do it all simultaneously.

Get Organized

A cluttered and disorganized space will kill your focus faster than anything.

We only have so much mental space for our belongings before they start overwhelming us, distracting us from accomplishing what we set out to accomplish.

Think of your physical space as an extension of your mind. When everything has a designated place, it not only looks tidier but also makes your daily routines more seamless. Here’s how organization can make a significant difference:

• Enhanced Focus: An organized workspace, whether for work or homemaking, allows you to concentrate on the task at hand without the constant distraction of clutter.
• Efficient Cleanup: When everything has its place, cleaning up becomes quicker and more straightforward. You’re not searching for items or dealing with unnecessary mess.
• Reduced Stress: An organized environment promotes a sense of calm and control, reducing stress levels and helping you stay on top of your responsibilities.

To get started, declutter your space by identifying items you no longer need or use.

Create designated storage solutions for various items, ensuring easy access when needed. This applies to both your work area and your home.

Consider using labels, containers, or shelving to keep things orderly.

When everything has a place it makes clean-up quicker and more efficient.

Utilize a Planner/Calendar

Okay, so let me just make this very clear; I can’t live without my planner (maybe I can live, but not optimally). Let me get into why you need one too, friend.

A planner serves as a central hub for all your commitments, whether they’re work-related, homemaking tasks, or personal appointments.

This means you have a single place to reference all your obligations, which can significantly streamline your daily life.

Writing down your tasks and appointments provides a visual representation of your schedule. It allows you to see your day, week, or month at a glance, making it easier to allocate your time wisely.

Plus, it enables you to prioritize tasks and deadlines effectively.

You can categorize items as urgent, important, or less time-sensitive, helping you focus on what matters most.

One of the biggest advantages of using a planner is that it reduces the mental load.

When you write down your obligations, you free up valuable mental space. You no longer have to rely solely on memory, which can be especially helpful when managing multiple responsibilities.

Choose a planner format that best suits you and your needs, whether it’s a traditional paper planner or a digital app.

Digital planners often offer additional features like reminders and synchronization with your devices.

To maximize its effectiveness, be consistent in using your planner.

Record appointments, deadlines, and tasks promptly, and consider reviewing it at the beginning or end of each day to stay on track.

Ultimately, a well-utilized planner can be a game-changer in helping you achieve balance in your busy life.

Master a Skill

For many modern homemakers, learning new skills or mastering current skills is so important. Whether it’s developing new homemaking skills or refining your cleaning routines, continuous improvement can turn the biggest challenges into opportunities for growth.

Even if you’re working long hours or part-time, finding moments like Saturday mornings to tackle household chores or enjoy a favorite TV show with family members can create a better work-life balance.

This not only supports your family’s good health but also nurtures your emotional intelligence, making you a better employee and a more successful homemaker.

Delegate Tasks

Have your family pitch in to lighten your load. Delegate some cooking or cleaning tasks.

If you have older children, have them help out with the younger ones while you take care of other responsibilities.

If hiring out is in the budget, then have someone clean your house for you on occasion to lighten the load.

So, bottom line, don’t sweat it. Delegation isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a smart mom move. It’ll help you keep your sanity, reduce stress, and carve out more time for the stuff that really matters.

Limit Distractions

If you find yourself checking social media or your email notifications often, silence your phone or put your phone away completely. You might even want to try scheduling time to check your messages and notifications- then place your phone out of your site.

Noise-canceling headphones are a great way to reduce background noise that can leave us distracted.

I would be lost with mine!

Be Up Front with Your Employer (If you have one)

Don’t hesitate to talk to your employer about the responsibilities you’re juggling outside of work. They’re human too and likely to understand that life gets busy.

Being honest about your commitments helps your employer understand your situation better.

You can collaborate on a work schedule that suits both your job and your family. Discussing flexibility in your work hours or the possibility of working from home can be a game-changer.

Many employers are open to these options, especially if it helps you maintain a healthy work-life balance.

If you’re not already working remotely, it’s worth exploring whether this could be an option for you.

Remote work can provide more flexibility in managing your family’s needs while still delivering on your job responsibilities.

Be Flexible and Adaptable

Life is unpredictable, and sometimes, you’ve just got to roll with the seasons and adjust your schedule as needed.

Some days, everything runs smoothly, and you’re on top of the world. Other days, it feels like chaos is the name of the game. That’s the reality of homemaking with a full-time job.

Flexibility is huge. Be ready to pivot when unexpected changes crop up.

Maybe your little one gets sick, or there’s a sudden work deadline that needs your attention. When these things happen, don’t stress. Instead, adjust your schedule and priorities accordingly.

You’re not alone in this journey, although sometimes you may feel otherwise. We’ve all been there. And being flexible doesn’t mean giving up on your goals or responsibilities; it means finding creative ways to meet them in a way that suits the circumstances.

When homemaking with a full-time job, we all know there will be unexpected changes. It’s important that we are flexible and able to adapt to the particular circumstances as they arise.

Take Time to Rest

According to author ALEX SOOJUNG-KIM PANG, rest has a bad rap in our culture. He notes “Most of us think about rest as merely the absence of work—not something valuable in its own right. Sometimes, it’s even equated with laziness. But nothing could be further from the truth. Rest is an essential component of working well and working smart”.

