13 years ago, I went back to full time work. My kids were 2 and 5 and we could not afford for me to be off any longer. So, I bit the bullet when a full-time job came up close to home and went back to work. It was a teaching job which also included the role of coordinator.
During my interview I made it clear that I was happy to take on the extra role, but my kids always came first. I was a mum before anything else.
I remember the first year – how hard it was juggling full time work, a toddler and a child starting school. I would fall asleep at 8.30pm every night and was exhausted on weekends.
Over the next few years I gave up my extra role because it was impacting on the kids. I used up my sick leave mostly as family leave for when the kids needed me.
Today I finish my job here. It is bitter sweet. This place gave me a go when I hadn’t worked for nearly 7 years. But I found myself losing confidence in myself and my ability to make a difference. This came to a head last year when I was pushed into making a change. I was angry and upset at the time; but looking back today I realize that it was a blessing in disguise.
This is a new feeling for me. I am putting myself and my career first; and this is something I have not done for so long. For many years I have stepped back and done everything for my little family – proudly I might add.
As I look back on my time here, I am grateful for the friends I have made and all the students I have taught. Change is hard when you have been somewhere for a long time; but I am looking forward to re-energizing my love of teaching and jumping into a new adventure.
Cheers to new starts! 🙂
