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5 Surprising Places I’ve Taken Work Conference Calls
Updated: Dec. 20, 2023
Originally Published: Aug. 16, 2023
My optimism often leads me astray, particularly when I mistakenly think my kids can keep quiet during a 45-minute work call—especially during summer break or those endless early-release days. No matter how cozy they are on the couch or how engrossed they are in their screens, the moment I dial in, all chaos breaks loose. My youngest decides it’s the perfect time to whip up a grilled cheese, triggering the smoke alarm. Suddenly, five extra kids burst in looking for fun, and my daughter delivers a dramatic performance over a hangnail that could rival a shark attack scene. As a result, I find myself taking calls in some pretty unconventional spots, thankful that most of my clients prefer audio-only.
1. The Closet
When desperation strikes, I make a beeline for the closet. With three locked doors between me and the kids, I can at least get some peace. Plus, hiding behind my winter jackets offers an extra layer of soundproofing—though I wouldn’t know that from experience or anything!
2. The Backyard
Sometimes the closet is just too far. When the noise level rises and the clock ticks down, I make my escape out the backdoor. I wander until my son’s friends are just a distant memory. I’ve caught some odd looks from neighbors as I pace through the woods behind their house chatting on the phone. I even spent 20 minutes outside in freezing weather—no coat or shoes—presenting at a seminar while my dogs barked at imaginary intruders on the porch. Lesson learned: always wear shoes for those escape routes!
3. Disney World/The Children’s Museum/The Zoo
I know I should focus on quality time with my kids, but every time I take a day off, it seems like the universe conspires against me. We find a “quiet” spot, and I plan for a quick call. But then the loudspeaker announces “Polar bear feeding in five minutes!” and suddenly, my call is anything but professional.
4. The Car
There are two scenarios here—one where I’m driving and a work call comes in. I yell “work call!” and my kids usually go quiet, giving me a 90% success rate. I always hang up feeling like supermom. The other scenario? I’m alone in the car, thinking it’s the perfect spot to make a call—until my son jumps in after soccer practice and announces his, uh, gastrointestinal issues loud enough for everyone on the call to hear. I still assure myself my coworkers have no clue who provided that bit of comic relief.
5. The Woods at a Playground
I found myself at a fifth-grade graduation picnic when I had to take a last-minute call with a prospective client I’d been chasing for months. I wandered down a paved path to escape the joyful chaos, only to encounter a snake! It was smaller than my arm, but my fear was real. I must have squeaked because the client asked if I was okay. I blamed it on static and stood on a bench for the rest of the call, keeping an eye out for other snakes. Final score: Me 1, Snake 0—and I landed the client!
In the chaos of parenthood, it’s easy to find humor in the unexpected moments. If you’re navigating similar challenges, you might find some helpful insights in our post about home insemination and parenting. And don’t forget to check out Make a Mom for reliable resources on this journey. For those considering a family, UCSF offers excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary:
Taking work conference calls as a parent can lead to unexpected and amusing situations. From hiding in closets to pacing in the backyard, the chaos of family life often interrupts even the most professional calls. Whether it’s a snake at a playground or a loud announcement at a zoo, humor can be found in these challenging moments of balancing work and parenting.