Management

When I was working, I used to tell people that my favorite part of the job was that it was never the same, every day was different. Things were always changing, and there was always something new to learn or some new puzzle to solve. If ever there was a job that fit the "always changing" description, it would be parenting.

I cannot think of another job which offers no training before immediately requiring that you manage other people and train them to become what you are. In this case, a responsible adult. We are attempting to train up three people in the hopes that they will become responsible grown-ups, but I have no experience in management in this field. Especially management of three people who when they first arrive don't speak my language, can't remember directions and don't even know enough to do what they're told just because I'm the manager and I said so.

Simple tasks have to be broken into even easier segments and doled out in tiny increments. Imagine hiring someone to be your secretary, and when you needed them to make a phone call you first had to say, "Go get the phone. Great! Now dial this number. No, that's not a 3, that's a 2. Dial 3... Ok good job! Now when the person on the other end says 'hello' then you say 'hello' back. Fantastic! I'm so proud!" This is what parents do. They manage the kids and try to teach them life skills. "When you take a shower, don't forget..." Who knew taking a shower could be so complicated? How can he be in there for 25 minutes and still not get his face clean? How can she be surprised that when she takes a bath her face might get wet? She's taken a bath HOW many times in her life? Still she's surprised?

For some reason you have to spend thousands of dollars and four years of your life to earn a degree that gives you the skills to manage other adults. But the much more complicated task of managing someone else's entire life from the moment it starts requires no prerequisites. Almost anyone can take this job without test taking, graduating, inverviewing, and being offered a position. You just decide. And the next thing you know, you've gotten yourself into the hardest job this planet has to offer. But the best one, too.