How Motherhood makes you a Better Employee

As I was chasing after my daughter yesterday to retrieve some item she pulled out of my purse I thought about all the skills I have acquired since I became a mother. My reflexes have become near lightning quick in order to stop potential disasters as well as to keep up with the super human speed at which my 2 year old can move when trying to escape me. My sense of hearing is near bionic. I can hear my daughter cry, whimper, or get into trouble from several rooms away. The list goes on…

Then I began thinking about a conversation I had earlier that day with my new boss. She and I had agreed that we liked to jump in and tackle an assignment and get it done sooner rather than later. I realized that I had not always been like that. I used to thrive under the pressure of a deadline (still do), but now I prefer to just get the work done and out of the way. What changed? I believe it was becoming a mother that changed me.

Now I realize the power of NOW. I must jump at opportunities when they present themselves. If my daughter wants to get dressed I had better go do it right that second because she may not want to in 5 or even 2 minutes and then I’d have a fight on my hands. And don’t even get me started on potty training and jumping up at a moment’s notice. I also no longer complain about tasks that are unappealing, but instead I realize they must be done and just do them, again, right away so as to get them out of the way.

I have developed a much greater sense of patience too. Putting my daughter to bed can take a very long time some nights. My will power and self restraint has improved greatly too. Watching my daughter feed herself and not take the spoon away because I could do it better and much faster takes Titan like will power and self control.

And without even knowing it, because they have become second nature, I am using these skills in all aspects of my life. Am I a better employee now than I was 3 or 4 years ago?

Assuredly, Yes.

Is it due to additional years of experience or because I am a mother now? I’m not completely sure. But I do know that even if it is due to work experience, motherhood has sped the learning curve.

1 Comment

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  By Johanna, April 20, 2010 @ 1:23 pm

  A agree…I work harder and more efficiently at work these days. Mostly because, when that 5pm number rolls around I am “out of here!” I used to hang out in the office and work on things till late, those days are gone. I would rather be at home stacking blocks and feeding carrots to my baby then at work.

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