Back to school: September reset

Back to School, Back to Working in Peace and Quiet

A magical Summer of making memories and exploring East Sussex has been and gone.

The holidays are over, the paddling pools are being put away, and the alarm clock is ringing again. Whether you’re heading back to school, returning to work, returning to working more regular hours, or simply getting back into your usual routine, the start of September can feel like a big adjustment.



After weeks of slower mornings, picky dinners, late nights and time spent with family and friends at home or holidaying, getting back into the swing of things again can be a challenge.

September for us as parents feels more like the 'NEW' year, time to celebrate new beginnings, set ourselves goals and challenges for the year ahead, whilst looking back at what we chieved last year.

This September brings to us one of our children moving up to secondary, leaving her brother to face his final years at primary school independently. It also sees the youngest members our extended Big Sam family starting primary school, which we know both the girls are extremely excited for.

So with all the children packed off to school - new shoes and bags which will likely be lost in a week!

It has given me the time, space and brain power to focus back on the Big Sam admin, set new routines and provide the most recent updates, growth for Big Sam's.

Where are we? - A brief overview

September see's us with:

• 2 window cleaners (Sam, Alistair)
• 1 injured window cleaner (Ash)
• 1 trainee (Rhys)
• 1 multi-skilled machine (Darrel) hoping between Mowing and Windows.
• 1 Office admin - frantically catching up

August gave us:

• 3 weeks of dry spell and no mowing
• 32 Quotes completed
• 643 jobs completed
• 29 phone calls where Leanne had to hush the kids with mime whilst she spoke to a customer.
  

Easing back into routines

The good news is that with the new school year, has come new routines and is a great opportunity for a fresh start.

It can be tempting to try to get everything organised at once, but giving yourself a little time to re-adjust can make the transition much easier.

We have started September by returning to our routine walk to school along the cuckoo every morning - allowing us both the exercise and fresh air  to focus on a days work ahead be that at school or in the Big Sam office.

Getting Organised

For a lot of families, the return to school can mean a long list of things to remember school bags, uniforms, lunches, timetables and after-school activities.



After school for us has been returning to clubs and adjusting to new times. With Netball now taking place at the Wealden Community Sports Hub it is a great opportunity to explore the new facilities there whilst meeting friends.

September can be busy especially as the return of mum taxi to this club and sport commences, but looking after yourself shouldn't disappear from the schedule so be sure to make some time for yourself in all the chaos.

Support Local

As everyone gets back into their normal routines, it's also a great time to support the small businesses in your local community, as they will also be feeling the expense and exhaustion of holidays and back to school.

From picking up your morning coffee to shopping locally, booking a service, to tick that job off the 'To do' list.

Every purchase can make a real difference to an independent business - as its allowing that child there new football boots for the season ahead or ballet lessons as dad is working.



Going back to school or work after the holidays can take a little getting used to, so don't put pressure on yourself to have everything figured out immediately.

I will be starting September with updating all excel sheets, advertising and neglected jobs. Creating job lists, not only for myself but Sam, our home and the Big Sam base. Taking it one day at a time, getting organised, making space for myself, appreciating the silence and embrace the opportunity that a new season brings.



Leanne

Big Sam admin

Wishing you a happy, productive and positive start to the new term.

Only 6 weeks until October half term