Do you think having kids/looking after them has added to the skills you bring to a job?

[Whistleforit]

So being a mum has changed me. In so many ways. I can't quantify how different I am at work but I know I'm stronger, more confident, more organised, more disciplined, maybe even more empathetic.

What do you think? Do you bring more to your job when you've had kids? Is there a way that could or should be valued by employers? Or that barmy?

I was getting a bit complacent in my job, but I am more motivated as I want to give my children a good future (by being a good role model, putting a roof over their head and a financial head start).

Other than that, I don't think I have changed.

Often managing staff is like managing toddlers.

My whole outlook on life/work has changed. I get more patience, more value when I do work

I suck it up more now

I endure the boring parts of the job cos I know it pays for stuff for my kids

There's more point to working itswim, I'm not just working so I can afford a night out with the girls on Friday

Hmmm I haven't had the opportunity to demonstrate my on-knee-one-handed-nappy-putting-on skills at work yet but maybe one day

I definitely adds skills in all the ways you state. I don't think however, that employers get more from mothers. Like to admit it or not our priorities are different and we're not 100% committed to the job in the same way. Committed enough to do a good job yes, committed over and above everything else, no.

No. But it has made me more focused. I only work two days a week, but I probably give more than two days than I did when I worked full time before DD was born.

Lonecat - def agree with that! Overlap of 'the look' and 'the glacial tone' used to toddlers - v effective. Shouting like Billingsgate fishwife not so much. Interesting abt work being more important in some ways.