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The Nest Is Partially Empty: So Why Am I Less Productive Than Before?
Last September, when all five of my kids finally headed to school full-time, I was in disbelief. For the first time in 17 years, I had 35 glorious hours to myself each week, filled with endless possibilities. I had been juggling a freelance writing career while managing my little ones, and now I thought the sky was the limit.
I had been used to working amidst the chaos of young children—crafting my career during nap times and school runs. I even managed to conduct phone interviews from my car while my kids snoozed inside. Surely, with all this newfound time, I would unleash a wave of creativity and productivity.
However, when September rolled around, instead of diving into my work, I found myself…well, just sputtering. My enthusiasm for writing and blogging vanished. I’d sit at my desk, staring at a blank screen with hours of silence surrounding me, and nothing came to mind. I even contemplated switching gears and finding a “real job” that would come with a professional dress code and an office commute.
I thought maybe I just needed a break to tackle some home projects or indulge in fun activities. Yet, I didn’t exactly shine in those areas either. Sure, naps were enjoyable, but all those home improvements I planned? They remained untouched, while I somehow managed to gain weight from exercising less than when I was juggling a million things at once.
At first, I was puzzled by this slump. After all, I had dreamt of having so much time! But the more I reflected, the clearer it became. Yes, the constant demands of parenting were stressful, but they provided a sense of structure and purpose that I didn’t realize I craved. Without that daily chaos, my days felt directionless.
As I transitioned into this new normal over the past six months, I’ve started to find my rhythm again. I’m writing more, getting back into a fitness routine, and even planning some home projects. Maybe I just needed time to adjust to this quieter life. I’m learning to embrace the slower pace and accept that I don’t need to maximize every moment.
Perhaps this stage, with my kids off at school, signals the end of an era. I’m finally allowing myself to relax and enjoy the stillness, and after 17 years of motherhood, I definitely deserve it.
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Summary:
In this reflection on transitioning to an empty nest, the author shares her journey of adjusting to newfound free time and productivity challenges after her children started school. Despite initial struggles, she learns to embrace the slower pace of life and recognize the importance of finding balance.