Being a mum is by far the hardest job I’ve ever had.
You might think, really? Harder than the time you had to understand financial derivatives while working for an investment bank?
Yes.
Harder than the time you had to go to a military base and learn how not to get kidnapped by terrorists?
Yes.
Harder than working for the civil service? I mean, nothing is harder than dealing with the frustration of never-ending changing directions and bureaucracy?
Yes.
It’s difficult to explain why, but I’m going to give it a go.
For starters, early on in the position, I realised the senior boss was an absolute tyrant. She has zero tolerance for poor performance, and my performance is always poor.
No worries, I’ll try again tomorrow.
I quickly realised that time off was not included in my contract. That includes bank holidays and weekends. If, by accident, a day off is approved, it can be cancelled at the last minute.
It is a basic requirement of the job to be on call 24/7, but without the glory and respect that goes with being an A&E doctor.
Aside from the bosses being difficult, my colleagues are barely competent. Unfortunately, there is a hiring freeze, so there isn’t a lot I can do about it.
It’s not really surprising that my end-of-year reviews never go well.
Sara: We have thought about it, and you are ok. But you need to work on:
- Looking better
- Giving more chocolates
- TV time is NOT limited
- Make sure we don’t run out of Pom Bears EVER again
- I like to eat with the golden spoon (use common sense and wash it if it’s not available)
- Stop wasting time loitering and talking to Daddy
- Enoch needs 10 hours’ worth of cuddles at night
- I requested a bouncy castle 2 financial quarters ago
- Jumping on the sofa is acceptable
- Enoch says you tried to kill him with broccoli (fireable offence)
