After taking a two-and-a-half-year maternity leave, I found myself back on the job market, only to discover that my temporary replacement had moved ahead of me in seniority. As an educator in New York, this situation isn’t unusual, but it still stung. During interviews, the reactions to my employment gap ranged from mild annoyance to condescension. One interviewer even asked, “So, what were you doing all that time?” as if I had been lounging on a beach. Despite the skepticism, I knew that the skills I gained through motherhood were invaluable. Here’s how parenting significantly improved my resume:
1. Exceptional Time Management
Before having children, I thought I was a master of multitasking. Then came parenthood. Balancing pumping, preparing lunches, and drafting a letter of recommendation simultaneously was a true test of my capabilities. Now, the idea of managing work tasks feels like a walk in the park.
2. Collaborative Spirit
Juggling the demands of pumping, answering emails, and mediating a crisis during lunch leaves no room for office gossip. My focus is on getting things done, not on the latest drama. The workplace dynamics become secondary when you’re navigating the complexities of parenthood.
3. Commitment to Lifelong Learning
The social dynamics of parenting can be as challenging as any office environment. Those childhood cliques resurface at the playground, and I’ve learned to connect with other parents, often discovering shared struggles and joys. My children have taught me invaluable lessons about friendship, acceptance, and collaboration.
4. Strong Accountability
I’ve learned that working moms don’t take unnecessary time off. My kids have brought home every imaginable illness, and yet I’ve become a pro at operating on little sleep and juggling multiple responsibilities. We know how to prioritize our time and energy effectively.
5. Rapid Adaptability
Every new parent knows that figuring out the nuances of a baby’s cries is a crash course in adaptability. I’ve become adept at responding to constant needs without a manual. This ability translates seamlessly to the workplace, where being able to learn quickly is a prized skill.
6. Proven Negotiation Skills
Convincing a toddler to eat vegetables or go to bed can feel like negotiating with a world leader. The skills I’ve honed in parenting, especially when it comes to persuasion and compromise, are directly applicable to resolving workplace conflicts and fostering team harmony.
Fortunately, my journey ended on a high note. I was hired by a fantastic school principal who was also a father of three. He recognized the strengths I gained through motherhood and assured me that I was more than capable of meeting the challenges ahead.
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In summary, motherhood has not only equipped me with essential skills for the workplace but has also transformed my perspective on life, collaboration, and resilience.