What Happened When I Did My Mom’s Job for A Day
I have a newfound respect for her and it shaped my perspective about work
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My mom does not have a “real” job, is what most people will say. She is a housewife. But the truth is that her work has been nothing less than running a full-fledged startup. After all, she almost single-handedly raised four mischievous kids — my dad, two sisters and me.
A couple of years ago, my mom and I decided to switch roles for a day.
Why?
Because I used to casually joke that cooking is not that hard, and so is my mom’s job. Silly me!
In essence, it meant I would take over household responsibilities for a day. And she would contribute to almost no housework because that’s what I typically do.
Coincidently, it happened on the cusp of my transition from the corporate world to the freelancing world. Little I knew an activity of this nature would shape my perspective about work for the years to come.
My mom creates harmony among disorder
The first big task of the day was preparing breakfast for everyone. I thought this would be the most effortless activity of all. It was naive of me to think that way. You will soon know why!
The menu was simple enough — Omelette, toast and a choice of drink.
Not so easy, I would say. As I started preparing, everyone at home started flooding me with special requests.
My dad likes to add green chilli to the omelette, while my sister wants oregano and capsicum. I do not prefer chillies and want my omelette prepared in a bigger pan.
Oh my gosh!
And don’t even get me started with the toast. I like mine to be lighter and soft, my sister wants it to be perfectly golden brown, and my dad likes it darker. I was beginning to wonder if I was preparing toast or steak.
I thought maybe serving a drink would be easy. But my family did not disappoint me.
I like my coffee extra hot with no sugar. My sister likes it warm enough with a teaspoon of sugar.
