Look, having children is no easy thing to manage; they take a lot of time, energy, care, and a level of patience that most of us would wear through in 5 minutes.
Life's already difficult enough without having kids; heck, even without children, it takes enough energy to get through the work day and still have enough energy for the basic tasks and chores that come along with adulthood.
But, still, although there are massive costs, it stands without question that those with parents already receive preferential treatment in the workplace, be it the opportunity to leave early or arrive late, or even having first dibs on holidays that center around the school holidays, which are consequently during major holidays and usually the time that everyone is trying to take leave.
Particularly in areas where the managers themselves have children, they'll be sympathetic to other parents' commitment. This might even afford fellow parents more opportunities and career mobility since management sees them as "grounded." "mature" or "reliable" in ways that they think someone without children possibly couldn't be. Especially where they view the act of having children as a pivotal moment in their own lives that set them on the straight and narrow.
None of this is surprising; everyone's path through life and values are different, but without question, we find ourselves more easily and readily relating to those who have shared similar experiences and are currently in the same stage of life that we are.
This can all, of course, create issues in the workplace, as can any instance where personal beliefs and circumstance intersect with the professional space. I have particularly seen instances where it all comes to a head over disagreements over leave, where parents attempt to book vacations with their children at the last minute, which is the issue we have seen come to light here.
This coworker thought herself entitled to take leave over Christmas instead of her childless coworker, who had already booked their vacation during that time. The way she approached the situation, her request, and specifically the way that she escalated thereafter by making outrageous allegations meant that not only did the team's manager have to get involved, but that HR also had to get involved, which might see her out of a job in the near future once the fallout concludes.
The coworker in question shared their experience here, with this account of events that detailed the rise of tension in their office.
Stay up to date by following us on Facebook!
