As a parent, arguably your number one job is to be a parent. In reality, being a parent is simply not enough.  As we raise our kids from infancy to the insanity that is adulthood, we must hold many jobs on the side to make ends meet (and meet the endless needs of our kids).  In addition to being a dad or mom, we may have another “day job” - preferably one that generates some sort of income.  However, there are also some professional roles every parent finds themselves taking at one time or another during their time as a professional parent.  For example, here are:

5 Professions Every Parent Needs To Add To Their Resume

1) Limousine Driver – Once your kids start school and their budding social lives begin, it is time to don a dark jacket and fancy cap because you will be spending the next 10 – 12 years driving.  Driving to play-dates, driving to lessons, driving to school, driving to doctors and dentists, driving your self nuts with driving.  You might as well invest in a nice cap and look the part of a pro.  Get used to waiting on endless “parent pick up lines” and learn how to tune out the whining and wailing (and later on, inane conversations) that will be carried on by your passengers, oblivious to your very existence.  You are just the driver, after all…

2) Actor/Actress – Shakespeare had it right. All your world is a stage, and you had better be prepared to perform for your kids at any given moment.  You must be as well trained as a student of Stanislavski, ready to delve into any character with method and purpose.  Your audience kids will always expect a bravura performance and you will have to play many roles, from serious to silly.  Be prepared to sing and dance too, and while most actors love a standing ovation at the curtain call, you will more likely take satisfaction from the laughter and smiles your performance results in.  You may not win an Oscar, but you will win the love and attention of some lifelong fans.

3) Motivational Speaker – You must be able to invoke your inner Tony Robbins and inspire your kids with boldly spoken words of wisdom and enthusiasm.  Like the best of the inspirational speakers you will need to stand and deliver the perfect inspirational words to raise your kids up when they are down… to move them to move… to encourage them to overcome every obstacle. YES, they can! You did it, and so can they! Go, kids go!

4) Romance Advice Expert – Forget Dear Abby. You are Dear Daddy (or Dear Mommy).  As soon as your kids get old enough to discover that some of their friends have different “privates” than they do, the real fun begins.  From the dreaded talk about the birds and the bees, to the painful process of repairing a broken heart, you need to be well-prepared to sooth the pangs of puppy love, kid crushes and all sorts of matters of the heart.

5) Financial Advisor – It starts with small change and then a larger allowance, but it doesn’t stop there.  As your kids grow into teens and then adults themselves they will look to you for guidance when it comes to money matters.  You may not be Charles Schwab, but you need to be prepared to teach your kids the basics, from bank accounts to debit and credit cards, to taking stock in stocks, to the ins and outs of rent, mortgages and car loans.  It is up to you to interest them in interest and save them from missing out on the pride and power of having some savings.

These are just a few of the jobs we have as parents and I know I am leaving out some obvious ones.  Which of these jobs have you already added to your resume?  What professions of parenthood am I missing?  Please add them in the comments.

Jeff Sass is the proud dad of ZEO (Zach, 22, Ethan, 20 and Olivia, 19).  He is also a seasoned entertainment and technology exec and active social media enthusiast.  You can see more of Jeff’s writing at Sassholes! and Social Networking Rehab and you can listen to Jeff on the Cast of Dads podcast.?

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