RANT: Coworkers without kids don't get it

Jan 211 min read

Sitting in a 4pm meeting today that could've been a Slack message. Everyone's just chilling, no rush. Meanwhile I'm watching the clock because I'm supposed to get the kids and my manager is acting like this is a normal time for a "quick sync."

Then afterward someone's like "Oh hey, you gotta go pick up? That's so nice you do that." IT'S NOT NICE, KEVIN, IT'S CALLED BEING A PARENT. Anyway I'm officially the team's reliable guy who has to leave, which probably tanks my advancement prospects. Cool. Cool cool cool.

6 comments423 views

Comments(6)

EEdRegularJan 21

I had to step out of a meeting once to pick up my son from school. You should have seen the looks. Meanwhile my coworker took a two hour lunch to get his car detailed and nobody said anything. The system isn't set up for parents.

NNathanNew DadJan 22

This is why I switched to remote work. Best decision I made for my family. You can't convince people without kids that a 4pm meeting ruins the entire afternoon.

RRick M.RegularJan 22

Rant all you want man. It's frustrating and valid. The working world treats parents like we're lazy for having actual commitments outside work.

DDan T.RegularJan 23

The 4pm meeting that could be an email is universal pain. But yeah when you've got a kid at home sick or waiting to be picked up those meetings hit different. People without kids just genuinely don't understand the time crunch.

PPete D.RegularJan 23

Try being a single dad. Everyone assumes you don't have as much responsibility somehow. I'm juggling twice as much as guys with partners but apparently that's not as valid.

SSean M.New DadJan 24

Real talk though, some jobs are better about this than others. If yours won't budge on meeting times and pickup schedules, that's a management problem not a you problem.