Hard to Balance Jewelry Business with a Job and Family Life

by Kelli B.

My main problem with getting anywhere in my jewelry biz is that I just don't have time.

I work 30 hours a week in an office job, have 2 kids who are each in 2 activities, and a hubby who travels a lot for his job.

So by the time I'm home from work and everyone's been taken care of, and their activities are done for the day - there's still laundry, grocery shopping, food preparation, dishes, etc.

Then I'm too tired to do anything about my jewelry business other than maybe just play with a few beads and go to bed.

I hope I don't sound like I'm complaining, because that's not how I mean it.

It's just that by the time I actually have time to do anything for my jewelry business, I'm too tired to do it.

Anyone else in that boat? Or know of any solutions?

Thanks in advance!

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Hard to Balance Jewelry Business with a Job and Family Life

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Can You Schedule Your Activities into the Family Calendar?
by: Rena

Hi Kelli,

I can tell you're a wonderful mom and wife - and I think your family should reward you by scheduling *your* activities into the weekly calendar.

Just as you make sure your children and hubby are always able to fit in the things they do, your jewelry business (and whatever else is important to you) should be given the same priority.

Also, can you bring a "jewelry-making-to-go" bag or fishing tackle box with you when you take the children to their activities? Usually there's a lot of waiting time during the activity, when you could be making jewelry.

Also, other waiting family members are often interested in what you're making while the kids are in the activity, and you can wind up making some sales that way!

And what about making jewelry on your lunch hour or breaktime at work? You could wind up making sales to co-workers who like what they see - or even take custom orders for jewelry they'd like to have.

Don't give up on your jewelry business - find ways to incorporate it into your life. :o)

Could you negotiate less hours at your work?
by: Lisa

Hi Kelli

I had exactly the same problem as you - working 37 hours a week in a full time job and then trying to fit all my creative activities in at evenings and weekends, but not getting very far.

By the time all the house cleaning, cooking, dishes, exercise classes and time spent commuting backwards and forwards to work was completed there was not a lot of time left for anything else - and I don't even have children!

In the end I decided to bite the bullet and put in my notice at work with the intention of finding a part time job. Luckily, my employer was very understanding and negotiated for my job to become a job share.

I now work 2 days a week and for the remainder of my time I'm working on developing my business - and loving it! Of course that all depends on whether you are able to afford to do this financially. I've had to make quite a lot of sacrifices with my spending and luckily have a very supportive husband. However, I'm so much happier now that I'm able to spend time doing what I love!

I hope you're able to find a solution to your problem as it is SO worth it in the end.

Lisa
Glass and Gem Workshop
Jewellery, Mosaics & Staied Glass
www.glassgemworkshop.co.uk

Me too!
by: Pam

I can SOOO relate to Kelli - so many demands in life that our bliss all too often gets back-burnered! My kids are both off to college now, and I thought this would be MY turn, but I still have my day job, and just as the younger generation needs me less, it seems the older (aging family members) now are taking up that void.

My strategy right now is to work on getting my office, house and life as "netted out" as possible, so at least there will be less "stuff" in the way of my creativity. I keep a running "to do" list that usually changes daily, but it does help to at least have it.

I have my etsy shop up and running, but get frustrated when I can't dedicate the time I want to keeping it vital. I only hope my customers won't give up on me, because I have so many ideas just waiting to be put together, and also so many techniques I want to learn! I'm not giving up - life can't stay this busy forever! :D

In the same boat
by: Erin Prais-Hintz

I am in the same boat. There are a lot of us out in the ocean rowing for our lives!
I call this my 9pm-midnight job. But more accurately it is my 9p-1a job! I have a very supportive family. But we are very busy as well. I am looking to get into part time work as soon as I can (I have to sell my old house first). But I know that once I do I will be much happier and I know that I can make it work. It is already taking off with me working such limited hours not even every night. Now I need to focus the ship in the direction I want to go. It is a lot of work, and my house isn't always the cleanest, but I am showing my kids that if you have a passion and are determined you need to follow that dream. Good luck to you in your quest!
Enjoy the day.
Erin