Wanted Ad for the Job of Parenting

If they wrote a help wanted ad for the job of parenting . . . who would have the courage to apply?
JOB DESCRIPTION
Long term team players needed for challenging, permanent work in and
often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent
communication and organization skills and be willing to work variable
hours, which include evenings, weekends, and frequent 24 hour shifts on
call. Some overnight traveling required including camping trips to
primitive sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in
faraway cities. Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier
duties also required.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Must prove on-the-site training in basic life skills, such as nose
blowing.
Ability to suture flesh wounds a plus.
Must be able to think out of the box but not lose track of the box
because you will most likely need it for a school project.
Must reconcile petty cash disbursements and be proficient in
managing budgets and resources fairly, unless you want to hear, "He got
more than me!" for the rest of your life.
Also, must be able to drive a motor vehicle safely under loud and
adverse conditions while simultaneously practicing above-mentioned
skills in conflict resolutions.
Must be able to choose your battles and stick to your guns.
Must be able to withstand criticism such as "You don't know
anything."
Must be willing to be hated at least temporally until someone needs
$5.00 to go skating.
Must be willing to bite your tongue repeatedly.
Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able
to go from zero to 60 mph in 3 seconds flat, in case this time the
screams from the backyard are not someone just calling wolf.
Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as
small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets, and stuck zippers.
Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars, and co-ordinate
production of multiple homework projects.
Must have the ability to plan and organize social gatherings for
clients of all ages and mental outlooks.
Must be willing to be indispensable one minute and an embarrassment
the next.
Must handle assembly and production safety testing of a half-million
cheap, plastic toys and battery operated devices.
Also, must have a highly energetic, entrepreneurial spirit because
fund-raising will be your middle name.
Must have a diverse knowledge, so as to answer questions such as
"What makes the wind move?"
Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the
end product.
Responsibilities, also, include floor, maintenance, and janitorial
work throughout the facility.
POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT AND PROMOTIONS:
Virtually none! Your job is to remain in the same position for years
without complaining,constantly retaining and updating your skills, so
that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:
None required, unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a
continual, exhausting basis.
WAGES AND COMPENSATION:
You pay them, offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon
payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college
will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give
them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme
is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could do more.
BENEFITS:
While no health and dental benefits, no pension, no tuition
reimbursement, no paid holidays, and no stock options are offered,
limitless job supplies, opportunities for personal growth, and free hugs
are for life is you play your cards right . . .
Originally published November 14, 2002.