Transitioning from WFH to “big” in person role - please give me your tips!

[Anonymous]

It’s been years since I’ve worked in person, and I’m about to start a big job (C-suite, though not C-level…think chief of staff) in person: what do I need to think about to prepare?

I have three kids (two elementary, one baby). School, care, and daycare are all arranged. DH is a senior IC, WFH, and very flexible so I know that will help.

My current gig is so flexible that I would have been able to start dinner, clean a bit during lunch, etc. Obviously that will no longer be the case. How do I start meal planning/prepping more? Tips for morning or evening routine? Is this the time to hire cleaners?

TIA!

[Anonymous]

Personally, you don’t. You decided to have three kids. What you’re describing is a massive adjustment and will require dedication and FaceTime. Be very sure this is what you want.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Personally, you don’t. You decided to have three kids. What you’re describing is a massive adjustment and will require dedication and FaceTime. Be very sure this is what you want.

Yes, thank you. I’m looking for advice on how to adjust most smoothly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Personally, you don’t. You decided to have three kids. What you’re describing is a massive adjustment and will require dedication and FaceTime. Be very sure this is what you want.

Yes, thank you. I’m looking for advice on how to adjust most smoothly.

You have three kids, a FT job and you haven’t had cleaners? You’re in for a rude awakening. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

You’re an adult and you can’t figure this out?

[Anonymous]

Does your DH cook?

[Anonymous]

What does this role entail? Chief of Staff duties depends on the company. In my current org the CoS roles are on call nearly as much as the C-Suite person they support (meeting, travel, fire suppression, gate keeper, etc.)

With those ages you are so beyond "meal prep and a cleaning service" Do you have a hard stop time? Or will there be situations where at 5pm when you think you're walking out the door, and an emergency erupts? Or calls at home?

3 drop offs? 3 pick ups? D you have a nanny? Sick days, regular school days off, snow days? Is that all set in your current care plan?

Doctor appointments, regular and emergency?

[Anonymous]

Get ready to act like a chief of staff at work and at home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get ready to act like a chief of staff at work and at home.

+1 I so hope OP is trolling big time, and I HATE calling troll.

[Anonymous]

I haven’t read it myself, but I’m wondering if the book The Family Firm by Emily Oster might help you to plan out contingencies and have conversations with your spouse ahead of time to manage expectations.
Congrats on the big role OP, I have many friends who took on a similar career growth spurt once they were done with Mat leaves and it’s awesome to see! Cheering you on as someone who is contemplating the same!

[Anonymous]

I don't know how old your kids are, or if you'll have multiple pick ups and drop offs. If that's the case, you might want to hire somebody to help with that. If your kids are super young, I'd consider a nanny. I would invest in a crockpot for dinner. Throw something in in the morning and then it will be ready at night.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What does this role entail? Chief of Staff duties depends on the company. In my current org the CoS roles are on call nearly as much as the C-Suite person they support (meeting, travel, fire suppression, gate keeper, etc.)

With those ages you are so beyond "meal prep and a cleaning service" Do you have a hard stop time? Or will there be situations where at 5pm when you think you're walking out the door, and an emergency erupts? Or calls at home?

3 drop offs? 3 pick ups? D you have a nanny? Sick days, regular school days off, snow days? Is that all set in your current care plan?

Doctor appointments, regular and emergency?

This is OP and I think I will have to be available during off hours to put out fires and the like (I’ll be supporting the CEO).

I’m thinking about getting a nanny but hesitant to pull the trigger; as mentioned, DH is very flexible and was already handling most pick-ups, drop-offs and holiday closures etc. We usually switch for doctor’s appointments and try to batch the kids together for those.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s been years since I’ve worked in person, and I’m about to start a big job (C-suite, though not C-level…think chief of staff) in person: what do I need to think about to prepare?

I have three kids (two elementary, one baby). School, care, and daycare are all arranged. DH is a senior IC, WFH, and very flexible so I know that will help.

My current gig is so flexible that I would have been able to start dinner, clean a bit during lunch, etc. Obviously that will no longer be the case. How do I start meal planning/prepping more? Tips for morning or evening routine? Is this the time to hire cleaners?

TIA!

If you really aren't trolling, and it sounds like you are tbh, then it is just down to thinking about your own time. If you are going to give up your freedom in exchange for the new job, then you have to figure out what that will mean for you. Maybe you no longer meal plan or do the morning/evening routine, and leave it all to your DH. How does he feel about that? Maybe you don't need cleaners because he can also do that? Or do you see yourself doing that?

Bottom line, no one can advise you without knowing what amount of time you will have, and what you expect of yourself at home, and what others expect of you at home. You need to figure those things out on your own.

[Anonymous]

The only way I would make a transition like that would be if I could afford full time support. Many families I know have a housekeeper/nanny who works full time and manages childcare, pick ups, driving kids around, house cleaning, laundry, and some meal prep.

[Anonymous]

How much more will you be making in this role?