The Circus of Work & Home

While working a 9-5 may be sought after, it is highly unlikely in Today's standards of defining "work". In July of '16 it was found that 49% of workers (self-employed or salary) say they check or answer emails when they leave work. Of workers 55+, 60% say they keep work at work and home at home, they do not keep working once outside of office hours. However, that number is decreasing with this new generation of workers. Of workers aged 18-24, 52% say they do not keep working outside of office hours, however, with this new generation the definition of "office hours" are being redefined. In 2013 Forbes released an article showing that 45% of "Millennials" will choose a workplace flexibility over pay. In America, the norm is no longer a 40-hour work week, but rather almost 1 in every 5 Americans say they spend more than 60 hours a week "working". So, when does that leave time for family? Honestly, it doesn't.

Being Self Employed, I am often caught in the whirlwind of stretching myself between baking, my job, and my family and working crazy hours all through the night. HOWEVER, when I bake, I am relaxed, I am not thinking about the "work" emails coming through, I am not worried about the stress that day may have had, I am tranquil. So, through my baking I have made more family connections by being able to express my appreciation for them in the treats I make. In the moments following finishing a dessert, may it be an order or just for fun, I am a better friend, sister, aunt, and most importantly Wife.

For anyone who may be stretching yourself thin, you’re not alone, we don't all have it together, we are just like YOU!