How Working for a Narcissist Prepared Me for Parenthood

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I vividly recall the moment I reached my limit. With trepidation, I stepped into the conference room, and there he was: a mini-Napoleon in khaki pants, shooting daggers at me with his furious gaze. After an exhausting hour of his tirade, I made the decision to exit that dreary TV station in Nowheresville, NJ, for good.

While working for a sociopathic narcissist can feel like a trial by fire, it surprisingly equips you with valuable skills for the world of parenting. Once you’ve dealt with someone like that, any new boss will seem like a nurturing, sane figure by comparison. Plus, these narcissists are often quite intelligent, so there’s a chance to learn a thing or two—if you can withstand the pressure. Ultimately, though, the most significant lesson is that working for a narcissist prepares you to endure the relentless demands of parenthood.

Here are five ways my experience with a narcissistic boss paved the way for my journey into motherhood:

1. Sleep Deprivation
   A deranged boss often keeps you burning the midnight oil, sometimes forcing you to crash on the office couch rather than trek back home. I even kept spare clothes in the news anchor’s dressing room for these occasions. Similarly, a baby will have you up all night, leaving you desperate for sleep yet needing to power through each day of feeding, changing, and rocking, all while hoping to catch a quick nap—if your little one allows it.
2. The Art of Redirection
   I mastered the skill of distraction to deflect my boss’s rants, learning that offering some juicy news about a significant event could buy me a moment of peace. In parenting, this same tactic comes in handy; when your toddler is about to explore a dangerous situation, a well-timed distraction can save the day. Just like diverting a boss’s fury, redirecting a child’s attention is an essential parenting skill.
3. Enduring Screaming
   While my boss’s outbursts didn’t cause physical reactions, they certainly set my heart racing. After enduring his tantrums, the shrieks of a newborn will sound like sweet music. You quickly learn that while no one enjoys being yelled at, the cries of a baby become just part of the daily symphony of parenthood.
4. Always Be Prepared
   I learned the hard way that unpreparedness at work could lead to public embarrassment or worse. This experience taught me to ask questions and plan ahead. The same rule applies to parenting; you’ll find yourself thinking about every possible scenario and stocking your car with essentials like diapers and snacks. Are you truly ready for anything that comes your way?
5. Identifying Trustworthy Allies
   My narcissistic boss thrived on pitting people against each other, creating factions within the workplace. This experience has given me a keen eye in motherhood for recognizing the supportive moms versus those who might not have your best interests at heart. You’ll quickly learn to identify your tribe, making it easier to cultivate a positive support network.

Whether you’re navigating sleepless nights with an infant or dealing with a sassy teenager, the skills honed by working for a narcissist will serve you well. Embrace those tough experiences and give a mental nod to that difficult boss who unknowingly prepared you for this wild ride of parenting. And maybe give them a cheeky mental salute while you’re at it.

For more insights on preparing for parenthood, check out our other blog posts, including this helpful one about home insemination and resources from News Medical on pregnancy and home insemination. If you’re considering self-insemination, visit Make a Mom for expert guidance.

In summary, surviving a narcissistic work environment equips you with invaluable skills for the challenges of parenting. From sleep deprivation to mastering the art of distraction, each lesson learned along the way makes you a more resilient and resourceful parent.