Growing up, my dad used to come in to my room every morning before he left for work, told me he loved me, and reminded me that, “Today is the first day of the rest of my life.” It took me years to catch on, but one day it was like the light bulb finally went off…duh, Courtney!
Well, today is not only the first day of the rest of my life…today is another first.
So I briefly mentioned on Friday evening that I had some exciting new news.
I know. I can be such a tease, can’t I?
Well, as it turns out, I’ve got some more changes heading my way…
As easy as the substitute teaching was for work, it unfortunately, is just not all that reliable. If you’ve ever been a substitute teacher, then you know that some weeks you might get called in everyday and other weeks you might not get called in at all.
So in the midst of trying to figure out what I should do next, I ended up being presented with an opportunity for a new part-time job! I’ll be working about 30ish hours a week and I’m going to be working with a really great group of girls, many of whom I already know. Luckily, the job should also allow me some time to get my studying done as well, so really, it should be a win-win situation!
My next step from here is working on figuring out a weekly schedule that will balance everything…work, studying, blogging (I’m not going anywhere!), exercise, freelance writing, house work, social life, and of course, family life. I certainly can’t forget about these two!
I know I will make it work…heck, I used to teach full time while doing this! It will just take some trial and error. For right now, I don’t plan on getting into too many specifics of where I’m working, but my hours will be slightly different from what I’ve been used to- working days on Tuesday-Friday, with a couple of long days and a couple of short days. My long days are what will take the most planning on all ends (working shifts of 10am – 8 or 9pm) but I’m sure I’ll figure out a plan within a couple of weeks.
Sooooo, that being said…please forgive me if I end up being super spacy or spazzy in any of my posts in the next few weeks. 
Okay, well, I guess I’m always a little bit of a spaz, so you know what I mean.
That being said, I am really excited about this latest change. Even though I’m going to be a busy bee, I think it’s going to be for the better, especially since I tend to be more productive when I’m busy anyways.
Alrighty my friends, it’s about time for me to finish up a few things and hit the road for day numero uno at the new job. Wish me luck!
Question for the Morning:
What are some of your best tips and/or pieces of advice for balancing it all?
Welcome to Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life! I'm Courtney, a 28-year old personal trainer living in Upstate, NY. I enjoy all things related to food, fitness, and fashion, as well as feeding my huge sweet tooth. To find out a little bit more about the girl behind the blog, check out my 
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Good luck!:) I’m sure you’ll have it all!
Sweet and Savvy recently posted..Homecoming
how wonderful girl
new change is always a good thing! ive been trying to find a good balance as well with grad school, working full time, planning a wedding and somewhat of a social life. One thing I did was combine a few things like working out with a friend every other day to make sure I’m feeling great and catching up with friends 
xo
congrats on the part-time job! that’s great!
i just started a new full-time job a monthish or so ago, and i have found that planning ahead really helps with balancing. it sounds obvious, but i was never much of a planner before and always did things as i felt at the time. now i plan meals, when i workout, etc, days beforehand & it really helps!
Mallory @ It’s Only Life recently posted..Most Amazing Bread
CONGRATS on your new part-time job- you sound really positive about it which is great! My biggest advice is to prioritise and don’t sweat the small stuff. Yeah ok maybe laundry won’t happen as often or something else won’t go according to plan but that’s ok!! Also as I know you’re also an avid exercise, stick to morning workouts- no matter what curve balls you may unexpectedly face during the day, at least you’ve done one thing for yourself already!
Khushboo recently posted..You just know
Hahaha…the laundry doesn’t get done nearly enough as it is.
From balancing grad school, work, my new marriage, a social life, blogging/freelance work, training for a half marathon and trying to find time for “self care” my biggest piece of advice would be: Don’t think about all the stuff you’re balancing. Just DO it
It all works out! Good luck today!!
Good luck! You’ll do great!
Congrats on the new job and good luck with your first day! It sounds like the perfect part time job situation! My advice in balancing it all is to make sure you get adequate rest – early to bed and early to rise is my motto.
