A community of 30,000 US Transcriptionist serving Medical Transcription Industry

How to get housework done while working.


Posted: Dec 18, 2011

The subject of this post says it all.  How do you manage a home and work at the same time. I also have a toddler so it makes it difficult.  Just wanted to know some ideas.  TIA. 

;

Guess I should have put a question mark. - OP

[ In Reply To ..]
Guess I should have put a question mark to ask a question and not made it look like a statement.

I really don't get much cleaning done... - blondie

[ In Reply To ..]
When working I really don't get to clean much to speak of. Usually the days I'm not working I do cleaning. Of course, I do manage to wash clothes in between working and will load the dishwasher either before starting or when I get done working. Other than that not much gets done.

Not Much Gets Done - LC

[ In Reply To ..]
I did try putting a pot of soup on the stove once, but of course I forgot about it.

Nope, save for rinshing out a few breakfast dishes and mugs, not a whole lot gets done. Unless there's NJA, of course.

cleaning and working - sweetestpea

[ In Reply To ..]
Hard to keep the house clean and work. I find it hard to concentrate knowing other stuff needs to be done too. Sometimes, just take 15 minutes or so, like a break for work and do the dishes, or straighten up the bathroom, switch laundry over. Sometimes that makes me feel a little better to get some small jobs done. It never all gets done at once.

Cleaning - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
My house is not the cleanest, but I guess it is not the dirtiest either, but with an infant, a 12yo, a sloppy husband and 2 big dogs who shed like it is their job, I think I do okay. One thing is I always clean the kitchen before I go to bed. I hate the feeling of starting the day when I have not taken care of yesterday's mess. I also take 10 minute cleaning breaks a couple times a day as well where I pick up, load the dishwasher, sweep/vacuum, etc. I set a timer. You would be amazed at what you can do in 10 minutes. The biggest thing is I do not worry too much about it. There are more important things in life than having a spotless house. Just do your best.

When during their sleep. - anonymous

[ In Reply To ..]
You're taking the first step by recognizing the problem and asking for ideas. I've known a lot of MTs whose priorities were taking care of their domestic duties first and THEN squeeze in MT when they could. They never understood why they weren't making any money and couldn't hold onto a position very long.

MT requires full mental engagement at all times. We don't have the luxury of attention partitioning or downtime. We don't work, we don't get paid. How I wish I could have one of those jobs where I can do sudoku or gossip between duties.

The most obvious suggestion I have is to work while your baby is sleeping. At one point I had 2 under the age of 3 but was still producing 2000 lines per day (without any expanders or templates). All your chores and other duties have to be delegated to a minion. If you don't have a minion, then you need to hire one (mother's helper and/or maid). I had my best friend come over 3 days a week to watch my first baby. Those were the days I made bank. My husband did the daily chores (mainly washing dishes and laundry) and I did all the drudge chores during the weekends.

Someone with older kids at my old company suggested that whenever one of her sons would bother her because of boredom, she would assign them a chore. After a little while, they no longer suffered recalcitrant boredom AND she had a clean house.

I don't know what kind of breed of kids she had but mine entertain themselves by inventing new ways to make a mess.

In any case, I've been doing this for more than 2 decades, and my kids are now both in college. It can be done. You just have to have the discipline to do it and trust in your minions to do their part.

Good luck.

Similar Messages:


Working While Pregnant...smDec 30, 2009
Hi everyone!  I'm coming up on my 18th week of pregnancy and I'm starting to get a little belly.  For those of you who have worked through your pregnancy, how did you deal with your growing belly while typing?  I know that for me, any little position change completely throws me off and I get sore a lot quicker than I would if I could be in MY position.  Are there any tips or tricks in dealing with a pregnant belly while transcribing.  I'm just dreading the ...

Working With Republicans Nov 28, 2010
Keep voting republican folks. Pretty soon there will be no one left who can afford to live here except a few mega rich and their staff which will include private physicians and folks to oversee the paperwork on all the jobs they created in other countries. ...

Still Working On The BoardSep 03, 2012
Just to let you know I am still working on cleaning up the board.  I've deleted a lot of messages.  If there is a particular message that offends you please email me.  Otherwise, I willl finish cleaning up the board over the week. Thanks, Moderator ...

Fibromyalgia And WorkingApr 20, 2013
Do any of you MTs or QAs have fibromyalgia or a form of arthritis which causes you to hurt almost daily and be depressed? How do you cope and work? I am so afraid I have developed fibromyalgia (which is something that tends to run in my family), and I am finding it very hard to sit and work 40 hours a week at a computer. I have neck, shoulder, back, arm, and hip pain and find it difficult to concentrate. What do you do you help you be able to work (I must work) and maintain a fairly active ...

Working On HolidaysJul 04, 2013
As long as I've been doing this, I should be used to it, but anyone else get upset about working on holidays?  I guess it's because it's summer and I'd much rather be outside floating in a pool, but just working today while knowing it's a holiday is getting to me. Anyone else?  How do you cope?  Not working is not an option, so I'm trying to make the best of it.   ...

