When it comes to balancing work and life, truer words were never spoken. As wives, mothers, entrepreneurs and employees there’s that fierce drive to have it all but for many of us (myself included) it’s so hard to let go and give others the opportunity to help us both at home and at work.
In surveying my own friends, I’ve noted that while many have no problem delegating at work and ensuring people “hold their own”, at home it’s a different story. “He doesn’t know what he’s doing in the kitchen, it’s just easier if I do it all.” Or, alternatively, there are women who run an efficient household where everyone knows their place, their job, and their ultimate responsibility to the powerhouse of MOM that runs the show, but at work or in her personal life this same woman is walked on my co-workers and family because she doesn’t want to rock the boat.
In Betty Ann-Heggie’s blog post, Having It All Doesn’t Mean Doing It All, she looks at ways women can have it all both at work and at home, looking at advice given countless times from mentors to proteges in the Womentorship Program at the Edwards School of Business.
Give the post a read, and then leave me a comment here sharing your thoughts on the subject!
This month’s giveaway of $100 PayPal cash will give one of my readers the opportunity to delegate with the money to make it happen!
Use it to hire a house-cleaner, pay someone to wash your windows, pay a babysitter for a night out, order-in after a long week so everyone can take the night off, or even buy yourself a new outfit for work. Take care of YOU.
I would use the money to pay my husband to take our girls out for an entire day, after they cleaned the house and earned it :).
Great read!
I haven’t had a date with my husband in years, I would hire a sitter and go to the movies!
I would use it towards a pedicure…Take care of my poor feet that I’m on all day, every day 🙂
With running at least 8 hours behind on sleep these last two nights because of two sick kids, this would be a dream come true! I would use it to feed my family a meal I don’t have to make and treat myself to the most delicious dessert I could find!
I would take the family out to eat. As sometimes we all need the break. From all of us having either work or school it is such a busy life we all need time with each other and not having to do cooking or clean up and just enjoy each others company.
silverneon2000 at yahoo dot com
I think a spa day
I would probably use it to get a meal for my family because my husband does not cook so I am always the one cooking, so a break would be awesome!
I would definitely give this money to my better half and insist he take me out for dinner, our 3 year anniversary just passed in March and with both of us running our own businesses we had zero time or “free money” to do anything special.
I would totally hire someone to help me in my garden. One of the kids I know would probably love to make $100, and I’d love to have my garden tidied. There is just too much for me to do, so help, well, that would be awesome! they could do the stuff I don’t like to do 🙂
I need a hair makeover!
I would order dinner out so no cooking or kitchen clean up for me for a day a two 🙂
I would use this $100 to pay for some physiotherapy sessions on my neck and arms that i was getting paid for, but now have to pay out of my own pocket, even though my work will not find me a job and are not paying me at all
Great Read! I need someone to clean my house!
It sure is tough. As a woman we have been told for years that we should be able to have it all – a happy family, a clean home and an outside job. That’s a lot for anyone. And being a new mother, I know that a mother’s job never ends, be it bedtime or off to work or whatever, you are always a mom. For me, the best way to spend the money would definitely be to hire someone to clean the house. Dusting just seems so unimportant when that time could be spent with our daughter.
Using the money for a house cleaner sounds wonderful!!
I would use the $100 to buy the natural products I need to make my own beauty creams, soap, etc… 🙂
I would use the money to pamper my sister who is soon to be a graduate of the school of nursing. She works so hard to take care of her kids while attending school!!! So impressive. She was also on the honor roll. Of course I would come with her (-:
I will take myself out for dinner after I write my final on Thursday. No kids. Just me. 🙂
I’d use the money to take the family including puppy out for a relaxing picnic on a nice warm day with yummy take-out food, drink.and snacks.
I would pay someone to clean my house from top to bottom so I could spend some time with my family without griping about the state the house is in!
I would hire hire someone to cut the lawn and put the weeds. Of course the snow needs to go away first.
I’d hire a cleaning lady!
