by Marijean
- I will schedule and commit to mental health breaks on a quarterly basis. These can include but are not limited to something as small as a nap, a pedicure, an afternoon of reading a book (or baking, or watching TV) or as extensive as a day spent by yourself (or with your significant other).
- I will not hesitate to seek help when I need it so I can focus on doing my job at work or at home better. I will not be ashamed or feel guilty because darn it, nobody can do it all and frankly, who wants to?
- This includes hiring help around the house and/or childcare.
- I will ASK. Instead of struggling along, letting things drop and being consumed by pressure I will ask my employer, my child, my spouse, my friends, my colleagues to look at another approach that will work for me and ultimately, them.
- I will take sick days when I'm sick, not just when my children are.
- I will forgive myself for not being perfect.
- I will boldly drop off store-bought treats for the class, buy the commercial Halloween costume, order out for dinner and dust only when absolutely necessary, unapologetically -- because I know it's in the interest of preserving my sanity.
- I will be honest when a dear friend asks how I'm balancing it all.
- I will use the Buckets method of prioritizing and establish "Events Not to be Missed," such as children's concerts, birthdays, recitals and on the work side, new business meetings, company retreats and professional development opportunities.
- When there are conflicts, I will bow my head and pray/wish/hope for guidance.
- If I don't love my job, but I need to work, I will look and network until the opportunity that makes it all worth it.
- I will not stay in a job where I am not valued.
- I will re-evaluate my work life balance on a regular basis and when it's out of whack, I will acknowledge it and take the necessary steps to change.
What else will you swear to do, as a working mom, as SAHM, a working parent or heck, just as a working person, to make yourself the most valuable contributor you can be?
What about- I will go out to lunch at work when I have the chance, because dining with adults is a must!
Posted by: Selfmademom | June 11, 2007 at 11:48 AM
Yes! There's just no substitute for that grownup chat over Cobb salads.
Posted by: Marijean | June 11, 2007 at 02:17 PM
I will refrain from using my Crackberry when I'm with the kids.
I WILL take vacation this summer, work be damned.
Posted by: cordelia525 | June 11, 2007 at 02:58 PM
Yes! Back away from the Crackberry -- I'm actually considering leaving my laptop at home for our short vacation. (gasp! how will I live?)
Posted by: Marijean | June 11, 2007 at 08:01 PM
#4 is hard for me. I take off when the kids are sick, but I go to work when I am sick, unless I am VEEERRRY sick, so I can save my "sick" days for mental health days! I love this oath. Thanks for posting it.
Posted by: Diana aka Forgetfulone | June 11, 2007 at 11:40 PM
Living oath # 9! I love oath #9.
Posted by: Joy | June 12, 2007 at 11:24 AM
Good for you! Good luck with the job search.
Posted by: Marijean | June 12, 2007 at 01:47 PM
I will stop saying "not right now" and "I'm busy" and "we'll do it later"!!
Posted by: Rachel | June 12, 2007 at 04:01 PM
I will not apologize for hiring help -- including cleaning, laundry, babysitters, etc.
I will reserve time to go out with my girlfriends -- sans kids and husbands!
Posted by: MBooth | June 12, 2007 at 04:10 PM
Thankyou so much for writing this. My guilt as a working mom has overwhelmed me. I want to do it all and glad to know I'm not in the wrong for not always being able to. Thanks for the tears of relief.
Posted by: Katelynsmama | June 21, 2007 at 04:53 PM
I love #5... I will forgive myself for not being perfect. I think this one is the most important but the hardest.
Posted by: Julie | August 12, 2007 at 02:11 AM