I am 26 years old, married, have a 9 month old son, and a part-time job here at The Chamber. I’m a busy gal! I love my job, and no, I’m not just saying that because I’m writing a blog on my employer’s website either… I sincerely enjoy all aspects of my employment. I have an old fashioned streak though, and always planned on staying at home with my infant children. Imagine how surprised I was to find that I wanted to go back to work!
Luckily, I work in a very supportive environment. My employer is able to work with me on scheduling, and is flexible when there is an emergency. That being said, I give my all right back. It’s important for your employer to feel like their investment in you is worth it. I love my son 100x more than I thought possible, but the day came when I needed to leave him happily playing at the babysitter’s, and don my headset. And though I’m sure my babysitter was annoyed with my twice-daily calls to check on the baby for the first week, it was a smooth transition.
Katie Bruhn is the Member Services Coordinator with The Chamber
Balancing work and home is tricky – I’m still working on it actually. I’ve only been at it for 9 months, but I’m sure experienced working parents would say that forgetting perfection is the key. I am slowly learning how to prioritize things that would have been at the absolute top of my list before I had a child. Can’t answer all of your emails every hour while at home? Catch up while waiting in the grocery store line or rocking a sleeping baby. Can’t drag yourself into the kitchen to clean it up for the 3rd time that day? Get up 20 minutes early and speed clean to the morning news.
Here are some other words of wisdom from veteran working parents in our office. Post your favorite shortcut/suggestion/encouragement. We can all use the advice – especially me!
- Don’t procrastinate – You always pay for it later.
- Read comments and discussion forums for other parents. It’s encouraging to hear what other actual people are doing.
- Work on having a reliable friend and family support network that can pitch in when you’re at your wits end.
- Exercise will help keep your mind and body ready for the everyday challenges and successes. Plus it’s a healthy role model for the kids.
- Always be prepared (lay out clothes the night before, make lunches the night before, get plenty of rest), yet be flexible (in case of illness, weather, laundry issues).
- Having a master monthly calendar of who/what/where/when will help with daily planning.
- Try to spend time with your family with a clear mind and not bring the work home with you.