Leaving teaching has changed my life completely. I never realised how much of my time was taken by my job. It really did occupy most of my waking hours, and often interrupted the sleeping ones too. If I wasn't planning, I was thinking about planning, or making lists of letters I had to write, or emails to send. Or working on data and action plans and writing up observations. It even crept in when I was shopping, and T commented on Sunday when we went to meet her in Leicester, that it seemed funny being in Tiger, and not having a basket full of stuff for Nursery.
So that's the stuff that I don't miss at all. My time is mostly my own, I don't feel guilty about prioritising work over my family any more because I no longer have to. And I can enjoy Sundays without that feeling of impending doom.
However, I do miss the every day company of my friends. We manage to meet up from time to time, and whereas before it was a quick wave on the way to empty the water tray, now it is a proper sit down and we can talk and listen. Quality time, but still, I miss their faces on a daily basis. Old friends are important, and we should take time to preserve those friendships.
And how I miss the company of the children. I miss those goosebumps moments when they make a discovery, conquer a fear or perform an amazing feat. And I miss the everyday being with them, taking care of them, nurturing them and being part of their lives. And their families. And I think I will always miss these aspects of the job.
But now that I am much more flexible in the hours I need to work (write), I get to spend time with some of the younger members of my own family, and today I have just had the loveliest afternoon with one of my many favourites, who has filled my heart and my day with love and joy. I am so grateful for this opportunity, and it does go some way to compensate for the loss I feel having left teaching. And long may it continue!
Other news - I am almost ready to make my second submission to an agent. Hopefully I should get it all polished and sent off tomorrow. And I am planning to keep going until I find the right one. Not looking forward to receiving rejections, but I know that they are inevitable, and I really do believe that everything happens for a reason. So please keep your fingers crossed for me. And if it doesn't happen, email me your beanie orders by end of October to guarantee Christmas delivery!
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