Updated: Dec. 20, 2015
Originally Published: Aug. 16, 2015
Optimism can sometimes lead to unexpected challenges, especially when it comes to managing work calls amidst the chaos of parenting. I often misjudge my child’s ability to stay quiet during a critical 45-minute call, particularly during long summer days filled with distractions. Despite my best efforts to maintain order, the moment I pick up the phone, all chaos seems to break loose. My son may decide to whip up a grilled cheese, triggering the smoke alarm, or a small army of kids could invade my living room. My daughter could even pull a dramatic stunt over a hangnail, with theatrics to rival any award-winning performance.
As a result, I frequently find myself taking calls in some rather unconventional spots—thankfully, most of my clients prefer voice calls over video. Here are a few of my most memorable locations:
1. The Closet
When all else fails, I retreat to my closet. With three locked doors separating me from the kids, it offers a semblance of peace. If things get really dicey, hiding behind my winter coats provides a sound barrier that, surprisingly, works wonders.
2. The Backyard
Sometimes the closet feels like a trek too far. If my kids’ noise level spikes, I make a quick escape to the backyard. I walk far enough away to dodge the ruckus of my son’s friends playing hide-and-seek inside. Sure, I’ve gotten some peculiar looks from neighbors as I stroll through the woods, phone in hand, but it’s a small price to pay for a quiet moment. I once even spent 20 minutes outside in freezing temperatures without shoes while delivering a presentation, all while my dogs barked at imaginary intruders. Lesson learned: always wear shoes when planning an escape.
3. Family Attractions
It goes against my better judgment, but sometimes I find myself taking calls at places like Disney World or the local zoo. Each time, I tell myself it’ll be the last. Yet, when I finally take a day off with the family, something urgent comes up. I try to find a “quiet” corner, only to be interrupted by loudspeakers announcing, “Polar bear feeding in five minutes!”
4. The Car
There are two scenarios here. In one, I’m driving with the kids and a call comes in. I’ve trained them well enough that they usually go silent upon hearing my “work call” code. The second scenario, however, is my biggest pitfall. I might be alone in the car, thinking it’s the perfect, quiet place to make a call—until my son jumps in after soccer practice to announce to my entire conference call that he has a stomach issue. I still hope my coworkers don’t remember who was responsible for the laughter that day.
5. The Park
At a fifth-grade graduation picnic, I found myself on a last-minute call with a potential client I’d been courting for months. I wandered off to escape the noise, only to encounter a snake on the path. Though harmless, I’m not a fan of snakes. I must have squeaked, prompting my client to ask if I was okay. I quickly blamed it on static and finished the call while perched on a bench, half-expecting a whole serpent party to join me. Total score: Me 1, Snake 0. I secured the client!
In conclusion, navigating work calls as a parent often leads to some of the most peculiar scenarios. If you’re dealing with similar challenges, check out this excellent resource on artificial insemination for more insights, or visit Make A Mom for top-notch at-home insemination kits.
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