I'm tired.
As we head into week SEVENTEEN of working remotely with two children under four without consistent, out-of-the-home childcare, I’m tired.
I’m tired of smiling for my children and crying in the shower.
I’m tired of being brave about changing the world and being terrified that it will all just stay the same.
I’m tired of protecting my family from a global pandemic and yet exposing them in small ways every day to an unrelenting killer that could potentially claim one of us.
I’m tired of speaking out and being shut down.
I’m tired of getting dressed for work every day to sit alone in an office with insurmountable tasks on my to-do list and a never-ending stream of ruminations in my head.
I’m tired of seeing every single one of my talented, resilient, gifted and dedicated working-parent friends struggling...drowning...and receiving nothing more than empty placating platitudes from the companies for whom they are pouring blood, sweat and tears from an empty, barren cup.
I’m tired of telling the truth about how hard this all is and receiving unsolicited and unwarranted feedback on a reality that no person who isn’t living this experience first hand has a right to judge.
I’m tired.
But I don’t have the luxury of giving up. None of us do. Week SEVENTEEN. Here it is. We can tackle it together or be trampled by it alone. It won’t be easy. It, likely, won’t be kind. It won’t slow or stop, even if we beg.
But I’m here to say, you’re not alone. We can do hard things. Don’t wait until you’re in crisis to prioritize yourself. And don’t be afraid to say you’re struggling and need help. It’s the most courageous and vulnerable thing you can do.
Real Estate Attorney at Big Law Partners, A Professional Corporation
4yThank you for your honesty Erin. I have worked from home for 6 years but having 2 teenagers home (and uncertain about their futures) takes its own toll. Having little ones like it sounds like you do must be exhausting and just plain hard! Hang in there and let me know if you want a sympathetic ear to chat with. 💜
Senior Recruitment Consultant: Partnering with Mission-Driven Companies to Attract Difference-Makers.
4y#wfhwk is no joke!
Neuroscience Based Belonging In The Workplace™ Expert | Adjunct Professor | Senior Consultant & Strategist | Executive Leadership Coach for Corporate Culture | Learning & Development | Speaker | Trainer
4yErin Gallagher an article written in honesty is always one we need to see. While it's often that honest posts are the ones with the least amount of comments or support, simply because that requires courage to admit weakness by the reader, they offer pressure releases when they matter the most. Don't quit. Don't give up. Stand in your value. While it may not feel like it in week 17, you're still a beacon for change. Holding you as the powerful woman you are because like you said, "But I don’t have the luxury of giving up. None of us do. Week SEVENTEEN. Here it is. We can tackle it together or be trampled by it alone. It won’t be easy. It, likely, won’t be kind. It won’t slow or stop, even if we beg." You are not alone. Thank you for the inspiration today. #workingparent #femalefounder #covid19
Senior Business Development Manager at Brandpoint
4yThere is so much power in being honest about how hard this all is. I see you and I am in the thick of it with a 6 and 8 year old. Stay strong (and make some time for yourself). Thank you for this incredibly honest post.