Any parents out there feel dumped on when single people come in at 10:30 hungover so you have to pick up their slack? Or they need to take tomorrow off because Chance the Rapper’s last minute concert?

Ok if you have people who work with you or for you who aren’t getting work done because they’re lazy, not talented, are hungover everyday or whatever reason that’s a function of people who aren’t delivering and that’s an issue regardless of their marital status, or whether they have kids or not. You started this post with the supposition that as a parent with kids you’re frustrated by Singles who unfairly roll in at 10:30 in the morning because it’s unfair to u and triggers your buttons as a parent who is juggling a lot. So I understand that you’re juggling a lot because you want a career and want to be a parent. Both are great and that’s awesome! But I know for a fact (because I’m one of those people) that there are many of us who work (at the office) well past close of business and often we end up stuck there because we DON’T have kids and I for one don’t complain about it ( I don’t want kids), I just put my head down and get my shit done. If you’re having issues with specific folks about productivity or work quality focus on that and them individually. But don’t slam Single people’s lives as unfair to you. You made the choices you want and continue to make them every day for the life you want. And I for one don’t complain about about bailing water for you AND your family when the need arises. Cheers

So many here are being precious. Its a job, DO IT WELL with the full force of passion you have and then leave and go about your life. The root of the problem IMO is our industry functions that Jr. team members feel pressure to make work their life in general (there are a few exceptions) and this comes from the top down. I've worked at many agencies. This starts a downward spiral early and can sew resentment all around for some that becomes toxic no matter what your career phase leading to this mindless bickering over absolute bullshit. I don't care if you're 21 or 61 set limits and prioritize your personal life. KILL IT at your job and dont apologize. You can do this and still go to concerts during the week and/or have kids. I love it when younger employees come in hung over with a story. As much as I love when a worn out team member who is a parent comes back refreshed from a needed vacation or mat/pat leave with stories. Integrate your work how it feels best. This is 2018 we do not need to sit at a desk and appear busy when we're not & we do not need to be a martyr for anyone or explain ourselves if we are good and committed. I dont complain about picking up the slack for others because I know that they've had to do the same for me likley in moments where I didn't even realize it. An amazing team member is someone that just handles it and doesn't complain or just does it without recognition. Be one of these people. The hungry youngers among us are ambitious and want to get ahead. I celebrate their strong work ethic passion and commitment. Those of us like me who are 40-plus with a family and still put in serious hours should also be respected and it should be noticed that perhaps we can do things differently because our jobs and responsibilities are different at a later career phase. I don't pay attention to when people arrive I don't pay attention to when people leave and I sure as hell don't pay attention to where they are when they call into a meeting or answer an e-mail. I pay attention to if they are a good person, that they are present when they are truly needed and if they do a great job AT THIER JOB.

For the parents out there- you get double the sick days with your children, you leave early to pick up “Charlie”, and you have a ton of obligations that go unnoticed. As a single person, I have contemplated having a photo of someone’s baby on my desk and calling it mine. When it comes to “I have to pick up the baby from daycare” no questions are asked.

I’m not single and I come in hungover at 10:30🤷🏻‍♂️

Single person here who went to a weds night chance the rapper concert and was still in at 8:45 to sell to clients at 9:30 on Thursday

What about the married parents who leave to take care of their families at 6pm? Are they dumping work on the singles who have the flexibility to stay until 10pm....? 🤔

Let's all go back to hating on the client, we're on the same team.

Apart from politics, is there any other industry with so much in fighting? Wow, we can't even learn to work with each other's differences. Go to work. Do it sincerely. Go home, pay you bills, do what makes you happy. Overall, just be a nice human. It's easier than advertising.

You know how many times projects have gone late into the night but ‘I have to get home to pick up my kid’ comes out? Don’t bitch about 10:30 AM. We Singles MORE than pick up your slack post 5:00. Glad you love your job and your kid. Don’t forget that both were choices you made. Just like my choice to continue working into the night to cover your daycare challenges when I could be out having fun.

@MD the problem isn’t someone picking their kid up. The problem is them not getting their shit done. Two totally different things. I know parents who work from the train. Pick their kid up. Throw some food in a microwave and work from their couch til midnight. So if you’re picking up slack you’re working with an asshole who is a parent. Not an asshole because they are a parent.

For all the singles getting all defensive, this is clearly a joke response to all the single people moaning about people w kids leaving early. Single people that do this- you are idiots. Most working parents (esp mothers) have to work twice as hard to prove ourselves, at work and at home. Don’t blame us for not setting your own boundaries. I get 4 hours of sleep a night and am in office 8 am every damn day.

No.

@AS1 I really don’t think any parent goes into it thinking “Great! Double the sick days, I’m really going to get over on all these single losers now!” Asking people to not have kids so they can make more ads is insane. We all have internet now, and once the kid is safe at home and barfing everywhere I’m sure most parents would be happy to WFH.

@AS1 imagine if you had the job you have now plus another job that is equaling or more demanding in addition. That’s what being a working parent is like. I love my job and I love my kid.

SOMEONE REFILL MY POPCORN PLEASE

Or when they all suddenly decide to actually start working around 4:30 pm so they want to meet and brainstorm for a few hours then and there.

I love that so many people missed the sarcasm here. But will also say I wish there was just a bit more compassion, maturity and thought on both sides of this debate...No one, parents or otherwise expects to get slack for their lifestyle choices but what most people I think hope for is a bit of decency and understanding.... so whether you have to leave early because you need to see your kid or you are late because you are hungover, it shouldn’t matter as long as you are doing your job and not letting others do it for you. Judgement on both sides just creates shitty work environments so maybe just give your colleague a break....work and life in general is f@cking hard enough already

72 and Sunny you sound like great leadership material. If you’re not leading already, can I make a positive recommendation for you?