Post by lolalolalola on Aug 19, 2021 12:21:46 GMT -5
I block my calendar for things like that. I definitely don’t feel any need to explain myself.. We are a heavy meetings company and I’d want to ensure I wasn’t scheduled for a Teams meeting at that time.
I have a recurring, tentative meeting on my calendar for a half hour daily, to make sure DS gets home safely. We’re only 1/3 mile away, but he has to cross a major road, so I like to walk up when I can. Aftercare is full, so it wasn’t even an option, but I agree with your point that it’s awesome to give them some at home/unmasked time when we can.
I was stressing about it, as I’m a high level manager and want to set the right tone, and my director/boss cajoled me out of it. He’s super supportive of this kind of flexibility, which we don’t always have in government.
I plan to take a call (Teams) on my phone if something is scheduled over the hold.
See, as a manager, I believe that allowing people to manage their own lives IS setting the right tone. I don’t want people to stress every time normal life things come up, especially during a pandemic when everything is that much more difficult. And not just kid stuff either — I have someone on my team with elderly cats that sometimes need unexpected vet visits. Cool, whatever. He’s awesome and I couldn’t care less.
We’re all responsible adults and we can manage our own commitments. The worst companies I ever worked for were the ones that made you account for every minute your butt wasn’t in your chair. That’s such an outdated (and harmful) way of thinking. American work culture is awful sometimes.
I’m glad you have a great boss. 😀
It’s ridiculous, because that is 100% how I am as a manager…I just don’t give myself the same grace.
Love of my life baby boy born 11/11. One and done not by choice; 3 years of TTC yielded 4 MMC and 2 CPs, through 4 IUIs and 2 IVFs. Focusing on making the world a better place instead...and running.
See, as a manager, I believe that allowing people to manage their own lives IS setting the right tone. I don’t want people to stress every time normal life things come up, especially during a pandemic when everything is that much more difficult. And not just kid stuff either — I have someone on my team with elderly cats that sometimes need unexpected vet visits. Cool, whatever. He’s awesome and I couldn’t care less.
We’re all responsible adults and we can manage our own commitments. The worst companies I ever worked for were the ones that made you account for every minute your butt wasn’t in your chair. That’s such an outdated (and harmful) way of thinking. American work culture is awful sometimes.
I’m glad you have a great boss. 😀
It’s ridiculous, because that is 100% how I am as a manager…I just don’t give myself the same grace.
I get it, and I didn’t mean to imply that you’re not. It’s so tough. It’s tough to say, “I have to deal with this thing for my kid,” because especially as mothers, it’s so ingrained in us that we’re supposed to hide that part of ourselves to prove our commitment.
But I have to say, seeing our group VP run out of the office because the family dog got loose spoke volumes — even more than lip service about how work/life balance matters.
It’s ridiculous, because that is 100% how I am as a manager…I just don’t give myself the same grace.
I get it, and I didn’t mean to imply that you’re not. It’s so tough. It’s tough to say, “I have to deal with this thing for my kid,” because especially as mothers, it’s so ingrained in us that we’re supposed to hide that part of ourselves to prove our commitment.
But I have to say, seeing our group VP run out of the office because the family dog got loose spoke volumes — even more than lip service about how work/life balance matters.
Yes, I totally agree! I think my concern was that it’s every day. When I need to take kids to the doctor or something, I’ll just put it on my calendar, and my assistant is forever going behind me and marking them private. I know how to do that myself, sheesh! It seems important to be willing to share that I’m not a robot who works 100 hours a week without a break.
Love of my life baby boy born 11/11. One and done not by choice; 3 years of TTC yielded 4 MMC and 2 CPs, through 4 IUIs and 2 IVFs. Focusing on making the world a better place instead...and running.
Post by karinothing on Aug 20, 2021 7:02:54 GMT -5
I pick up my kids from the bus stop while teleworking. It never occurred to my to block my schedule lol. I do rarely have meetings, but if I do I just take my phone with me to the stop.
My DH is a high level manager and he just brings his phone. He doesn't block his schedule. If he is on a video call, he just tells them, he is switching to the phone to grab his kid (or that he will be back).
DH did drop off and pickup every day last year and he just had 20 minutes blocked on his schedule daily. For the few that asked he told them we didn't want the kids on the bus at the time and so he was taking a few minutes. He sometimes had to take a call or a meeting he was on before ran long, but the kids understood and I think they enjoyed not having to be on the bus for so long each day.
I block my calendar. Meetings are common (I spend 4+ hours a day in meetings often) AND they are often not the kinds of calls where you can effectively dial in from school pick up/drop off. There may be a spreadsheet or presentation shared or I have to take notes. Last year I had it as tentative because the bus came so close to the house it was just 5 mins to get him and get back in so if folks asked to have a meeting at that time I explained that I would need a small break for the bus. When I have to drive my kid to school I do a firm calendar block.
Post by gibbinator on Aug 22, 2021 18:32:23 GMT -5
I take my phone with me to the bus stop. Usually afternoons I won't have any meetings anyway (they're usually during France work day times), but if I do have something scheduled, dh will come home early to meet the bus.