Ideas to keep busy

Sour Lemon · Apr 25, 2018

I am working part time 2 days per week (12 hour shifts). My wife works the other days (8 hours per day). Because she makes much more than I do, she wants me to stay home on the days she works to get our oldest to/from school and keep our youngest home. I really love my job and feel productive. I really love doing the Mr Mom stuff but I'm also trying to find ideas or projects at home to keep busy whether as an RN or otherwise. I can only do so much housework in a small house. I don't like sitting still. Any ideas to keep busy?

Just do what interests you. Do you need other people to tell you what your interests are?

kakamegamama · Apr 25, 2018

Woodworking? Gardening? Working for an insurance company or telephone triage? What are YOUR interests?

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Apr 25, 2018

I really enjoy refinishing furniture. If you have a garage and a budget to buy some basic equipment like a paint stripper, power sander, etc and well ventilated space to work, you may consider trying it out. Shop yard sales and consignment shops for old pieces and give them a new look. Keep them for your house or sell them for a profit.

JKL33 · Apr 25, 2018

Well, this isn't overly-active (physically), but the first thing that popped into my head is that you could use this little bit of extra time you have to really optimize your family finances - - something that gets pushed to the back burner sometimes when both adults are working FT and raising children. If you're smart and careful, you could make up the difference in working outside the home 2 days a week instead of 3 just by having the time to make a solid family financial plan.

In addition to saving and investing plans, you have some time to do things like the weekly shopping (including doing the leg work involved in wisely stretching grocery budget).

Review all insurance policies and make phone calls to get better quotes if necessary

Review all subscription services and other bills to see where your monthly expenditures can be optimized

Stay caught up on home and vehicle maintenance if those apply to your situation

Socialize your child and work on age-appropriate educational activities

*Again, I'm not making financial-related suggestions because you are "only" working PT, I'm making them because that one extra day at home that you have could be used to great benefit by doing things that can be otherwise difficult to get done

This is for a time....remember, things will change. Don't underestimate the power of some of the non-professional things you can do in your family's best interests while you have this time. Or, hey, there's always volunteering or taking classes, etc. And lots of other stuff. Random thoughts. :)

Good luck~

broughden · Apr 25, 2018

I am working part time 2 days per week (12 hour shifts). My wife works the other days (8 hours per day). Because she makes much more than I do, she wants me to stay home on the days she works to get our oldest to/from school and keep our youngest home. I really love my job and feel productive. I really love doing the Mr Mom stuff but I'm also trying to find ideas or projects at home to keep busy whether as an RN or otherwise. I can only do so much housework in a small house. I don't like sitting still. Any ideas to keep busy?

Expand your education or certifications?

Take the time to study for and take board certification tests.

Apply to further your education, BSN or grad school.

CharleeFoxtrot, BSN, RN · Apr 25, 2018

Volunteer in the community? Meals on wheels is always looking for folks to deliver food during the week.

RNperdiem, RN · Apr 25, 2018

I see an excellent opportunity for some physical fitness. Work out at home, take walks, visit parks. Getting out a little every day is a sanity saver if you are going to have a young child at home.

Also look around the house and see what projects have been neglected for lack of time.

Farawyn · Apr 25, 2018

You can always volunteer.

ruby_jane, BSN, RN · Apr 25, 2018

You can always volunteer.

^Yup!^ We have a free medical clinic that solely treats adults (mostly primary care, occasionally something REALLY weird) and I've loved volunteering there.