Grandma’s Space for Work Provides Added Time for Family
Four months ago, I decided to rent office space outside of our family home to allow me to separate my work from my home life. Since that time, I have learned to balance each day at home with increased time for my family. I have also found that:
- I was able to declutter which has made me more organized with easy access to relevant files.
- When reorganizing my files, I was able to revisit projects from the past and integrate these into current projects and outcomes.
- I am more efficient with my time as I have less distractions.
- My creativity has increased because I can focus and think in a quiet space.
- When reviewing previous projects, I learned that I needed to change how I was managing my role as secretary for various committee projects or notetaking for project groups because I would delay sending out minutes or notes until right before a meeting.
- I have changed my timeline for sending out draft minutes or notes. I have learned to send them out to committee members immediately with follow-up actions so they can complete assigned action items with colleagues immediately.
- The timeline checklists of action items and the agreed upon next meeting date is now published right after a meeting. This allows everyone to have more time to plan to attend the next assigned meeting date.
When I consider my increased organizational skills, efficiency, and productivity, I am thankful for moving my office out of the house. Initially, I was concerned about how my planned absences would impact the care of my grandchild. I have learned that my increased productivity allows me to more fully enjoy my childcare responsibilities. I now have more time for focused play with my grandchild.
Happy added family time!
Joyce
Copyright © 2019 by GenParenting
Joyce Iwasaki has over thirty years of educational experience working with diverse students in grades from preschool through high school. Joyce’s extensive background includes teaching elementary school, serving on early childhood advisory boards, and advocating for educational initiatives as a legislative aide. During her tenure as a legislative aide, she helped create legislation that allowed incarcerated mothers to keep their newborn babies with them while in prison. Additional legislation was enacted to allow incarcerated pregnant mothers to remain unshackled during labor and delivery. Ms. Iwasaki established and served as the president of an educational scholarship foundation for fifteen years. Her foundation awarded college scholarships to emerging student leaders who provided service to their schools and communities. Joyce is active in performing arts and cultural organizations. She also provides ongoing support to her daughter and family by raising her grandson in her home.