I would use the money to take my family out for dinner, as I do not get to do that often enough
I’d put the money towards a long overdue date night with my hubby
i would divvy it up – i would hire a cleaner for one day, take a later shorter shift at work one sunday and hire a babysitter for a couple of hours so my husband and i could go out for breakfast!
what a great giveaway thank you i would probably buy something for my kids
Definitely a full fledged SPA day without either the husband or Miss R.
I would use it to hire a maid for the day so I could get a day off from household duties!
Use it to hire someone to help us pack and move boxes into the moving van!
I’d get myself some new clothes. As a work from home mom, I dress pretty sloppily.
I would use it to treat myself to a new outfit for a pick me up- I haven’t done that in a while!
I would use it to get a nice haircut and a pedicure:)
i would have my husband take the kids out so i can have me time what is that now lol
I would donate the money to a local woman’s charity that helps them find suitable business clothes as they seek employment. Great way to give back and empower fellow woman.
I attended a “Stress less for women” workshop in my area for type E personalities. I was one who said yes to everyone and everything, even when in my head i was saying “how am I going to get this done?”
After many years of high self expactations, which lead me to depression I had to change, not just for myself but for my daughters.
Change I did, I am no longer judgemental, I have let go of my self expectations aming many other things.
So my above comment is about empoweeing other women. In the past I have given away mani and pedi gift certificates because I was given a huge gift by my counsellor. A gift that allowed me to be ok to set boundaries. This has in turn had an amazing positive effect on my business and personal life but mostly my girls.
I have found I am more respected when I set forth my boundaries, respectably.
Thank you for the link, I will surely follow the blog as I continue to work on myself.
I would use the money for a meal prep service to get a bunch of premade meals, saving time on a weekend for me 🙂
Dinner out would be a great way to spend $100 so I don’t have to cook.
it would be something to use-to get my nails done, I have never ever been able to get the feet or finger nails done nicely. that’s a treat and half.
I would love a massage and a facial!
I would buy myself a new outfit and pair of shoes
I would love to hire someone to come in and clean my house. What a treat that would be.
I would use the money to spend time at the spa relaxing and enjoying my quiet time.
I would use it to hire a babysitter and then take my hubby out for a nice dinner. It’s been a long time since we’ve been on a “date”!
I would take my family out for a nice meal.
First of all I want to say I love this blog post! I run 4 home based business as well as help manage my husband’s contracting business, and do this all while trying to keep a house clean and presentable and running after my 2 yr old son. I would use the $100 to pay my 14 yr old step son to help out around the house, whether it is cutting the grass (whenever the snow leaves!) or washing our windows, or babysitting his little brother so that I can get all of my office work back up to date! Thank you for the chance!
I would hire someone to clean my house or get my carpets steamed cleaned. I have a steamer but it so hard for me to do it myself. Would be nice to get it all done in one shot.
i think a babysitter and a night out sounds like heaven!
I would probably get the outside of my windows washed because I keep thinking I should totter up on a ladder sometime and do it myself… Thanks for the giveaway.
I would use this money to order in some fancy food from a nice restaurant….of course some vino too. It would be a nice change from the same-old, same-old. I’m tired of cooking!!!
Thanks.
I would use the money towards a manicure and pedicure and a haircut at my favourite salon that is pretty expensive.
I’d use the money to acquire many pizzas!
I’d use the money towards a nice dinner with the family
I’d get myself a bottle of really NICE wine…not the $12 bottle, the $30 bottle…and then I’d go for a pedicure. I haven’t had a pedi in a million years. Just thinking about one sounds so nice.
I would put the money towards some nice bath and body products!
I’d save it towards a new laptop.
I would use it to buy an IPod so I could use it to go for walks to get some exercise and have some me time
I’d use the money to get some housework done.
Since Sara has moved out and is living with a roommate there isn’t a delegation on who does what. If I don’t do it, it doesn’t get done…still getting used to this concept. I would use it for a spa treatment or I would take my daughter out for lunch.
I would treat myself for some new summer clothes.
I would use to go out for dinner with the family! No cooking/no cleaning up for dinner – yeah!
I do like the idea of having someone clean the windows! or just the house in general. If i had any money left I would get a massage where it would be nice and quiet…no talking for a whole hour.
