10 reasons why I’m a better employee now that I’m a mum.

Bosses are still worried about hiring mums. But that’s ridiculous. And here’s why.

There’s been a lot of chitter-chatter lately about whether mums can compete with non-mums in the workforce.

And now a new study by law firm Slater & Gordon has shown one in three bosses would prefer to hire a man in his 20s or 30s than a woman of the same age, as they are concerned that women will leave their job to peruse family life. It also showed that 40% of employers would be “wary” of hiring a mother for a senior role.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion.

But I hate the thought that bosses around Australia are thinking it might be wiser to hire a non-mum next time they have a vacancy. Personally, I know that I’m a better employee now I’m a mum.

Here are 10 reasons why:

1. I might not work longer, but I will work smarter, harder and faster. I’m so used to having small children hanging off me that when I get a minute to myself, I’m super-focused and productive. And because I won’t be staying back late just to impress you, think of what you’ll save on electricity.

2. I don’t want your job. You don’t have to worry about me stabbing you in the back so I can get your nice big office with a view. I’m sure my career ambition will return in a few years’ time, but right now, I just want to earn my money and get home to my kids.

3. I understand people better now. Specifically, parents. I have an amazing bond with all other parents, like we went to school together. (Or to war together, maybe.) I can get inside their heads, which gives me all kinds of valuable insights. I also understand how kids work. Well, a little bit.

4. I won’t complain about being given boring work. I have spent the last few years ploughing my way through the entire Mr Men library, so I know the true meaning of the word “boring”. (Of course, giving me too much boring work would be a shocking waste of my abilities.)

5. I am the queen of multitasking. At one point, when I was working from home, I remember breastfeeding one child and spoon-feeding another while simultaneously transcribing an interview. That kind of thing.

6. I am really cheap when it comes to Christmas drinks. One glass of champagne will probably do me. If I have any more, you’ll end up with enough anecdotes to last until next Christmas.

7. I am mentally tougher. I have had a complete stranger reach between my legs and pull a person out of my vagina. I have had bossy women grab my nipples. I have had almost sole responsibility for keeping a human being alive. These things change you.

8. I’m flexible, if you are. Yes, I may need time out here and there, if my kids are sick, but I’ll find some way to make up for it. I’ll work from home, or do a weird shift on a weekend, or take calls from overseas at ridiculous hours of the morning. I don’t really need sleep, anyway.

9. I won’t waste any time flirting with the hot guy or wondering if he’s flirting with me. I’ve followed that whole sexual thing through to its ultimate conclusion and, to be quite honest, it’s lost a bit of its mystique for me.

10. I will be the most loyal employee in the company. If this job can somehow work in with my family situation, then I’m not going to be constantly bitching about the management, stealing the stationery or looking for a better-paid job. I’m going to appreciate what I have.

Do you think we missed anything?

Want more? Try:

Is it ever okay to change a baby’s nappy in a restaurant?

This is what it really feels like to go back to work.

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When you become a parent, you don’t leave your brain in the delivery suite. That’s why mothers with kids of all ages come to themotherish.com; because they’re still interested in news about entertainment, health, current affairs and food along with an inspiring and useful stream of parenting advice and support.

Most importantly, they come because they want to hear personal stories of parenting directly from other mothers, without fear of judgement.