I lost my job while on maternity leave. Before you grab your pitchforks, let me clarify—I took two and a half years off. As an educator in New York, this isn’t as uncommon as it might be in other professions. But during my time away, my replacement gained more seniority than me. She was in, and I was out.
As I interviewed at various schools, the reactions to my employment gap ranged from mild annoyance to overt condescension. “So, what did you do with all that time off?” one interviewer asked, her tone implying I was lounging on a beach somewhere. I did my best to ignore the eye rolls and smirks from the committee, determined to be taken seriously. They should have listened because motherhood transformed the buzzwords on my resume into undeniable truths.
1. Exceptional Time Management Skills
Most people think they can multitask until they have kids. My pre-baby juggling act pales in comparison to my current reality. I’ll never forget one evening where I was pumping, preparing family lunches, and mentally drafting an email simultaneously. Balancing office tasks now seems like a walk in the park!
2. Collaborative Spirit
Between pumping, responding to emails, facilitating a college visit, and mediating a toddler meltdown, I have zero time for office gossip. Honestly, I don’t care that Tom gave Sarah a hickey the size of a grapefruit at the holiday party. My focus is on getting the job done—unless, of course, they’re causing a ruckus in the pumping room. Then, we might have a problem!
3. Continuous Learner
Those high school cliques didn’t disappear; they just evolved into playground politics. Our kids don’t know our histories—they just see someone their size and decide to be friends. As moms, we quickly learn to navigate these social dynamics and realize we’re all in the same boat, desperately trying to be the best for our little ones. It’s astonishing what a three-year-old can teach us about empathy!
4. Accountability
Working mothers don’t call in sick due to a hangover or a one-day sale at the mall. We simply don’t have time for that! Plus, we’ve got our kids bringing home everything from viral conjunctivitis (aka The Eye Booger Illness) to Hand-Foot-Mouth disease. After all that, I can assure you that my immune system is a well-oiled machine. We know how to use our sick days wisely, usually to care for someone else.
5. Quick Learner
New parents are experts in learning on the fly. We can differentiate between a hungry cry, a tired cry, and the “I’m not sure what’s wrong, but I need you now” cry. Tending to the endless needs of a tiny, non-verbal human without a manual prepares us for anything an employer might throw our way. Learning a new software program? Piece of cake—those come with manuals!
6. Proven Track Record of Success
Convincing my four-year-old to try a piece of chicken or to stop using the couch as a tissue should be an Olympic sport. Anyone who has parented a strong-willed child has developed negotiation skills that rival those of a CIA agent. We can smooth over workplace hiccups and keep a stash of snacks for negotiations—just in case!
My journey ended on a high note. I landed a fantastic position at a wonderful school, thanks to a principal who was also a father of four. He complimented my accomplishments and grinned, saying he knew I could handle the challenges ahead. I took that as a nod to my motherhood experience—after all, if you can manage kids, you can manage anything!
For more insights, check out our post on privacy policies here and discover expert tips on home insemination at Make a Mom. For additional information on pregnancy, visit the CDC.
In summary, motherhood has not only shaped me as a person but also enhanced my professional profile in ways I never anticipated. From mastering time management to honing negotiation skills, the experiences I’ve gained as a parent translate seamlessly into the workplace.