ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact

A French Quarter man is feeling alive today as he juggles the demands of working from home and parenting a two-year-old, firmly believing that better days are on the horizon.

Rory Stick, 37, runs a printing and paper logistics consultancy with an office in Betoota’s Old City District. Today, however, he’s swapped the relative calm of his city workspace for the chaos of his dining table, thanks to a scheduling clash between his workload and daycare availability.

“It’s not ideal,” Rory admits, chasing his toddler, Pogo, away from the washing machine mid-Zoom call.

“But we’re getting through it. My wife’s job is less flexible and more important, and we’ll have an extra day at KU Rue Le Brigandage by June next year. Till then, this is just the reality.”

Despite the mayhem, drawers emptied onto the floor, the TV narrowly avoiding being pushed over, and a constant campaign to break into the dishwasher, Rory is staying upbeat.

“It’s like the trenches right now, but there’s a bigger picture. Well, not like the Somme or Stalingrad. A nice war like East Timor. Plus Pogo’s learning so much, and this phase isn’t going to last forever.”

When asked how he manages to stay positive, Rory credits his professional skills for giving him perspective.

“Logistics is all about solving problems. So, I’m treating this like one big logistical challenge. By 3, I’m basically negotiating with a tiny CEO who loves throwing my phone into the toilet.”

While Rory looks forward to returning to his quiet Old City office, he knows this stage of life has its own rewards.

“It’s hard, yeah. But every time he giggles or waddles over with his arms up for a hug, it’s worth it. This is just the messy middle, we’ll get there.”

More to come.

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