Ashley @ My Food ‘N’ Fitness Diaries recently posted..New Little Personal Challenge
Congrraaaatulations! 30 hours a week sounds so perfect
Plus, working with people you already know an like is such a treat!
I hope it is all smooth sailing for ya!
Emma recently posted..October Goals and A Grocery Trip
Congratulations!! That’s awesome… I’m sure you’ll balance everything in your life perfectly!
very exciting news!!!
Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers recently posted..Waking Up is Hard to Do
I’m still trying to figure out the whole “work-life” balance thingy, Some days I have it down perfect, and other days are a total mess (like being stuck in the lab til 7pm last night). But, I think I’ll get the hang of it soon? Good luck with your first day at the new job!
Krissie J recently posted..Feels Like Fall Weekend
Congrats!! What kind of work will you be doing? I guess what I’m wondering is if it’s something related to your new career goals, like being a fitness instructor.
I work full-time for the federal government, have a 50-ish minute commute to work each way, and am a MPA graduate student (at night). I’m not sure I could do it all without my husband, honestly. Together, we plan meals, then I do the grocery shopping, and we batch cook on the weekends so that we don’t have to stress about having healthy home-cooked meals that are fast and easy – essential since we take our lunches every day, and I also take my dinner twice a week on class nights. Planning this is a huuuuge weight off my shoulders! I am also best friends with my planner so that I don’t miss any important appointments or deadlines. I occasionally take off a little time from work to go to the library and research or write – if I didn’t I would have even less time with my husband (and it’s limited as it is). Quality couple time is so important to me and sadly it’s often what suffers the most when I’m really bogged down with school (like I am right now with midterms, ugh).
Good luck, Courtney!! I’m sure you’ll be able to handle it. 30 hrs work + the type of certification program you’re doing is actually a really good balance of time between the two things. Just stay organized, plan ahead, and don’t forget to make time for yourself and the ones you love.
Eeeek I wrote a book, sorry!
That’s ok!! I appreciate you taking the time
What great news, congratulations. Hope you have a wonderful first day
x
Best of luck with all! I know you’ll make it work
Just keep on top of your sleep – that’s the most important thing!
Aine @ Something to Chew Over recently posted..Apple Pie
Congrats on the new job Courtney!!! I have no doubt you will find the balance
Good luck today and can’t wait to hear more!!
Yay! Congrats and good luck! Have fun today!
Congrats!
You will do great!
My tip is meal planning! I save so much time doing it! It also saves money and wastes less food. I also love lists, and make sure to prioritize my tasks
Lindsey recently posted..Winners & Donuts!
Good luck with your new part-time job today! I’m sure you will do great!
Hope recently posted..A Season To Look Forward To…
Good luck! I’m three months into my first full-time job and still learning how to balance everything! You’ll figure it out though
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Emily @ Perfection Isn’t Happy recently posted..Are You an Addict?
as long as I have a to-do list with all my priorities down… i’m set to go.
nicole @ simply Nicole recently posted..Weekend Recap & Winner!
That is so awesome congratulations! I excited to hear what you will be doing! Planning really helps me when I’m super busy. If I don’t plan my gym time, blogging, homework etc. I get stressed out easier. It just keeps me at ease to have a plan. Best of luck to you!:)
Brittany recently posted..New Creations and a New Workout
Aw yay! Congrats on the new gig. It sounds like you’re really excited about and that’s the best part.
Congrats on the new job! First days can be nerve wracking, but you’ll fall into a new schedule soon. Good luck! Can’t wait to hear all about it.
Sylvia @ Frolic Through Life recently posted..Sailing on a Saturday Afternoon
Congrats on the new job! Wish I had the answer to balancing it all…but I’m still working on it myself. Regardless, I know you’ll make it work!
Jamie aka “Sometimes Healthy Living Girl” recently posted..Chocolate Chip Donut Monday, Packing and Pumpkins
Congrats! I agree that I’m more productive when I’m busy. I think the main thing to remember is that you don’t have to be perfect. If you drop a ball every once in a while, it’s okay. Do your best and the things that matter will get done.
