Normalizing the Role of a Professional Organizer: Embracing Support for Modern Living
Often, as I arrive at clients' homes, I encounter a scenario where the lady of the house hasn't informed her spouse about my visit. This tendency is rooted in fear of repercussions and, perhaps, a tinge of guilt associated with being a Stay-at-Home Mom (SAHM) and the myriad responsibilities it entails.
A prevailing misconception persists, one that suggests SAHMs can effortlessly manage it all – a throwback to the supposed simplicity of the "olden days." However, let me assert unequivocally: the world has changed. We inhabit a fast-paced, demanding society where women are expected to juggle full-time work, motherhood, and maintain immaculate households. In addition, our children are engaged in numerous activities, often involving hours of weekly travel.
Consider this: we each have 168 hours in a week.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (7 Oct 2022), on average, Australian women spend 10 hours and 28 minutes a day on personal care, including sleep, eating, and showering, mirroring the 10 hours and 22 minutes spent by men. The time allocated to paid employment averages at 7 hours and 28 minutes for women compared to 8 hours and 36 minutes for men. Women spend approximately 3 hours and 48 minutes on domestic duties, encompassing childcare, cleaning, yard work, and cooking, while men spend an average of 2 hours and 51 minutes.
Now, these statistics may seem to exceed the confines of a 24-hour day, but the numbers aren't the focus here.
The crux of the matter is that we all lead extraordinarily busy lives, regardless of gender. We are all burdened with responsibilities, and no one person's role is more vital than another's. Recognizing when we need assistance is crucial.
For decades, it has been socially acceptable for families to hire cleaners, gardeners, and other professionals to manage aspects of their lives. Hiring a professional organizer is no different. It's not a source of shame, and I will never pass judgment on your situation. I encourage you not to judge yourself either.
In my practice, I've adopted the practice of eliminating the word "should" from my vocabulary. Clients often express sentiments like "I should just do it" or "My husband says I should chuck it out and start again." The very definition of the word "should" implies obligation, duty, or correctness, often associated with criticism.
Why subject ourselves to such control and self-critique? Instead, let's explore kinder options for ourselves. Who decided that we "should" conform to a certain way of life? I reject the notion of "should" and embrace the understanding that each of us is beautifully unique in our life's journey.
Hiring a professional organizer is a practical step toward acknowledging our need for support in managing the complexities of modern living. It's time to normalize this choice, shedding the burden of self-criticism and recognizing the value of seeking help when we need it.
#ProfessionalOrganizer #ModernLiving #SupportAndEmpowerment #BreakTheShouldCycle
