Since I started working from home, I’ve had to deal with a few comments regarding my new work life. Comments such as:

“Well…she’s not working right now.”

“How much work do you have to do every day?”

“How’s the job search going?”

Different scenarios and conversations caused the comments to be said to me or about me; some were not said in my presence. But, the fact is that while many friends and family have been supportive of my decision to pursue freelance and consulting instead of the standard 9-5 job, there are others who don’t quite understand it. They think I’m looking for a replacement traditional job. They wonder what I do each day. They don’t always understand why I say that yes, in fact, I am quite busy – even at home.

I’ve dealt with the comments and explained that no, I’m not looking to go back to working outside the home. And, yes, I do quite a bit each day, because building a business and doing freelance work, is in fact, work. I understand that it will take some time for everyone to become accustomed to my new work at home status, so it doesn’t bother me. Really…part of me is still getting used to it myself.

As I was thinking about this more, I decided I’d open up the topic for a round-table-type discussion. I want to open it up to you and hear how you have dealt with such comments.

Do you have friends and family that don’t quite get it? Share with us in the comments about your experiences.

As a full-time working mom, it’s very hard for me to keep up with the household duties. I’ve posted before about the expectations – false no doubt – that I’ve set for myself.

Elizabeth over at Career & Kids touched on the subject recently, when a friend of hers realized there’s not enough time in the week. As she mentions, when you’re working all week, you want to use the weekend to spend time with the family. That is when I’d like to take a trip to the zoo, the park, or sometimes it’s just a matter of the “must” trips – like grocery shopping that needs to be done.

What can working moms do to manage the housework?

I’m not sure I have the answer just yet, but I AM trying something new.

I’ve set up a weekly chore schedule and broken down the housework to a little each day – there’s even a day off!

Here’s my schedule:

• Sunday: clean bathrooms
• Monday: wash laundry
• Tuesday: fold laundry
• Wednesday: sweep & mop
• Thursday: vacuum
• Friday: OFF day
• Saturday: change bed sheets

Plus, every day is de-clutter day, since this can be done simultaneously with the other chores. That means, putting away toys, clearing the day’s mail, and other small tasks. The chores scheduled on the weekend can be done quickly in the morning before heading out for the day.

To keep track of my schedule, I’ve printed out Hannah Keeley’s Total Mom Chore Chart, but any calendar will do.

I’m hoping this will help keep me on track and make things a bit more manageable. I’ve just made my list this week, so I’m only starting to put it into practice.

How do you manage your housework?

Photo by Jane Ring

I just quit my job.

Seriously. I just handed in my resignation letter.

It feels good. And a tiny bit scary. But, I think that’s normal. It’s a big change for me. I’ve never quit a job without first having another.

So, here I am. Well not quite yet.

I still have some time at work before I am officially done.

But, soon. Soon, I’ll be done with my outside the home job.

I may be broke and eating Ramen noodles soon, but at least I’ll be working towards something. And, like my husband said last night, “There’s no one I’d rather be broke with.”

Fresh start.

It means something different to everybody. Some people get a second chance at life. Some survive a divorce. Others simply make a conscious effort to get rid of all the excess baggage they’re carrying.

For me, at this point in time, a fresh start would be a career change. Or more so, a change from working outside the home, to working from home.

This past week, I’ve been home with my baby girl all week due to a change in her childcare options and a transition to preschool. (She starts preschool for the first time ever next week.) Though there were times of frustration both for her and myself, overall it has been the greatest week I’ve had in a long time. It’s hard to believe that I currently deal with more drama at my workplace than I do in my personal life.

So, where am I going with all this?

Well, you and I have a chance at getting a fresh start of our own. The makers of CAREFREE® pantiliners are partnering with First30Days.com – experts at helping people through change – on a new program to help women turn that very common wish into a reality. Women who visit the campaign’s new Web site, CarefreeFreshStart.com, will find tips for making a fresh start and the chance to receive up to $10,000 through the CAREFREE® Fresh Start Fund.

I received a packet for review of the new CAREFREE® Ultra Protection™ pantiliners from Mom Central. You can get a free sample for yourself at CarefreeFreshStart. Now, I don’t normally use pantiliners. I honestly don’t see the point most of the time. Seems like a waste of money to have different levels of protection when most of the time, the one will do. That’s just my opinion. But, these pantiliners are a bit thicker. And, they have wings – for those of you who like that sort of thing.

• Did they do their job? Yes.
• Do they keep you fresh? Yes. (As long as you do what all women I know do and change them out periodically.)
• Will I buy them on my own? No. Remember that I just don’t see the point in having pads and pantiliners.

I do think it’s pretty cool of CAREFREE® to team up with Ariane de Bonvoisin from First30Days.com on this Fresh Start campaign. You may remember that I heard Ariane speak at this year’s Florida Conference for Women. She is a great speaker and very motivational. So she’s perfect for advising women on getting a fresh start.

Let me know in the comments below what a fresh start would mean to you. Or, if you’ve already had a fresh start in the past, what advice do you have to share?

And, don’t forget to enter the CAREFREE® Fresh Start Fund contest at CarefreeFreshStart.com. The deadline for submissions is today July 10, 2009.

Or, at least get a free sample of the new pantiliners.