Jill recently posted..Pointy or Round?
Sounds like some exciting changes in your life! Good luck, you can do it!
Hilliary@HappilyEverHealthy recently posted..Remake of a Favorite
How exciting!! Good luck and I hope you enjoy it!
Andrea @ Andrea out loud! recently posted..Football, Rock Lifting, and SLEEP
Get lots and lots of sleep. That way, when things get stressful, you’ve got a built up immune system and your wits about you.
Maybe it’s just me, but if I’m low on sleep on top of my hectic schedule, I tend to want to sit in the corner and cry.
Alyssa @ Life of bLyss recently posted..One Final Milestone
That is exciting! You can do it all!
….What works for me is assessing what is the most important to me and what I feel obligated to do. If it’s just because I feel pressure from some outside source that isn’t that close to me, I cut it out.
Good Luck today!
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles recently posted..Cake Batter ‘Ice Cream’ and a Thank You!
Congrats on the new job! Finding that balance can really be difficult, but like you said, trial and error is what it takes. Just remember not to feel guilty about missing certain things during that trial and error period. Do your best and it’ll call come together soon!
Danica @ It’s Progression Not Perfection recently posted..“Baby Proof” Book Review
AHHHH GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!! I’m so happy for you
. You are going to do fabulous! I’m in grad school which is sometimes like having a full-time job and for me the main thing I do when trying to balance everything is to prioritize. Also, when it came to blogging, I realized that I would be better off not posting everyday so that I don’t feel like it becomes a chore (wouldn’t want that!). Not that you need to do that…but maybe post twice a day instead of 3 times if you’re ever feeling overwhelmed!
Lindsay @ In Sweetness and In Health recently posted..A Chocolate A Day…
Congrats on the new job!
Congrats! That is an exciting “first day”! I am sure the girls will love you and after a couple weeks of getting into your new groove, all the kinks will work themselves out!
Taylor @ Crumbs Don’t Count recently posted..Welcome to the Hotel California
But now I really know want to know *where* you are working
Balancing it all can be tough…I’m currently in overload, but I believe in to-do lists, daily planners, and always *always* inserting me time.
Good luck!
Shanna, Like Banana recently posted..Shoes-Day! New black boots and wineries
Congrats! How exciting!
I definitely hear you on the being busy thing! I feel like my weeks are a total whirlwind & I’m just holding on trying to get through! I usually try to “take a breath” on the weekends, & as a teacher, I just keep thinking “summer will come again!”
Erica @ For the Sake of Cake recently posted..Sometimes you just have to!
Good luck!! One thing I do sometimes to keep my meals super easy when working a lot is I’ll make an travel friendly meal (like chicken salad, or pasta salad–usually some kind of big protein packed salad) on Sunday that I can pack for the entire week. Of course that doesn’t work if you get sick of things, but usually if it’s really delicious, I don’t mind it 3-4 days in a row
Ari @ Ari’s Menu recently posted..Bekki’s Birthday Dinner
Hey congrats! You can totally make it work – that’s my new schedule Tues-Fri (plus I’ve got two kids thrown into the mix). When you’re doing stuff you love it seems like all the pieces just fall into place – the stuff you don’t love will work its way out. Being busy is a great way to find out what really matters to ya
Kim @ The Family Practice recently posted..In the Minority
Congratulations Courtney!! I am sure you will find time to balance it all…you are always so organized and put together!
Ruthie Hart recently posted..Bloggin’ Outside The Box: Our Casa
Congrats! A part time job sounds like the perfect balance between makin’ a little more money and studying… it’ll take a couple weeks to figure out the balance, but you’ll get there
Steph @ StephSnacks recently posted..Backwards Day
Prioritize and write it down! A lot of the time the little things slip through the cracks…usually if you write it down it helps you remind you! Also, don’t forget to plan your free time. I know that sounds weird to “plan” free time, but sometimes when you’re so busy you have to!
Katy @ HaveYouHurd recently posted..Warrior Dash!
Good luck girl and I’m very excited and happy for you! But now you’ve peaked my interest as to what you’re doing and where you’re working?!
