Despite your best efforts to keep your professional life separate from your family obligations, the two often intertwine like the relentless ebb and flow of the tides. When I returned to work last year with the goal of embracing my role as a career-driven individual, I overlooked how my years of full-time motherhood shaped my identity. You can distance the mom from home, but you can’t erase the essence of motherhood from her. Here are some amusing indicators that you are, without a doubt, the mom in the workplace:
- You pull out a random piece of scrap paper during a meeting, only to discover it’s the lice and chicken pox alert from your child’s school. “What are you writing on? OH NO! Is anyone else feeling itchy?!”
- You’re using a pen topped with a wild-haired troll as an eraser, not out of irony, but simply because it’s the only pen that works in your bag. (I’ve also resorted to crayons, scented markers, and #2 pencils. Seriously, why do my kids covet the troll pen but only use my plain black pen?)
- Occasionally, you accidentally refer to your team as your children.
- When faced with a disgruntled colleague, you instinctively employ your best toddler-rearing techniques to diffuse the situation. “Shhh, let’s take a seat over here and enjoy a little snack. Feeling better now? That’s a good person!”
- In a moment of frustration, you mix up 15 names while trying to address someone, including your kids’, pets’, and even cartoon characters’. “Billy, Sandy, Dora, Peter Rabbit—oh goodness, whatever your name is, you forgot your notebook!” (Perhaps it’s not a coincidence that you call your team your kids.)
- You secretly rejoice when your coworkers stumble into the office hungover because you were tired of being the only one with dark circles under your eyes. (Our kids will start sleeping through the night eventually, right? RIGHT?!)
- You find yourself staying late at the office just to enjoy a moment of peace and quiet. (Thanks to my daycare for staying open until 6 PM!)
- In fact, you actually look forward to Mondays because they offer you a chance to escape to a quieter environment.
- While others discuss their favorite TV shows from the previous evening, you’re the lone voice mentioning “Nick Jr.”
- When a last-minute project arises with no budget or oversight, you’re the first one they call. (After managing two kids, two schools, and a myriad of after-school activities, what’s a little extra work?)
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In summary, the balance between motherhood and professional life can be humorous, challenging, and ultimately fulfilling. Embrace the quirks that come with being the mom in the office.