No matter how diligently you strive to keep your professional life separate from your family responsibilities, they invariably intertwine. When I returned to work last year, fully committed to embracing my role as a career woman, I underestimated the impact that years of dedicated motherhood would have on my work persona. You can leave the house as a mom, but the essence of motherhood remains. Here’s a lighthearted look at the signs that clearly identify you as the mom in the workplace:
-
In a meeting, you grab a random piece of scrap paper to jot down notes, only to realize it’s the notification from your child’s school about chicken pox and lice. “What’s that you’re writing on? OH NO! Is anyone else feeling itchy?!”
-
You reach for a pen topped with a wild-haired troll, not out of irony, but because it’s the only pen that works in your bag. (I’ve been known to use crayons, scented markers, and even #2 pencils. Why do my kids always want to use the troll pen, yet they ignore my reliable black Bic?)
-
You occasionally mix up your department’s name with your children’s names.
-
You find yourself employing your best toddler negotiation tactics to soothe a frustrated colleague. “Shhh, let’s sit over here and have a snack. Are you feeling better now? Good boy!”
-
When calling out to a coworker, you accidentally cycle through 15 names, including your kids’, pets’, and even cartoon characters’. “Billy, Sandy, Dora, Peter Rabbit—oh, whatever your name is, you forgot your notebook!” (Perhaps this is why I sometimes refer to my team as my kids.)
-
You secretly rejoice when your coworkers are nursing hangovers from a night out, as it means you’re no longer the only one in the office with dark circles under your eyes. (Someday, our kids will sleep through the night, right? RIGHT?!)
-
You often linger in the office past 5 p.m. simply because it’s the only place you can achieve some peace and quiet. (Thanks to my daycare for staying open until 6 p.m.)
-
On that note, you find yourself actually looking forward to Mondays, as they offer a reprieve from home chaos.
-
While your colleagues chat about last night’s TV shows, you find yourself the only one who mentions “Nick Jr.”
-
When management needs a project completed with no notice, no budget, and minimal oversight, you’re their go-to person. After juggling two kids, two schools, and a slew of after-school activities, what’s a little office project?
It seems that being the mom in the workplace has its own unique advantages after all. For those interested in parenthood, you can check out resources like this article for valuable insights, or explore this fertility booster that might be useful. If you’re considering your journey toward parenthood, this website is an authoritative source to guide you.
In summary, the mix of workplace and motherhood creates a unique environment that can be both humorous and fulfilling. Embracing the dual roles can lead to unexpected moments of joy and connection.