You think you’re tired? You think YOU’RE tired?!
I can’t remember the last time I got a solid night’s sleep. And by solid, I mean six hours, uninterrupted. Anything more is just extravagance. Even when we’ve shipped the kids off to the grandparent’s for a night, or when we escaped for a weekend (whee), I still woke up. It might take an entire bottle of wine, or some super powerful sleeping pills to knock me out. Still, I know I get more sleep now than when I was working full time. No, SAHMs don’t get to take luxurious naps during the day (unless their kids are in school), but I do get to sleep in a little bit later, and work stress doesn’t keep me up at night (in addition to the kiddos).
I’ve run into several working-mom friends lately, and I can see that desperation in their eyes. They’re tired, so tired, that they’re about to crack. Chronic sleep deprivation is something nearly all moms can relate to, but for working moms especially, it can wreak havoc on your career. You’re just as capable as you were before you had a baby, but you’re so ridiculously tired, that you’re barely functioning. You feel like a zombie, ping ponging back and forth between work, not really enjoying life, just going through the motions. I’ve been there before. I was tired, so tired, that all I wanted was to be hospitalized just so I could get some dang sleep. Not even joking.
It’s tough to keep it all together, when all you want to do is crawl under your desk and pass out. And it’s infuriating when those who aren’t in your situation (those with no kids, older kids, or who don’t have to wake with their kids at night) either dismiss your struggles, or sympathize with, “Oh I know! I’m tired, too.” No. You’re not tired. Unless you’ve been up every couple of hours during the night, every night, for the last several months (or years), you’re not tired.
So, what’s the solution? Honestly? Workplace nap areas. Seriously. A dark room, with a couple of couches, where over-exhausted employees can catch up on a tiny bit of sleep. Even a half hour. It can do wonders. But how is that cost effective? How is that fair? Let me explain:
– Productivity would increase (would you rather have them nod off at designated times, or at their desk?)
– Workplace harmony would improve (less cranky employees)
– Employee retention would improve (why lose a good employee simply because she’s tired?)
There you have it. My brilliant idea for helping new moms succeed in the workplace and employers benefit from fully-functioning employees. What do you think?
Oh Cat… you have hit the nail on the head with this post! Every single word you typed hit home… i’ve said and felt them all day after day! The girls and I at work have serious thought about how to turn this into a business! The nap-a-chino bar we call it. Beds to nap in over your lunch hour then wake up to a cappachino… what do you think, would it be successful? LOL it’s a nice thought!
Amy
Amy, that’s a fabulous idea!!! So glad you could relate to this. I’ve actually thought about doing consultation work for companies to help them develop strategies to retain new working moms. Thoughts?
I think it is a great angle. Seriously, how many managers/employers are intimaitley familiar with motherhood? They may be Mothers but far removed from the daily toll of toddlers and school kids. I know I would be estatic about a nap or rest area or flexible arrival time… even a 15min window helps a lot. I have to take a half day off just to help with my childs holiday parties. Or feel guily when I ask to leave early to attend a VB or baseball game. Just some thoughts 🙂
Cat this would be awesome. I’m thankful that I have an employer who at our main location has a few areas with couches in a sitting area outside the restroom where I have napped before on my lunch break. And it felt amazing! More should have it. And a designated area in the dark would be even better!
I have a great friend who, on lunch break, sleeps under her desk in her office. For real–smokers get breaks. Maybe nap breaks should be a new law for the employment act or whatever thing controls all this working stuff.
Yes! I am completely serious about this.