I've never been one to mince words. Don't believe me, just ask my co-workers. I'm sure many of you can relate, as recently I've been "relocated" and have taken on additional duties. Now I'm not only the VP of Strategic and Global Accounts for Smarter Systems, but I'm a daycare teacher for a 3-year-old and teaching my 9-year-old Singapore math (say what??). Y'all this season is hard!
Last week I sent an update to some of my clients. It resonated. Why? (You sound like my 3-year-old) Because it was raw and real. We are all in this together and facing all the same challenges. It read a little something like this:
I wanted to let you know that we are still moving forward on projects at this time. We are taking all the necessary precautions for our team and our customers. Most of our office staff has moved to a work from home model. In light of the current situation, I thought I'd share some things I have learned over the last week:
1. I am NOT a stay at home/homeschool mom by any stretch of the words. This is uncharted territory for me, and I'm quickly learning how to manage a toddler and work. I compare it to brushing your teeth while eating Oreos.
2. The movie Frozen is straight from the Devil! The songs are horrible, and I dream about Letting it Go!
3. Having kids 6 years apart was not the best idea. It's like slowly ripping duct tape out of your hair. They have no idea how to play or entertain each other.
4. Naptime has been renamed Nappy Hour! (I'll let your imagination figure out what happens here).
5.I love my kids more than anything, but my patience has been tested as much as humanly possible...and it's only the beginning.
To adjust to this new (temporary) normal, I'm pulling out all the stops! Take a look at my tips to entertain your toddler here.
These activities have come in handy when I need to jump on a conference call and need some quiet time without using the TV.
As we settle in for the long haul, I've found a groove. I've been working from home part-time for years now. But this is seemingly going to be a little more permanent, at least for the time being. I know it can be a culture shock, so I wanted to share the things I do every day (or at least try), so I can be the best version of myself:
I have found that work-life balance makes me the best version of myself. This, too, shall pass. Cherish it!