In his book, Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less, he outlines some of the fascinating research that shows how rest helps us to think, innovate, and increase our productivity, and what we can do to rest more effectively.

Rest is productive. Statistics show that a rested body and brain have increased productivity.

Set Realistic Expectations

As homemakers, we have so much on our plates. Not to mention all the skills and goals to strive for. When you add that with homemaking with a full-time job, it begins to feel very heavy.

It’s so important to remind yourself that you can’t do it all-no matter how hard you try.

So, set realistic expectations and goals for yourself- the ones that are actually attainable.

And anything above that is just a bonus.

Take Care of Yourself

As homemakers, we spend so much time meeting everyone else’s needs that we tend to neglect our own.

Taking care of yourself is not a luxury—it’s a necessity, especially when you’re juggling homemaking with a full-time job. As homemakers, we often put everyone else’s needs before our own, but it’s vital to remember that self-care is essential for our physical and emotional well-being.

Recognize your own value. You matter, and your well-being is crucial for the well-being of your family and your job. So, make it a priority to set aside time for yourself. It’s not selfish..

Do something that brings you joy and relaxation. It could be as simple as reading a book, taking a nice, warm bath, going for a walk, or pursuing a hobby you love.

Whatever it is that makes you feel happy and recharged, carve out some “me time” for it regularly.

When you’re well-rested and content, you’ll find that you’re better equipped to excel in your homemaking and your job while maintaining a positive and balanced outlook.

Show yourself some love.

Taking care of your physical and emotional well-being is essential as a homemaker with a full-time job. Learn to value yourself and do something that makes YOU feel happy and relaxed now and then.

Simplify Where You Can

Anything you can do to make life a little simpler in this season of homemaking with a full-time job is going to be so worth it.

Let’s talk about some practical ways to simplify:

Automate Bills: Setting up automatic bill payments is a no-brainer. It saves you time and ensures you never miss a payment, reducing financial stress.

Slow Cooker Magic: Your slow cooker can be your best friend. Throw in some ingredients in the morning, and by evening, you’ve got a delicious, hassle-free meal ready to go. It’s a real time-saver.

Robot Helpers: Embrace technology like your Roomba for regular cleaning. It may seem like a small thing, but it keeps your home tidier with minimal effort.

Grocery Convenience: Take advantage of grocery pickup or delivery services like Instacart. It eliminates the need for time-consuming trips to the store and allows you to shop from the comfort of your home.

Declutter and Organize: Less stuff means less to manage. Regularly declutter and organize your space to keep things simple and efficient.

Calendar Apps: Use calendar apps with reminders to keep track of appointments, deadlines, and family events. It’s a digital assistant that helps you stay on top of things.

Simplification isn’t about cutting corners or sacrificing quality. But rather, it’s about finding smarter, more efficient ways to handle your responsibilities, leaving you with more time and energy for the things that truly matter.

Every little change you make adds up, making your life as a homemaker with a full-time job more manageable and enjoyable.

Ask for Help (And Accept It)

Ditch your pride for a second for the sake of kicking overwhelm and exhaustion.

YOU ARE ONLY ONE PERSON.

If you feel as though you are drowning in your to-do’s and you’ve done everything you know to do to simplify your journey of homemaking with a full-time job, then it’s time to ask for help.

Ask a friend, a family member, or someone from your church to come to hang out with your kids while you have some focused time.

Having a friend or family member cook, clean, or spend time with your little ones every now and then can make all the difference. And you deserve it, homemaking mama.

Stay Positive

Finally, maintaining a positive attitude and an optimistic outlook, even when dealing with the current situation of your house or work environment, is so important.

Remember that every small effort contributes to long-term goals, whether they relate to your career or your home life.

When you lean into this mindset, you can transform homemaking from a daunting task into a fulfilling and rewarding experience, all while aligning with God’s plan for your family’s well-being and your own personal growth.

In Conclusion

17 genius ways to balance homemaking with a full time job are…

• Make a Plan
• Manage Your Time Wisely
• Time Block
• Schedule Tasks
• Create a Designated Work Space
• Prioritize
• Get Organized
• Utilize a Planner/Calendar
• Delegate Tasks
• Limit Distractions
• Be Up Front with Your Employer
• Be Flexible and Adaptable
• Take Time to Rest
• Set Realistic Expectations
• Take Care of Yourself
• Simplify Where You Can
• Ask for Help (and Accept It)

My friend, balancing homemaking with a full-time job can be quite the juggling act, but you’ve got this.

Remember, it’s okay to ask for help, delegate tasks, and create a schedule that works for you and your family.

Flexibility is your ally, and self-care is non-negotiable.

And don’t forget, simplifying your routine can free up precious time and energy.

So, take a deep breath, cherish the moments, and know that you’re doing an incredible job. Your family, your job, and your home all benefit from the love and dedication you pour into them.

Here’s to finding that beautiful balance and making every day a bit more manageable and a lot more joyful.

And as always, wishing you and your home love, wellness, and joy. I’m rooting for you.

-Love, Kacie

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