The big question, of course, is what is left of our male-ness when our jobs and traditional roles disappear? What can we do about it?

1. Want2get on? is a unique career coaching service that offers 1:1 support for those who
want to draw upon their Christian faith and apply it in a practical way to their job situation.
www.want2geton.co.uk Tel: 07503 177126 charles@want2geton.co.uk
Working dad, how does that work?!
I was near the Armenian border travelling on a
ramshackle bus. Suddenly, out of the window I s saw
something that would stay with me forever. An old
man was reclined on a donkey, smoking a long
pipe – and very much at peace with the world,
whilst behind him trudged his wif literally doubled
wife,
over, under the weight of a haystack carried across
her shoulders.
In our society, traditional male roles have changed
radically over the last few decades, and films like
Billy Elliot and The Full Monty eloquently show the
pain men go through when their roles in life
change. One client recently told me that after
losing his job he saw the video of Freddie Mercury
dressed up in drag, vacuuming the house and
singing ‘I want to break free’. He instantly saw
himself reflected in that image, dress, curlers and
,
all!
The foundations of our male
male-ness
The big question, of course, is what is left of our male ness when our jobs and traditional
male-ness
roles disappear? What can we do about it?
In the bible (Colossians 2: 6-9), Paul lets us into a secret about Jesus’ strength. Despite
9),
his position of being God, he didn’t hang onto this title, but instead did something that
many of us struggle with, he humbled himself. I have a feeling that if I had adopted this
mindset, I wouldn’t have felt so much pain after losing my job!
What was the result? Jesus’ father exalted him, in other words promoted him in rank. If we
sult?
too are able to humble ourselves, i.e. not get angry and stress about our situation, then
God will also lift us up out of our situation. I believe that in this place, God will show us our
true male-ness, and provide for our needs.
ness,
© Copyright Want2geton? Christian Career Coaching UK 2013

2. One of two groups
Many of us who are dads often struggle with changes to our male roles, and will fall into
two basic groups:
1. Cannot find time to spend with our families, or
2. Having difficulty adapting to a new non-bread-winner role
If you see yourself fitting into one of these groups, then here’s your chance to try your
prayer ‘muscles’ out. God wants you to be in work, but equally He also wants you to be a
dad to your children and a husband to your wife. He will provide a way if you pray. Without
trying to anticipate God’s answers to your prayers, here are some practical ways that could
provide an answer to your working-dad life balance!
Establishing a working-dad balance
• Simply ask your employer if you can work more flexibly. It's also worth considering
what industry would suit you best – research suggests that digital, online
businesses and public sectors tend to be more flexible. Approach your boss with a
game plan of how the arrangement would work and how it can benefit the
organisation.
• In your home have one master calendar so you don’t accidently miss important
events like the school Christmas concert. Also, save annual leave for these
important dates.
• Say No: Determine what additional work activities you can turn down and which are
necessary so you can free up more of your time outside the office.
• Establish a "No Work" Zone: Put down the smartphone and avoid checking emails
from the time you arrive home until after your children have gone to sleep.
• Make sure you know your paternity rights! Visit www.dad.info
If you’re out of work and feel like you’re ‘drowning’ under the weight of childcare duties,
then as a man this can be a tough place to be. However, God’s promise to you today is
that you can enjoy the time you do have with your children and at the same time trust in
Him for a change in season.
Want2get on? is a unique career coaching service that offers 1:1 support for those who
want to draw upon their Christian faith and apply it in a practical way to their job situation.
www.want2geton.co.uk Tel: 07503 177126 charles@want2geton.co.uk
Image by Ambro
© Copyright Want2geton? Christian Career Coaching UK 2013