Non-Parents
We know that no matter how hard our Non-Parent (NP) co-workers think their lives are — they’re simply rookies.
NP’s Believe:
- They have no time.
- They do all the work.
- That if they were parents, then they could leave at 5pm and have SO MUCH TIME, but then who would do the work?
A lot of my working women friends never even bring up the fact that they’re Moms to their co-workers. Just like the character Alison in How does she do it? they don’t put photos of family on their desk. When these incognito ‘rents have to be out for the kid, (spring break, dentist, doctor, ballet recital, etc) they sort of mumble a vague –”I’ve got an appointment” like drug dealers who “have to pick up a package.”
“To be different is to be dead,” my friend Jennifer says. Co-workers without kids have no idea what you do and they don’t want to know, period.”
Unlike Jenn, I let my people in to an extent. There are days when I look tired or I’m running late and I have to leave a voice mail as a courtesy. I don’t complain– I try to be honest, funny, VAGUE and reassuring that the work will get completed:
Hello, (younger boss with no kids), I hope you’re day is splendid. Unfortunately, I really need a morning do-over as I’m running a bit behind schedule. I will definitely have the comps on your desk by noon. See you soon.