I would use the money to have a date night with my husband.
thanks
Hire a cleaning lady and then take my daughter s for pedicures since reading that post of yours I have been thinking how moorland things like that a for connection with my girls.
There is one comfort food that my family and especially myself just love. But it’s complicated to cook and I’m not very experienced with it. On the other hand, for one of my friends it’s a national food that she perfected over the years. And she thinks it’s easy to cook 🙂 I would ask her to cook it for me . As much as we can fit into a $100, freeze it and have several cooking-free evenings.
I’d use it to go out for dinner with my son and DIL
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
This could mean a nice dinner out with no dishes to clean afterwards
I would use it buy an e-reader to spend more time enjoying my love of reading.
Love to put it toward a nice diner out
I would get a massage with the $100!
I would use it to buy some new organizational furniture pieces, keeping things organized would help me save so much time doing housework.
I’d hire a cleaning lady….I’ve been looking for one!! It would be great to have a spotless house even if it were only for a few mins before the kids came home from school/daycare!!!
I would go to the driving range to get some me time and hire a baby sitter for my wife and I.
I would use the money for a dinner out with the family. I would delgate the cooking to someone else!
I would probably use it to buy some new books – my favourite “me-time” activity to relax is to curl up with a good book and a cup of tea! Thanks 🙂
I will use it to invite my family to restaurant…so one less diner to do at home 🙂
I would absolutely be hitting the spa for a facial, waxing, pedi, mani, and a much needed massage! 🙂
I would use the money to donate to another woman who does not have enough money to do something for herself.
I would take my family out for dinner. A night off from cooking and doing dishes, yeah!
I’d use the money for bills! I’d have it all with that little bit of stress off my shoulders! 🙂
i would have my husband watch my son so i could get a mani pedi
nannypanpan@gmail.com
I would buy myself some much needed new summer clothes ,,and go out for something to eat 🙂
I would use it to treat myself to a pedicure
I would use the money for a night out with my hubby and hire a sitter for the kids.
i’d use it to spoil myself with spa treatments. i take on way too much stress and never allow myself to relax!
I would use it to get a massage at the spa.
I would put it towards a new laptop for my husband
Left a blog comment under the name – meiklesue
I’d go to the spa!
Hire a cleaning person for the day!
I’d put it towards a relaxing weekend trip.
I would take the family out for dinner. That way I don’t have to cook, or clean up afterwards!
I would put it towards a new Ipad
I would take my family out for dinner and a movie!!
go out on a date with my husband =)
Babysitter and a massage :/
I would go get a muchly needed hair cut (haven’t been in over two and a half years!!) then do a nice dinner out with the hubby 🙂
I would treat myself to a quiet spa day and sushi for lunch.
Having had our 3rd baby 6 wks ago, it’s soon time for some new clothes! 🙂
I’d use it towards a date night with my husband, because the last one we had was in September.
spa day!
go out for a nice dinner
I’d use it to pay some bills sadly lol
I would order in! NO COOKING!
I would put it towards my girls’ birthday party which is next month! Pizza and garlic fingers for all!
I am a mom of many and for so many years have let myself be last…so, even with illness has let my treatments go..Last. I’d use the money to use at a naturopathic doc to help build up my immune system and get me out of this relapse and well again. Every dollar helps.
i would go get my hair done, highlights and a cut
towards vacation this summer
Mama was promised a hot stone massage 2 months ago and did not receive it. I would be running to the spa.
Pay bills, sadly.
Bills, of course – they never end!
Probably go to dinner or a movie
i would use the $100 to go on a date with my husband, a fancy one!
we are so busy it would be a very refreshing change.
A night out with my husband would be just about perfect!
hire a maid for a little help around the house
i would get my hair done for summer
Use to pay bills!
i would put it towards a juicer, been wanting to get healthier with diet and exercise
I would use it to buy my son and daughter some summer clothes.
my online shopping!
I would use half on me and the other half on my family…purchase something online. Supporting Canadian small businesses!
I would get some housecleaning done. I could use the help!
