For the last 13 years, I’ve celebrated many deserving — and some not-so-deserving — bosses. This year, Boss’s Day will be quite different from past years. This year, my go-to “#1 Boss” coffee mug just will not do. You see, I have two bosses now, and let’s just say coffee is probably not the best gift for these guys.
It has been just over two months since I quit my office job to be a stay-at-home mom. My sons are hands-down the most demanding bosses I’ve had yet. Their deadlines are generally “I need you to do that now.” I work overtime daily, as this job is basically 24/7. But the truth is, my kids have been my best bosses. Here’s why.
1. My new bosses inspire me to be a better me every day
I had some amazing bosses along the way who drove me to be a better marketer, and for that, I am grateful. These two little guys, though, are changing me at my very core. They require me to have a deeper level of patience than I ever knew was possible and a selflessness of which I didn’t know I was capable. I’m also learning to be more easy-going, because sweating the small stuff is just not an option with children. I needed some work on those qualities, and I’m grateful for my little guys challenging me to work harder on these areas every day.
2. My new bosses remind me to stop and smell the roses
As a working mom, my life was go-go-go. I hurried to get everything done at work and at home. I truly appreciate how being with my kids all day has forced me to slow down the pace and find joy in the simplest things. Kids naturally enjoy the simplest things in life, from butterflies flying in the backyard to the noise the rain makes against the windows. Slowing down and enjoying these moments with them is truly a precious gift.
3. My new bosses always give me very direct feedback
I’ve had both direct and indirect bosses in the past. I’ve always preferred the very honest and forward feedback — whether good or bad. I don’t do well with passive-aggressive direction. Luckily, my little ones tell me exactly how it is. They show appreciation for my help at least some of the time. They tell me when they are mad at me. They even tell me when my hair is a mess. I always know exactly where I stand in their minds — the good, the bad and the ugly. I prefer this.
4. My new bosses shine a mirror on me all day long requiring me to constantly self reflect
In the office, I didn’t always take as much time to self reflect as I would have liked. Children repeat everything you say and do things exactly how you do it, the good and the bad. They watch and imitate constantly, which is really forcing me to take more time to think more carefully about my words and actions. I needed this.
5. My new bosses reward me in such meaningful ways
Yes, my paycheck is gone — and there are plenty of days I miss it. The rewards from this job bring me a happiness and satisfaction that a paycheck could never do. I receive endless hugs, kisses and snuggles. Watching my children learn to recite their ABCs and even go poop in the potty gives me a new and deep sense of satisfaction I didn’t know was possible. Yes. Poop in the potty can really do that!
I’ve heard that to be truly happy, you have to love what you do, and I’m very fortunate this is the case for me. So, this year I’ll be celebrating with cookies and milk in honor of my best bosses ever!
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