As I walked my grandson into preschool, a young mother, all dressed professionally for 'work', brought her daughter into the preschool.
On the way out I commented, "Now to the easy job". Her response was great, "Yes, easy job, but not as much fun!"
She's correct.
As a grandparent I'm a fill-in for the parents when needed. My wife would be quick to remind me I don't do it all and have the easiest job of all. Correct.
Sure, it's hectic when we have a fifteen month old, a four year old, and a seven year old. Hectic but wonderful, tiring, challenging, and exasperating at times. But, fun. I wouldn't trade it for the world.
Now I'm at my easy job. Now I have time and space and am in control of what I work on. I can set my own schedule while, at the same time, responding as needed to deadlines and to others. Yet, I am in control, and I can decide what to do and when.
With kids, it's demand contact. The actions of the kids often control. Time and plans mean nothing to kids who just enjoy the moment. No wonder they have fun. No wonder they smile and learn.
When we don't have the kids, we can breathe a sigh of relief and do as we please. After an hour or so, we wonder about the kids, what are they doing, what fun are they having, and how much fun it is to have them around.
The easy job is not nearly as rewarding and fun as the tough job. The tough job is not tough. It's challenging at times, but it's a joy and a privilege.
Make sure, when the opportunity arises, you take the chance to be with kids, to babysit, to help, and to enjoy. You'll learn a great deal by watching the kids. They learn while playing.
I help people chart their life's course. For those charting their retirement, it is often moving to a warm climate for the winter. Leaving the cold is a big deal and on the top of the list. The course is revisited, ideally, annually and adjusted based on the current situation. Grandchildren seem to be the biggest reasons people change course. Often, they stay, or come back from the warmth to be closer to family and grandchildren.
Family, grandchildren, and friends are more important than the warm weather. Sure, people travel but always love to go home.
As you chart your course, be sure to consider friends, family, and grandchildren. They all have a strong attachment and often cause us to change course to be close to them.
Don't take the easy job, the easy out, or the easy life. Make life an adventure, keep busy, keep active, and keep engaged, adding value for yourself and others.