The most rewarding job in the world
And a job for life?
Would you apply for a role that had no real prospects, limited financial rewards and was a lifelong commitment full of daily challenges? In addition, you’d be on call 24/7 and need excellent planning, prioritising and organisational skills, the ability to work flexibly and communicate, negotiate and probably resolve conflict with people at all levels.
Yes, being a mother comes without a job description and with no training.
Who prepares you for the dedication and responsibility required to take care of children from birth to whenever? A child is not just for 18 years, a child is for life.
The unconditional love that a mother has from the moment she holds her baby in her arms stays with her forever and that moment perhaps itself, unconsciously, sets up the mother for the most challenging and unacclaimed job in the world. In that magical instant, inner resources and resilience are found; no longer a single entity the mother instinctively becomes a carer, nurturer and minister.
She selflessly nourishes, pampers, cherishes, indulges, encourages and influences her child. And whilst some mothers may appear born to be earth mothers, and others not so; all rise to the challenge and do their best, to constantly protect and bring up their family in a loving and caring environment.
- Image by mengteck via Flickr
It’s an unforgiving role. A job that has countless ups and downs. One that makes a mother indispensable, teaches her humility, dexterity and creativity.
Children are the most important thing in the world to a mother, and she accepts her children as they are, she will teach them values, respect and honesty. She will never compromise her children’s well being nor their safety for anything. She will not take risks where they are concerned, they are her highest and her main priority. From a mother, the child will learn the differences between right and wrong.
Never complaining; a mother has diverse knowledge, she responds instantly to all questions with the prefix “Why…………….” She hopes for the best at all times but being prepared for the worst; she’s an expert on damage limitation.
She understands accountability and appearance; taking particular pride in their achievements. She has many glorious, priceless and treasured moments which include the first time she witnesses a smile, tooth, a step or a school performance. And hearing the name “mumma” spoken for the first time transforms the never ending responsibility and daily relentlessness into another magical moment.
Mothers take action. They set examples. They show, teach, share and learn.
Some mothers relish every moment spent with their children and others enjoy their chosen time together, whilst juggling complex roles. But all have something in common. Huge resourcefulness, masses of transferable qualities and skills that enable them to adapt to the work place, whether they chose to work at home, from home or in the work place whilst never forgetting they are a mother.
I’ve heard mothers talking themselves down, belittling themselves and not valuing their abilities. Yet I hold them in high esteem as it can be a thankless task and their gifts and qualities are numerous and all transferable. Notice how many mothers tick all these boxes:
- A great leader, with excellent and effective communication skills
- Manage multiple tasks simultaneously
- Resolve conflicts and manage crisis
- Think creatively
- Ability to reconcile financial disbursements
- Proficient in managing resources
- Has high integrity, diplomacy and ability to deal with individuals in fair and equitable manner
- Be caring, nurturing with basic knowledge of first aid
- Able to accept criticism and receive subjective feedback
- Have physical stamina, ability to run from 0-60mph at the sound of piercing scream despite it being ‘nothing’
- Full licence and can drive car under adverse conditions
- And anything else that may be required. . .
Yes, nothing or no one prepares a woman for motherhood, she learns on the job and retains her experiences to share with others around her.
As for payment, well there isn’t a particular remuneration package as such. Yes, there’s payment in kind but more often than not a mother finds herself paying out, subsidising and offering incentives.
But after all, being a mother is the very best job, job for life in the world. Where else would she get an infinite amount of free hugs, kisses and thanks; be the first person to be called when there is good or sad news and be wanted to hold a hand when taking that first step?
With a big thank you to my two daughters with whom I continually develop my mothering skills. I love you both very much – equally. Looking into your eyes and seeing you smile gladdens my heart always.
Celebrate being a mother on 14th March. Buy a bunch of Tulips!
Lynn Tulip
Chartered MCIPD, PgDip Guidance & Assessment
HR & Career Management Consultant
About Lynn TulipLynn Tulip is a career management and HR professional running her own HR consultancy. Her passion is working with individuals, helping them rekindle their work passion. Read the newly published Get That Job, the art of successful job hunting.. Apart from loving food and fitness, she enjoys her ever growing family. Find her online or follow her @LynnTulip and @A4P_HR
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22 Responses to The most rewarding job in the world
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Thanks Lynn for writing our Mothers day tribute, it says so much about one of the most rewarding jobs in the world
My pleasure
Thanks Lynn for writing our Mothers day tribute, it says so much about one of the most rewarding jobs in the world
My pleasure
A wonderful tribute Lynn … thanks for that! xx
Twitter: SuzeStMWrites
We’re all special aren’t we?
A wonderful tribute Lynn … thanks for that! xx
Twitter: SuzeStMWrites
We’re all special aren’t we?
Yes, a mother can tick off all of those skills. Yet when she goes into the job market, no one will recognize any of them as “real” skillsets that apply to the business world. They want to see her curriculum vitae and resume. 2010 and the devaluation of motherhood in the business world is still going on. Sad. Lovely article, however!
Thanks for dropping by Kay, perhaps we can persuade our children that the skills gained in motherhood also have a place in business.
It is a sad fact that mothers are severely undervalued both at home and in the workplace. Still, with more of us feeling that bringing up a children is worthwhile and reminding ourselves that we are capable competent women, maybe [just maybe] when we are faced with presenting ourselves back into the job market at whatever level, we will feel we can talk about skills and abilities that we have perfected that will ensure we take on an additional role in employment.
And then begin juggling. But that’s another story and another skill.
Yes, a mother can tick off all of those skills. Yet when she goes into the job market, no one will recognize any of them as “real” skillsets that apply to the business world. They want to see her curriculum vitae and resume. 2010 and the devaluation of motherhood in the business world is still going on. Sad. Lovely article, however!
Thanks for dropping by Kay, perhaps we can persuade our children that the skills gained in motherhood also have a place in business.
It is a sad fact that mothers are severely undervalued both at home and in the workplace. Still, with more of us feeling that bringing up a children is worthwhile and reminding ourselves that we are capable competent women, maybe [just maybe] when we are faced with presenting ourselves back into the job market at whatever level, we will feel we can talk about skills and abilities that we have perfected that will ensure we take on an additional role in employment.
And then begin juggling. But that’s another story and another skill.
Lovely article. Though it just underscores that I may be a mother in fact, but not really in temperament!
Being a mother is not easy and apart from the skills mentioned there’s also character. Having just spent a lovely weekend with one of my daughter’s and her children I would concur that ability and temperament are totally different things. And just because we get cross and angry, upset or tired does not make us a bad parent. It’s normal! Emotional blackmail and bribery have been known to rear their ugly heads.
Lovely article. Though it just underscores that I may be a mother in fact, but not really in temperament!
Being a mother is not easy and apart from the skills mentioned there’s also character. Having just spent a lovely weekend with one of my daughter’s and her children I would concur that ability and temperament are totally different things. And just because we get cross and angry, upset or tired does not make us a bad parent. It’s normal! Emotional blackmail and bribery have been known to rear their ugly heads.
A great reminder that mums don’t ‘just look after the children’ as someone said to me the other day!
Twitter: nikkipilkington
A great reminder that mums don’t ‘just look after the children’ as someone said to me the other day!
Twitter: nikkipilkington
thanks Lynn…. very true it is a distinctive job. as i always say, being a mother is the most fulfilling job i ever had, worth all the trouble………..
thanks Lynn…. very true it is a distinctive job. as i always say, being a mother is the most fulfilling job i ever had, worth all the trouble………..