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Some of you might have read our CEO’s blog post – “why #eventparents make better #eventprofs.”
The non-parent side.
Make sure you read through to the end to find out what I really think of event parents vs event non-parents!
I’m a Simplifier and an #eventprof.
I don’t have children, I might never have children. Does that mean I won’t be as good an #eventprof as an #eventparent?
HELL NO!
I do think Mary made some very valid points and had a chuckle when she realised her self-discipline dropped dramatically without her daily routine (and kids) around this week.
But after getting into a debate on Twitter, I wondered why I was so quick to defend #eventparents when I’m not one myself…especially given the fact that I’ve spent most of my life being guilt tripped by MY parents! They work incredibly hard and have repeatedly made it clear that their motivation is providing their children with a better future. My dad still says he’s waiting to retire until I’m in the right job, with a husband and children – BLECH.
I’ve even been told by a business woman that I should put effort into having children because nothing else I do will fulfil me as much – WAIT, WHAT?!
As for the working parents I admire (like Mary) – I often feel guilty just watching them juggle so much and wondering why I’m not at the same level when I don’t have children to manage. Truly, I admire their discipline and ability to stay on top of so much.
Reading the end of Mary’s post yesterday made me see that actually, I might be better at some of these things than I realised and that I can offer some qualities that parents in this industry just can’t…
Being on schedule and disciplined is a skill we work hard on
Mary wrote:
“I dare say, someone who doesn’t have kids needs to work twice as hard to stay disciplined, driven and motivated”
We don’t have little people holding us accountable at regular points through the day. School used to be easy – my mother would come in and force me to get up – I didn’t have the option of hitting snooze and making up an excuse as to why I was late. Children force you get up and stick to a schedule!
Now, I’m the only person making myself do anything. I don’t have anyone nagging me to finish a task. If I procrastinate, I might have to work late but I don’t have any immediate consequences like a child does (well okay, besides letting down my boss and my clients).
I have to work harder to build up the discipline – I want to be in control and on top of things – There isn’t anyone else there to make me do it.
And generally, self control and motivation is stronger when you know you have to face the music if your actions let others down.
So actually, I’m doing pretty well with the discipline even if I do hit snooze every morning…
We’re more flexible
Just found out about a networking event tonight – yeah, I can go! A client is only free to meet after 6pm? Yep, I can handle that. TV panel show wants someone to be on the show and the boss can’t arrange childcare to make it? A bit scary but a great opportunity for me!
I don’t think anyone should be expected to do these things just because they don’t have children but I personally really like the fact that I can adjust my schedule and take advantage of everything thrown my way. I don’t feel like I’m missing out and fewer opportunities are lost!
We discover more
Having more time to spend doing the things I’m passionate about and not obligated to other people’s schedules (or watching Pokémon on repeat) means I get to attend a lot of the cool things going on in the city.
New venue opening up – I can visit the first night.
Supper club by a Michelin trained chef – I’ve been 5 times.
Strange performance art theatre pieces, unusual creative companies – I have the time to discover them!
This means I have great ideas when it comes to planning & designing events and sourcing new vendors – it helps keep our company in the loop and coming up with creative ideas.
We REALLY want to be here
This is going to sound very controversial but…I think we’re more driven. I’m here purely because this is what makes me happy. If it didn’t, I could leave and change my career with relatively little upheaval or risk.
Doing a job that I love AND lets me make an impact on others fulfils me. My work is my priority because it makes me happy, and a lot of the people around me encourage it even if it means I sometimes have to re-arrange plans or I’m checking emails late at night.
I don’t have the overwhelm that many parents talk about. Instead, I’m enthusiastic and passionate and I know that it’s one of my strengths when I’m representing the company to others in and outside of the office.
So…do I agree with Mary’s post? Yes…and No.
A lot of the things she mentioned like staying up too late, procrastinating and bad habits remind me of when I fall into a depressed or anxious state – we all need structure and tools to keep our lives on track. But by the end, I realised that (for some people) when you have kids, these elements are a MUST HAVE or things start to crumble.
It does make me wonder how I would change if I had children – would I find my time management skills get a turbo boost? Would I spend less time googling “how to beat procrastination?” I think I’d just be a hell of a lot more tired…
The truth is, I don’t think one side has better qualities than the other– but I do think we make a pretty good team.
Do you agree? Comment below and share your thoughts.
The #9toSIMPLIFY challenge is coming back!
Launching again on Wednesday, May 17, 2017, this FREE 9-day challenge is built for small business owners in the events industry (both #eventparents and non) who are looking to create a complete game plan to boost their cash flow, book BETTER clients and up level their business in 2017. (valued at $997 USD)
Are you up for the challenge?
Signup here to get on the waiting list and take part in #9toSIMPLIFY:
