Working world child’s play next to parenting
I know, I know. On paper, it can be deceiving.
That gaping hole in our resume, just at the point when our career was taking shape and direction.
The dangling Sword-ofDamocles of being called away to tend to a sick child.
The knowledge that no matter how much we love our job, it will never be our whole world because there is at least one little person out there who eclipses everything else.
But if you have a part-time hole in your workforce, here’s why you should give that CV from the stay-athome parent some serious consideration: 1. We are multi-tasking ninjas. Yes, studies have shown that multi-tasking doesn’t actually improve productivity, but in most working environments it’s unavoidable, so why not bring in a seasoned professional?
As I write this, I’m intermittently giving the toddler a horsey ride on my leg and stirring the bolognaise.
This exact combination is unlikely to arise in most workplaces, but you get the idea. 2. We’re resilient.
My little boy projectilevomited in my face the other day. True story.
He was coughing in an unusual way, and I picked him up and peered into his mouth to see what he’d stuffed in there.
Without further ado, the vomit came, point blank. I looked at him. He looked at me. He said, ‘‘Oooh.’’ I said, ‘‘Yes.’’
We shared a shower, did a bit of mopping, and got on with our day. Wouldn’t you want that level of unflappability on your team?
3. We’re not interested in getting involved with workplace drama.
I have two sweet, scrappy pre-schoolers. Whether I like it or not (and I don’t), I am their constant relationship coach and full-time referee.
It’s exhausting, but what keeps me going is the faint glimmer of hope that my cajoling, behavioural modeling and gritted teeth diplomacy is shaping them to become reasonable, balanced, calm adults.
I just don’t have the patience to run interference between grownups as well – my kids use up any subtle tact that I have to give.
4. We really really want to be there.
Will you be asking us to read the Gruffalo 11 times in a row, or yelling at us for cutting your toast into triangles instead of squares? No? Then we’ll love it.
I worked one morning a week in my former office (bless you, Wilsons Abel Tasman) over the tourist season when Millan was about 18 months old.
My mother-in-law, who looked after him during those cherished hours, said that I always seemed revived by my special-guest-star appearance in the adult world. And I was – it gave me the energy and enthusiasm to do what I do at home, better.