I love to ski. I like jogging and hiking in nature. And I used to play very good football. But stand-up paddling is not mine.
So it happened that I was all alone in this world with my little grandson for a few hours.
As a family, we are always looking for a way to meet somewhere in this world that has become so global. Third Culture Kids have now become Third Culture Adults. In Hollymook near Jervis Bay in New South Wales, Australia, we celebrated a family reunion and a birthday along the way.
And that included a stand-up paddle boarding experience at sunrise through the mangrove swamps on the coast. For everyone but me.
Our grandson stayed with me during this time, as did all mobile phones.
And then I saw the group disappear into the mangrove swamps. No one can be reached. I suddenly felt so left alone and so responsible for the little personality in my care. A strange feeling.
At first I felt a hint of panic that quickly subsided and was replaced by a feeling of pride for the trust that was placed in me. Of all of them, but most of all of my little grandson. What did I do to deserve this?
What a beautiful morning. He and I, all to ourselves.
In the meantime, I am now an “on-time grandfather”. That’s what Eckart Hammer calls it in his inspiring book about being a grandfather (Großvater sein”). Self-determined and still active in my self-employment, I am very happy to take on this role. And my degrees of freedom make it possible for me to be involved.
➡ And you? How do you combine family life and work?
Thanks also to Betram Kaspar, who reminds me again and again of this topic through his wonderful podcast series “Calmly getting older” (also with Eckart Hammer, among others). See also https://lnkd.in/e9yfdkYX.
My name is Bernd Scharbert and I support leaders with my experience after more than 30 years of leadership experience in the corporate world. Also on the question of how family, career and life can be reconciled. If you are interested, please feel free to follow me at LinkedIn, #prepare4landing or contact me directly.
