How do you manage friendships while being a working mom? I am no expert, but from trial and error (and mostly error) here's what I've found from my experience. Friendships are so important and so valuable to you being fulfilled while working, right? But where is the time for them? Friends who are moms and don't work or friends who work and don't have kids can leave you feeling guilty when you can't meet them for dinner or meet them for a movie. Here's what I've found to be successful for meaningful friendships:
Problem: phone conversations
Resolution: make your phone calls on the way to and from work or on lunch
Problem: hang out time
Resolution: I try to make "friend dinner plans" after 8:30 pm which is after bedtime
Problem: expectations
Resolution: have a conversation, a lot of hurt is developed when people start assuming feelings and situations about others.
Problem: inconsistency
Resolution: Be consistent - the thing I most regret when I went back to work is the pattern of inconsistency I developed while working. I couldn't find balance. I have learned to set reminders in my cell phone to call people back.
Problem: homebody
Resolution: This is me: guilty as charged. I have no idea for a resolution for this one. Accepting suggestions. Please comment below. :)
DISCLAIMER: These are opinions and come mostly from screwing up. :)
Great advice!
ReplyDeleteWell, I work from home, so it's a little different but I do have a best friend that works full time out of the house. We often try to meet on the weekends (usually a sunday night) or later after the kids are in bed on weeknights if we can. But the best thing is being able to keep in touch via email and blogs. It's hard because I'm in a group of friends, so it's not just two of us usually, but a few, and so that's more to work around (bedtimes, husbands getting home late or out of town, etc.) We try to not let too long a time pass without getting together.
ReplyDeleteAnd some nights, when we all need to stay home, it's awesome to just have that fifteen minute chat or whatever with fun emails and such- it is good for the soul.
Steph
Steph, Thanks for your input. I am finding more and more how much I need friends. Its hard to make it priority, but so necessary. Finding this balance as I get older. Slowly, but surely. :)
ReplyDelete