(Another!) Way to Build Your Working Parent Confidence - and Future
Hi working moms and dads –
Let’s do a quick check in: Raise your hand if you’re crazy-busy, and working as hard as you can. It feels as if you’re constantly running at an all-out pace, or close to it, but that to-do list just never seems to get any shorter. Sound familiar?
If so, that’s a good thing – in a very big-picture way. Think about it: As a 100% dedicated mom or dad, you’re focused on really being there for your kids. And as a responsible, committed professional, you hold yourself to high standards on the job. Combine those two intentions, and yes, it leads to boatloads of work – but the intentions themselves are beautiful, admirable, and core to who you are: a top-notch professional and loving parent. It tough to work this hard, but you’re doing so to honor those two commitments.
But don’t let that constant busyness distract you from fostering your success and satisfaction, long-term. Of course you need to get that big report done, catch up on laundry, finish writing up your patient notes, or get the kids enrolled in camp. Those things are all have-to’s! But to build the career you want, you also have to keep up your professional skills and network, advocate for your next promotion, and let colleagues and clients know about all the great work you’ve done. You want to be ready and on the radar screen for that dream job, one day – don’t you?
So, as busy as you are: think about fostering your career – and your professional confidence and identity – in easy, snack-sized bites. For example, in a 5-minute chunk between work commitments or after the kids are in bed, why not:
Add a new line to your LinkedIn profile about the project you recently completed.
Ping a colleague from a past job and ask how they’re doing.
Scan an article in a relevant trade journal about new technology being used in your field.
Send your boss an update about the outcome of a recent meeting.
Think how, if you were in front of a recruiter, you’d frame a recent work accomplishment.
Those actions are small enough that they won’t overwhelm you, or knock you off-course in your daily to-do’s. What they will let you do is shift your focus from work to career – to getting credit, moving ahead, building your on-the-job value and brand. They’ll give you a better sense of confidence and control over your professional life. And performed over time, these actions will let you create momentum towards your workplace goals.
Try being in “career mode” as opposed to being in “get it done/work mode” for 5-10 minutes this week. Let yourself feel that I’m in charge here, and I’m moving ahead. You’re the boss of you, again! Then next week, we’ll look at a powerful way to make those all-important transitions from work to home – with confidence and calm.
In the meantime, if being working-parent busy has led you to tiredness or even exhaustion, read my HBR article on effective ways to reset and cope.
Workparent:
Support and solutions for all working parents – and no judgements, ever.