I would hit up ebay for a kindle!!
i’d take myself clothes shopping!!! i need some new clothes and i love doing it!!
buy something nice for my house
I’d buy me a couple of new tops!
Spa! Spa! Spa!
a massage for mother’s day
Clothes shopping! 🙂 Or early Christmas shopping..I start early
take myself out for dinner or buy myself a little present
I would take the money and go to the Mall. Some money for hubby to buy the boys popcorn, so I can go shopping with the rest on my own.
I’d put it towards housecleaning (by someone else, not me!)
I’d put it towards camp fees!
I could think of so many things to do with an extra $100.00. I would probably put it towards hiring a handyman to do one of the many house repairs we could use.
I would use it towards date night!
I would take hubby on a date! hasn’t happened in over a year
Pay bills so I’d be less stressed about them.
I’d go on an online shopping spree 🙂 lol
i spend so much time making dinner – i would love to use this for a gift card to my fave restaurant and have a date night!
I would put it towards some home reno’s
i would buy a pair of new shoes and a new purse!
I would use it to take the kids to the beach!
I’d buy myself a new red purse.
I would buy a new lounger for the back porch 😀
my favourite thing to do during my down time is to read! i would love to buy a kindle!
I would use the $100 to treat my partner & I to a nice meal out…
I’d love to have a nice dinner with the family!
buy books
I’d buy myself a few pieces for my summer wardrobe
I would put this towards a therapeutic massage for myself to help address the aches and pains caused by my work!
books…books and more books
take a little camping trip and look after all the arrangements for us both
We would go out to dinner.
I’d hire someone to come and clean the outside of my windows and house
I would use the Visa card to take my husband and I out for dinner and pay for a babysitter. Something we can only do once or twice a year. This would mean a lot to us if we won.
I would use it to buy some groceries
I would like to have a nice night out watching a movie and dinner.
Some really great etsy sites I would spend it at 🙂 Maybe a beautiful notebook?
I’d visit the local spa and get my mani-pedi done
We’re about to have a baby, so I’d use it to ease up on some cooking after the baby arrives.
I would buy a nice present for my mom
My mom is a person who I have delegated some of my parental duties to as when I go to work she looks after my little ones. I would give it to her.
I’m pregnant with #3 and have a 3 yr old and a 1 yr old… a prenatal massage would be more than fantastic!
I have my eye on a necklace on my favourite Etsy site. Or, maybe I’d take my family out for a really nice dinner.
I would make reservations at our favorite restaurant and take the whole family out for dinner .
I would love to win this!!
I think this is a great contest. Just thinking of all the neat stuff I could purchase. My thoughts are
that free money is a awesome idea! Its a contest you don’t see everyday!!
We would go on a nice outing, picnic, and family time!
I would go on-line shopping and purchase Hello Kitty stuff 🙂
The fact is that I currently have nearly 100 items in my ETSY Shopping Cart (and the ONLY reason there are a lot more is because I think the limit /maximum one CAN have in it is 100!
I would love to be able to treat myself to a few of them…
Thanks for the very generous giveaway!
I would go out for dinner with my husband, and hire a babysitter for a few hours.
I would buy myself some summery outfits, a little bbq and food, and go to a lake with my family!
I would buy some new healthy cookbooks
Do something special with kids or pay bills
hire a cleaner for the house for a day!
I would have my cleaning lady come a few extra times and help with the spring cleaning 🙂
Thank you!
Dawn
I would use it towards concert tickets.
I would use it towards summer clothes and/or a pedicure.
take my mum out for a fab lunch ( happy mom’s day!)
I recently met someone who’s husband hired a personal chef to come to their house and cook a romantic dinner for two and give his wife a night off. I would love to do this and take a night off of cooking. I night out would be great too, but $100 wouldn’t cover dinner and a babysitter for 5 kids 🙂
I would hire outside help for once.
I think I would take my daughter out for a nice lunch and a manicure/pedicure. She would love the one on one mommy time.
I say this because I also have a special needs son who requires 24 supervision and one on one time with my daughter is very precious to both her and I. Doing something special with her would make me super happy!
I’d love to have a nice relaxing spa day!