[tweetmeme source=”cbyndas” only_single=false]My daughter’s college graduation was last week, wow she grew up way too fast! As my kids hit milestones I find myself taking a look back and wondering, did I get to spend enough time with her as she was growing up?
In some senses I think the answer is no. All parents would like to spend every minute of their lives with their kids, but alas the world is there to draw them away. I have had it better than most. Being my own boss has given me a great amount of flexibility and allowed me to be in control of my schedule; this has been a fabulous part of being a business owner. Rather than working a rigid set of hours I have been able to arrange my work day around my kids’ schedules.
Some of my peers enjoy business ownership because of the financial rewards, or the ability to grow a large organization and sell it to the next lucky gal. For me, however, the flexibility is what has mattered the most.
A friend who attended the Career Agents Network spring recruiting workshop brought me a wonderful gift, the book One: How many people does it take to make a difference? The book is filled with one or two page explorations on what we should focus on in our daily lives. The book helps me realize the number 1 thing I have accomplished over my career is being my kids’ mom. (Thanks Lynden!)
I am blessed to have been the mom that was the “classroom mom”: the Girl Scout leader, went on the field trips, attended all the concerts, games, plays and doctor appointments. Grow up my little one did, but I was there along the way.
It is no surprise to me that human resource professionals are now saying the top benefit companies can offer their employees is a flexible work week. The ability to attend a school event in the middle of the day is priceless. I am sure MasterCard agrees. Business owners will always have the most flexibility, but it is nice to know that companies are finally getting into the Life/Work balance game.
Congratulations Brittany, your mom is very proud of you; it has been great to watch you grow up.