Working With A BabyMay 18, 2014
Hello. I recently had a new baby. My job is 3rd shift, so I don't get a lot of sleep. I nap during the day when he does. I am wondering if anyone else has done this and if they could give me some advice. Thank you. ...

I'd Like To Get A Job Working 1 Day A Week ......Mar 14, 2015
outside the home so I can get some people contact and not feel so isolated.  I live in a large city, but it's been difficult finding a job like this.  Because of some health problems, I can't do anything physically taxing like retail or Mcjobs. I'd like to work in a medical office doing some kind of clerical work.  However, these jobs are usually got by word of mouth, and I don't know have any personal contacts who could let me know about available openings.&n ...

Welcome To The Working World SonNov 05, 2016
The marquee at our local McDonald's said they were interviewing on Tuesdays from 2 to 4.  My 18 year old has been doing landscape work at our church for a couple of years but now needs something with more hours so he went at 2:30.  He was told the manager was not in and to come back in an hour.  Obviously, DH and I were not impressed with this level of professionalism but oh well.  He goes in, is interviewed and is told to report for orientation at 2:45.  The paperw ...

Anyone Happy Where They Are Working?Oct 05, 2015
Just wondering if any MTs are really happy where they're working right now?  I need to find a new job, but honestly am not sure I really even want to continue being an MT.  If I found a better place to work, I might, but still need a different job until I can find something that I can do/will make me happy, etc. I know there are pros and cons of every job, but just wondering if there might be an employer out there that has more pros than cons?  Thank you! ...

Anybody Working Today On Memorial DayMay 30, 2011
Anybody working today or is it just me? ...

Anybody Working Today On Memorial DayMay 30, 2011
I guess I am fortunate to be working 2 private accounts and can take a break when I want as long as I meet all the deadlines which are not as tight as most places or impossible to meet. ...

Anyone Else Like Working Early MorningsAug 19, 2012
Just wondering if I'm the only one who enjoys getting up early and working?  Most people I know think that's crazy to want to get up early, especially on weekends.  I am most productive very early in the morning and lose my steam by the mid afternoon.  I know I can't be the only one, but maybe we are just few and far between?  I always hear, "If I did your job, I would stay up late and work."  Um, no.  Not me.  I would fall asleep at the keyboard ...

Working At Home With A 3-year-oldApr 19, 2013
I can no longer afford daycare for my 3-year-old daughter.  I am literally working around-the-clock, usually waiting for work, just to pay bills.  I am a single parent and have no one here to help watch her, so I need some ideas on what I can do to keep her busy while I work.  I am feeling so guilty not playing with her all day or even just sitting down watching Dora with her!  I feel like a bad mom.  So far today she has watched some TV, colored, played with her toys, b ...

I Do Not Feel Like Working TodayOct 07, 2013
I don't feel like working today.  But I will work anyway.  Because I have to pay for rent, food, health care, child care, and cell phones.  Then once I've taken care of all the people who just don't want to work, I will keep working because I have my own house payment, food, health insurance, and cell phone to pay for.  Because I think it's wrong to expect someone else to pay for all those things for me when I am able to work and provide for myself. ...

Hopefully We'll See An End To The Nonsense That Officers Working Jul 08, 2016
...on the grounds that it "might offend the sensibilities of the protesters."  This is one of the reasons why the kill rate in Dallas was so high.  The sniper was wearing body armor but the police officers were not allowed to do so. The police community should communicate to protest organizers in the future that they will gladly provide protective services to facilitate such activities in a safe and peaceful manner, but will be wearing the appropriate protective gear, and if the organ ...

New Tax Law For People Working At HomeFeb 21, 2014
When itemizing I always took the bills including internet, water, gas and others, added those up and then you took a percentage. That has changed for this year. Just heard on TV you take the square footage of your office (or where you would work) and multiple that x 5.00 to get the total amount you can deduct. The only problem I have now is how do I find the square footage of the office?? ...

Here Is The List Of Those Who Shouldn't Be WorkingMar 03, 2015
List ...

Our Democracy Is Not Working AnymoreNov 01, 2016
I am amazed how lies and innuendo can possibly steal an election.   1.  FBI director coming out and saying there might be a problem (but has not even seen the e-mails). 2.  The Birther's who wanted to disenfranchise our country's first black president.  3.  The Swiftboaters throwing manure on a Vietnam vet, Kerry.    (Makes me think of Trumps 'bone spur' that kept him out of the draft and Trump saying he doesn't like vets who get cau ...

This Is Just Great. I Am Working Today And HaveNov 20, 2015
like tomorrow. My SIL, her husband, another BIL and wife are passing through. They should be here around lunch and we can surely take everyone out but I need some ideas about some snacks that might be simple to get together here at the last minute. They called just 30 minutes ago and I am working this evening/night. ...

