Me: (Joins a conference call)
Someone on call: “Hey, how are you?”
Me: “Good”
Also Me: (pondering if I just lied or not)
What did “Good” mean for that day?
Let’s review the last 24hr:
12:05 – 12:30 AM – kid diaper change, make a bottle, feed, rock, back in bed
12:30 – 4 AM – sleep
4:05 – 4:30 AM – kid diaper change, make a bottle, feed, rock, back in bed
4:30 – 7 AM – sleep
7:05 – 7:30 AM – kid diaper change, make a bottle, feed, playtime, handoff to help
7:30-7:50 AM – shower and change
7:50 – 8:30 AM – morning commute, catching up with friends and family
8:30 – 9 AM – meeting
9 – 10 AM – meeting
10 – 11 AM – meeting
11 – 11:30 AM – snack & break, catch up with kiddo
11:30 – 12 PM – meeting
12 – 12:30 PM – meeting
12:30 – 1 PM – break, catch up on emails and chats that haven’t been hit yet
1 – 2 PM – meeting
2 – 3 PM – meeting + (call during the meeting to check in on kiddo and plans for the evening)
3 – 4 PM – meeting (commuting home)
4 – 4:30 PM – meeting
4:30 – 5 PM – kid diaper change, make a bottle, feed, play, back in bed
5 – 6 PM – dinner, discussing tomorrow’s plans
6:30 – 7:30ish PM – diaper change, bath time, make a bottle, feed, play, back in bed
7:30ish – 10 PM – finish last touches on work, spend time decompressing
10 PM – 12 AM – trying to fall asleep
After I thought about it, I probably could have said “tired” and ranted about it…but I also know folks are just trying to be nice.
All that to say, please be mindful of people’s 5-9. You never know what kind of schedule is happening outside 9-5.
Next time you ask someone how they are, remember that “Good” might have a lot more behind it.
Also remember that stress may be on people, even in their replies or tone. We must do our best to lead with empathy and understanding as much as we can accommodate. The more we do, the more I feel like people will return it in kind.
That’s all for now, carry on.
#worklifebalance #5to9 #mindfulness #newparent
@JaredMeredith 