“Sorry kids, I’m off the clock – make your own dinner! I’m going to my Taste of Asia cooking class. Then after that I will meditate in a water dome meant to replicate the womb and take a break with a cup of coffee served on the rock hard chest of an Arabian prince.” (WHAT?! As if you haven’t thought about having your coffee served in that fashion.)
Just as an FYI, you should know that this post is sponsored by Nestle. But all opinions expressed by the author are 100 per cent authentic and written in their own words.
But whether you have offspring or not, being-so-busy-your-soul-hurts seems to be a universal truth for all of us. Mamamia has done some hard-hitting, investigative research with the help of thousands of you and we discovered that most of us actually feel our working day is more like 5am til 9pm. In fact, 80 per cent of you admitted that your working day is more like 16 hours and not eight. We asked probing questions, we wanted to get to the bottom of how you all handle these 16-hour days – what your highs and lows are and where do you find the time to have a break?
One of you responded to this question with: “When I have been concentrating so long on a task, I realise I have forgotten to even pee, let alone eat or drink!” Oh I hear you lady. From the moment we open our eyes, the list of things that need to be done that day hangs over our heads like the sword of Damocles. We all have the “must haves” that need to get done before any sort of relaxation can occur. STAT ALERT!
When people take their breaks during the day:
- 31 per cent of people say it’s when all of their ‘must haves’ are done for the day
- 31 per cent of people say it’s when dinner is packed away for the night
- 28 per cent of people say it’s once everything for the day is taken care of
- And just under 10 per cent say they want their break before they embark on responsibilities for the day.
God love that 10 per cent of you who are all like: “Stuff it, I will have a break FIRST and then get to the day’s chores!”
I admit to you all, when my children were young, the only way to get a break was to hide away in the toilet. I had many a morning coffees there I am ashamed to say. It was the only room in the house with a lock on it! Oh they would claw at it and stick their grubby little fingers under the gap but I maintained the rage and tried to enjoy my makeshift cafe le urinal.
Top Comments
I don't have kids but I'm exhausted from suffering injuries in the past 12 months. I've had chronic pain and although I'm feeling better, the exhausted hangover is still there. I get so tired when I get home from work, even cooking dinner is a struggle. Forget washing and chores, or going out for a movie or dinner. I'm in bed between 8.30 and 9 and asleep by 10 at the very latest. I know I am getting my 8 hours (wake up at 6) but I still feel tired when I wake up. The weekends are full of chores to make up for not doing them during the week and there are always obligations to see family, not much time for fun or relaxation. I don't see how I could have kids if I feel like this now.
So true, Em. I, too, used to hide in the toilet to escape from the kids. And at work, once or twice! We all deserve a break now and then.
You mean to tell me that your kids leave you ALONE when you go to the toilet?? Clearly my kids missed that memo... ;)