Position: Parent

(The other day Matthew and I went to a parenting seminar on base. One of the hand-outs we received was an advertisement for being a parent. It is so funny that we thought we would post a copy of it.)

JOB DESCRIPTION: Long-term player needed for challenging, permanent work in chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts. There is some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in faraway cities. Travel expenses not reimbursed.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Must keep this job for the rest of your life.
Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily.
Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.
Must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule.
Must be willing to tackle stimulating, technical challenges such as small gadget repair, sluggish toilets and stuck zippers.
Must handle assembly and product safety testing, as well as floor maintenance and janitorial work.
Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects.
Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and levels of mentality.
Must be willing to be indispensable one minute and an embarrassment the next.
Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of end project.

ADVANCEMENT AND PROMOTION: There is no possibility of either. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you. (Although Matthew pointed out, isn't becoming a grandparent a promotion?)

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE: None required, but on-the-job training is offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES: None. In fact, you must pay those in your charge, offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 and attend college. When you die, you give them whatever income you have left.

BENEFITS: There is no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options. However, the job offers limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs for life.