Realistic Schedule as a Baker and Full-Time Student

 -- Week In the Life --

How Do You Do It All?

"How do you fulfill cookie orders and have a full class load at the same time?", "How long does it take to create an order?", "How do you stay on top of homework when you have a cookie-filled week?", and "What does your day-by-day schedule look like?" are a few examples of questions I receive time and time again. If I am being honest, it has been a struggle at times to discover a healthy work-life balance, but I finally feel like I have a routine that works best for me. In this post, I will address all things routine and time management. I will also offer time stamps for every part of a cookie order so that you can gain a clearer glimpse into my craft, schedule, and how I "do it all". (I think you might be surprised with how lengthy the process can sometimes be!) 

*At times I struggle with doing it all, but I am more than happy with the place I am currently at to this day. Keep in mind that I am not perfect by any means and there are so many areas that require further growth in my life. This being said, I am willing to delve deep into my everyday structure and day-by-day setup. I hope you enjoy it!

Routine and Scheduling

*Small disclaimer: What works best for me might not work best for you! Find a routine that plays to your strengths and allows you to still enjoy the little special moments in life.

• Cookie Scheduling: While school is in session, I try to keep cookie orders to a maximum of two orders per week. Because of this, my availability fills up fast and I am booked a couple of months out. If possible, I try to have all cookie pick-ups on Sundays or Mondays so that I can do the bulk of my decorating on the weekends. A simple cookie schedule looks something like this in my planner!
• Day 1: Before the project begins, make royal icing flooding and piping consistencies so that the colors have time to develop.
• Day 2: Make the dough, chill for an hour, roll out the dough, chill cookie cut-outs, bake cookies, and catch up on a lot of dishes
• Day 3. Base flood cookies (I usually also flood cookies on the same day they are baked, but this step can be its own day if need be.)
• Day 4: Detailing on the cookies and dishes galore (Detailing can happen earlier depending on the colors you are working with.
• Day 5: Dry Day!
• Day 6: Packaging (Heat seal all cookies in cellophane bags, package in boxes, and seal with an LJay's bakery sticker!) and Delivery

• School Scheduling: Online school has made my cookie dreams possible! I am truly grateful for the professors who are all so supportive of both my academic and professional goals. Let's take a sneak peek of my non-cookie schedule.
• Monday: 2 classes and homework-heavy day
• Tuesday: Practicum visit and weekly homework completion
• Wednesday: 2 classes and starting to look ahead at next week's homework
• Thursday: Part-time job, practicum visit, and journal completions
• Friday: Part-time job, class, and complete homework for the next week

I think if you were to view these schedules separately they wouldn't seem bad at all. However, it is almost like a puzzle trying to combine them in a way that works effectively while still allowing necessary time for things I want to do. Here are a few tips on how I make it all work:

1. Multi-task: Take advantage of the small chunks of time. For example: While cookies are in the oven, start working on a homework assignment or the mountain of dishes in the sink. 
2. Work Ahead: Even if you don't want to complete tasks ahead of time, familiarize yourself with what is approaching. Give yourself enough time to feel comfortable with what is on your to-do list.
3. Small Wins: Breaking tasks up and allowing yourself to complete a small win early on in your day is so beneficial. I usually start with making my bed, loading the dishwasher, or completing a discussion board. The first check on your to-do list is always the hardest, so help yourself out by creating some momentum. Small wins have been life-changing for me. 
4. Block out time for YOU: It is easy to become burnt out if you don't carve out time for what you enjoy doing. For me, Starbucks runs are always scheduled in. Make time for what (or who) makes you happy!

Let's Walk Through An Order!

*Following the generic cookie schedule above, I will take you on a journey through my week when I created the most adorable Charlotte's Web-inspired cookies! As always, click on the pictures to make them more clear.

• Day 1: Color Creation and Clean Up (Total Time Elapsed: 4 hours)

• Day 2: Baking Day (Total Time Elapsed: 6 hours)

• Day 3: Base Flood and Outlining (Total Time Elapsed: 4 hours)

• Day 4: Detailing, Drying, and Face Drawing (Total Time Elapsed: 8 hours)

• Day 5: Dry Day and Dishes (Total Time Elapsed: 2 hours)
• Day 6: Packaging (Total Time Elapsed: 1 hour)

GRAND TOTAL: 25 hours from beginning to end!

You Made It To The End!

I am not writing this post to flaunt that I have it harder than the next person or to complain about all my responsibilities. Rather, I want to share (and answer the questions stated at the beginning) with you all about how I have discovered to pursue two of my greatest passions: teaching and baking. Many say my routine-driven nature stresses them out or that I am a little over the top when it comes to my overly structured schedule. I totally understand where they are coming from, but once again, what works for me might not work best for you ( and that is totally okay!). I encourage you to develop a schedule/routine that is tailored to you so that you can achieve your goals in a way that best supports your individual needs. Work hard, carve out time for yourself, and do what makes you the happiest!

With love,

LJay💕