How's That Putin Lovin' Working Out For Ya?Nov 24, 2015
Too close to Turkey, shot down. Setting up protecrorate in Syria to claim parts of Mid-East. You still support him over your own President? France isn't all roses either. http://www.mepc.org/journal/middle-east-policy-archives/troubles-syria-spawned-french-divide-and-rule No, not Silly Sarah, just communicating in the common vernacular. ...

Extreme Shoulder Pain Since Working VRFeb 15, 2012
After 20 years MTing, my wrist and hand pain disappeared after starting editing versus transcribing.  But now both shoulders ache and I have pain on lifting above head.  The pain makes it difficult to sleep due to shoulder aching, both sides.  Anyone else experienced this or am I just getting old age.  I do not play sports or do anything else extreme with my arms.   ...

How's That Hopey/changey Thing Working Out For Everybody?Nov 02, 2009
I've been following the discussions on this board since the election and I've noticed that the Bush bashers turned Obama worshipers haven't really had much to say of late.  Is their messiah is just not living up to the title?  Are they too ashamed to defend or worhsip publically anymore? Personally, I'm totally disturbed by Obama and there are so many things that disturb me about him that I find it very difficult to put my finger on just one.  Like his he ...

Obamacare Working For Small BusinessJan 20, 2011
More Small Businesses Offering Health Care To Employees Thanks To Obamacare Jan. 6 2011 - 2:18 pm By RICK UNGAR The first statistics are coming in and, to the surprise of a great many, Obamacare might just be working to bring health care to working Americans precisely as promised. The major health insurance companies around the country are reporting a significant increase in small businesses offering health care benefits to their employees. Why? Because the tax cut created in the new heal ...

“Attention All Working Americans Who Work Because You Have To...smNov 23, 2011
Do you want a president who will give us endless war to spread the myth that all countries need to be democratic  Do you want your social security to be dismantled or given over to wall street? Do you really want a government so small that everything is profitized and you must pay?  Do you want deregulation of all corporations because you believe that they will always do whats best for people?  Do you want to work for less than minimum wage? Do you want to be pepper ...

Stimulus Not Working As The Dems ReportFeb 18, 2010
Looks like the democrats are at it again.  This spendulous plan they are trying to get everyone to believe has worked has not.  The figures they have reported are incorrect.   http://www.kitv.com/video/22597274/index.html   I'm sure more reports will be forthcoming on the "un-truths" this administration thinks we are so stupid to believe. ...

Working Thanksgiving -- Hosting Supper.Nov 21, 2010
Will do pies the night before and cook turkey and let rolls raise as I work.  Hopefully work will be scant and will have time to prepare some of the side dishes.  Otherwise my daughters will be coming over and helping with that.  I am gratefulo for that.  I had to use up all my PTO for a surgery last month so working Thanksgiving or not wasn't an option for me. Other people coming will be bringing dishes and they too always can be counted on to come a little early and pi ...

Mitt's Doublespeak On 2 Classes Of Working VsApr 15, 2012
Naturally, this breaks down along the lines of socioeconomic class, i.e. wealthy moms vs welfare moms.  Here we have a CSPAN video from January 2012 where Romney is touting what sounds like his plan for privatizing unemployment.  This is a scheme where folks would contribute money while they are working to an "unemployment account," thus eliminating the current requirement for employers to do so and transferring that MANDATE onto workers, in addition to tax and SS payche ...

House GOP Majority And Dems Are Becoming A WorkingFeb 09, 2013
need to work together to get anything done. Not to say anyone thinks any of these leopards have changed their spots, and divisions and obstructionism are deeply engrained, but increasingly these old opponents across the aisle have more in common with each other than with the GOP's extreme TP/"base." Excerpt from the Washington Post:   "House Democrats see political winds shifting in their direction Published: February 8 Democrats, who met this week at the Lansdowne R ...

Working After Carpal Tunnel ReleaseApr 10, 2013
Hello all, I have a question for those of you who have had carpal tunnel release surgery.  I went to the neurologist today and had EMG and nerve conduction studies on both of my hands.  My right hand middle fingertip is quite numb.  The test showed moderate CTS on my right and a little milder on the left.  it really scares me because of the constant numbness in my middle finger.  I have to go see my hand surgeon after he receives the report from the neuro doc to see wha ...

Tea Party Congressmen Working Hard For The 1% Of The 1%.Sep 12, 2013
or are associated with ALEC, run by the Koch brothers and other very wealthy people I haven't looked up (mine is), but we do know the Tea Party activities are directed and their campaigns substantially assisted by the Koch brothers, who have been fighting attempts to address environmental problems -- mostly successfully -- for over 30 years now. ALEC literally writes legislation for them to introduce and/or support. WHY DO WE ALLOW THIS? Tea Party Congressman Protects US From Manatee O ...