The countdown to my return to work has begun. In less than two weeks I will be back at the office, catching up on emails, redecorating my cube with pictures of our littlest one, and diving back in to the regular workflow. My mother, who, as the new school year starts, is going back to work as a paraprofessional, recently asked me if I was doing anything to prepare for my return. At the time I said no, but after giving it some thought, I realized I’d been gathering career advice from both my kids all summer long.
1. Time management is an art form that needs to be practiced to be perfected.
Coordinating meal times, bath times, nap times (for everyone in the house!), play dates, trips to the pool, trips to the grocery store, etc. requires a bit of planning ahead. If I time the day right, everyone is happy and things go much more smoothly. This is definitely a skill that will translate well at work.
2. You’ve got to roll with the punches.
Having an infant in the house and a toddler who is not quite done with potty training has trained my husband and I to learn to take it all in stride. Has the baby just spit up an entire feeding that you blocked twenty minutes out of your day to provide, ruining a shirt that you just pulled out of the dryer? No matter. Grab another shirt, be prepared to feed the baby in two, not three, hours, and this time remember that burp cloth on your shoulder!
3. An organized space makes for an organized mind (less Mommy brain).
With all the new baby things we’ve acquired over the last few months, I’ve tried to go the extra mile in terms of keeping everything in its place, especially with respect to the girls’ room. I find that this has made it easier for me to find things, remember where I put things, and make room for more things. I think this will translate well when it comes time to organize new projects at work.
And finally, some parting shots of career advice straight from my three year-old’s mouth:
1. I can do it all by myself!
She’s already showing signs of self-sufficiency – a great attribute at the office, especially if you’ve got a boss that more hands-off than –on.
2. I need help.
But she’s still not afraid to ask for help when it’s needed. This is a trait that helps projects run smoothly, and makes those who provide the help feel useful and appreciated!
3. It’s MY turn.
My daughter is nothing if not assertive, almost to the point of aggression. If she can learn to temper this trait, it will see her do well when it’s time to climb the corporate ladder.
I’m sure more words of wisdom will come from both my girls as they get older. What career advice has your toddler given you lately?
Comments