My tip for balancing it all is for one, I’m lucky (in a way) that the hubby has to be up at 4:30-5am every morning which makes me get up and do loads of laundry, exercise, dishes, grocery store (7am is an awesome time to go btw!), blogging, etc. It’s awesome to get so much done before the sun is up and it’s a great feeling to feel accomplished before you’ve even gotten to work!
Focus on one thing at a time, and don’t over do it! If you can’t fit something in, don’t stress over it. Try to write out your schedule every week, it’ll keep your mind at ease knowing everything is all sorted out for you already.Congrats, & good luck!!
Becky @ Fit Chick on the Fly recently posted..Pre Race Jitters
Congrats Court
That is very exciting news!!
I KNOW you will have a wonderful day! Sounds like things are really falling into place for you, and I’m so happy for you.
Holly recently posted..Baked Funfetti Doughnuts!!
This is so great Courtney! Congratulations girl!!!
Lauren recently posted..Food Is My Medicine
Congrats on the job and good luck with everything!
Jess@atasteofconfidence recently posted..october plans: pumpkins and pyschology
Congrats! How exciting! Im sure you’ll have a healthy balance figured out in no time
I also tend to be wayy more productive when im super busy!
Lexie @ This Aussie Eats recently posted..Big Chobani News!
Good luck on the new gig!
I think perfect balance is hard to attain, so figuring out what is a total “must” and what is just a nice to have, is critical. I know that for me, my family always comes first and working out comes second. I give a lot to my family, but I need time to myself because otherwise I wouldn’t be able to give them what they need. All other things are secondary. I like a clean house, but if I can’t get to it, then it’ll happen tomorrow. If I can’t cook a full meal, we’ll cobble something nutritious together.
Rosa – Fitness, Food, Fulfilled recently posted..After Dinner Desserts
Good luck and have fun!!!! Congrats!
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey recently posted..i’m ‘not nuts!’ (GIVEAWAY!)
Congrats on the new job! That’s Awesome.
Currently I’m a full time student, balancing a campus job, an internship and a social life so I know what you mean…life gets so crazy sometimes-but I love it. I’m more productive when I’m busy too. When I get stressed I always tell myself 1.) everything that is meant to happen will happen and 2.) everything will get done in the end…it just might be a bumpy road to get there.
congrats on the new opportunity!! I’m actually going through the exact same thing only kind of reversed – my new job is actually giving me more time at home than my current part time job
GOOD LUCK making a new schedule. What will you be doing?
Congrats on the new gig! I hope you love it and that it completely fulfills you!
Megan (Braise The Roof) recently posted..A Davis St Birthday [restaurant review]
good luck at the new job!
balancing life: take a deep breath and realize that everything will work out
Good luck! How exciting
Piece of advice: remember you can’t do it all in one day, breathe and take one step at a time.
Katie @ Plates and Paste recently posted..Race for the Cure
Congrats, doll! It’s often that the busiest times in our lives are the most exciting (and the most stressful!). I’m sure that you’ll find the right balance. For me, it helps to schedule EVERYTHING! For instance, I’ll put a workout on my schedule, dinner with friends, cleaning the house, blog reading/writing, work-related tasks, time with family, etc. It may be a little regimented, but everything gets done!
Good luck!
Melissa recently posted..Meltdown
I’m sure you already are doing this, but when I was studying for my CSCS I tried to incorporate more biking/elliptical work into my workouts so that I could study at the same time. I would also block off a 1-2 hour block of time IN MY PLANNER (that makes it official right?) just for studying. I struggled to balance my studying, work, workout and bf time as well… a couple things I did to save time for my bf was study while he watched his favorite shows or sporting games, that way while he’s occupied watching tv you don’t have to feel guilty about study. I also made deals with him that I would spend all my time with him during the day if I could just study in the car (when we went on weekend road trips). Good luck finding your balance
Mac recently posted..Four Legged Walking Partner
Oooooooooooooooooooh congratulations! Sounds so exciting!
Samantha recently posted..Monday Monday
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