The Best Working Parent Advice I Ever Got

I was fortunate early in my career to land a part-time legal job in NYC. They were nearly unheard of then, but the department's General Counsel realized the value of such a role. He offered it to others before and after me. (Thank you, David!) Not surprisingly, the job was generally filled by moms, like me, who wanted to spend more time at home than a full-time legal job permitted. He left me to sort out how to schedule my work in 3.5 days and I did. But I panicked the first time a manager wanted to schedule a meeting on a day I was not scheduled to work.

I spoke to the GC and he gave me advice I’ve followed ever since: “Never apologize. Never explain. Just let them know you can’t make it at that time — and suggest an alternative.” He added, “Men never explain.” This advice works for parents of any gender. For that matter, it works for anyone with a nonstandard schedule. Just offer an alternative meeting time during standard working hours, or a better yet, reason to skip the meeting altogether.

More on when to say you are sorry at work here https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/what-to-say-instead-of-sorry-work?utm_campaign=sk&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_source=morning_brew The comments are interesting, too. I’d vote for saying sorry — being accountable when it is something in your control, you can still add a “thank you” for their patience and feedback.