I also work 40 hrs a week outside the home. I try to allow myself some time each day to sew. Whether it's an hour. a few minutes or whatever. Somedays I just don't have the time. I tell myself that's ok.. I don't try to be fast. Just enjoy doing it. I usually have a large quilt in progess and some smaller projects. This helps me feel like I get more done when I am finishing the smaller ones.