Last September marked a significant milestone in my life: all five of my children finally headed off to school full-time at the same time. After 17 years of motherhood, I was faced with an astonishing 35 hours each week all to myself—a treasure trove of time filled with endless possibilities.
For over a decade, I had successfully built a freelance writing career while managing the chaos of little ones at home. I had tackled the challenges of working while pregnant, caring for toddlers, and navigating maternity leaves that were alarmingly brief. I became adept at working in unpredictable bursts and often found myself in bizarre situations, like conducting interviews from the car while the kids napped or negotiating contracts from a closet while my preschooler watched cartoons.
With my newfound free time, I envisioned days filled with writing, networking, and even pursuing new hobbies. I expected that the limitations I had previously experienced would vanish with the introduction of more space and quiet. However, the reality was far from my expectations.
Instead of diving headfirst into productivity, I found myself struggling to regain my creative spark. Hours of quiet stretched before me, yet I sat at my computer, unable to write or blog. I even entertained the thought of looking for a “real job” that would require a more formal wardrobe and a daily office commute.
I thought perhaps a break from work would help me focus on home projects or simply have some fun. But my efforts in those areas were lackluster as well. While I indulged in plenty of naps, the home projects I had planned remained untouched, and I even found myself exercising less than I did when I had less free time.
At first, I was baffled by my lack of motivation. I had finally received the time I had longed for, yet I felt like I was squandering it. But as I reflected on my situation, the reasons for my ennui became clearer.
Being needed every day, constantly juggling my kids’ demands along with work, provided structure and purpose to my life. The chaotic push and pull of parenting, while often overwhelming, also fueled my productivity. It gave my days a rhythm that I now found missing in the quiet of an empty house.
Now, six months later, I am gradually adjusting to my new normal. I’m beginning to write again, reestablish an exercise routine, and I’ve set some home projects for myself. It seems I simply needed time to acclimate to this fresh reality. I’m learning to embrace the ebb and flow of my workdays, allowing myself to take breaks and enjoy downtime instead of filling every moment with activity.
This part-time empty nest represents a shift in my life, allowing me to appreciate the slower pace. I’m realizing that after 17 years of motherhood, I indeed deserve this break. If you’re navigating similar transitions, this post on home insemination can offer some insightful perspectives. For those interested in understanding the journey of artificial insemination, check out this excellent resource on intrauterine insemination.
Summary:
Transitioning to an empty nest can lead to unexpected feelings of unproductivity. While I anticipated newfound freedom and creativity, I discovered that the structure and purpose provided by parenting were pivotal to my productivity. Adjusting to this new reality has taken time, but I’m slowly finding my rhythm and learning to embrace the quieter pace of life.