Work. Life. Learn.

Yes, I worked. I chose to work, and I also chose to raise my children. I often got asked how I could guarantee I was raising my little ones well. I couldn’t guarantee it. But I could guarantee that I was bringing back knowledge that could help me raise them.

I chose to work part-time. Most of my career, I spent part-time. I did this with complete confidence that my little ones were in good hands — better than mine. Grandparents. I say no more.

Working. You probably see it as an income — yes, indeed. But was it my focus? Absolutely not. Certainly my bonus. I got offered many full-time positions and lost many permanent roles. Raising my little ones was my number one priority. I worked for a reason many may not see as real or valid. I worked to keep learning. I am a learner. I love learning. Any time I got bored, I would pick myself up and head straight to the principal’s office asking for a challenging block or role. I get bored as soon as repetition comes into play.

I was even selected to speak at the Department of Education to share my experience and assist other casual part-timers to complete their accreditation (yes, teachers always have some hidden extra piece of work — collecting evidence to show how well they can teach while covering curriculum outcomes). They were impressed that I was able to collate what I did without having only one class.

So, when boredom kicked in while working as a casual or taking on block work, I hopped on the internet and searched its depths. Under those blue screens, I was sure I could find something a little more exciting for me. I did — an educator at a museum. Catching public transport wasn’t nice, but I could drop off and pick up my children before my shift started! Every corner of that museum was a world of knowledge. It was my kind of world. Teaching with real artefacts and replicas in my hand felt rejuvenating.

Child number three kept me on my tippy toes from the moment her soul was formed. I had to leave all my jobs and spend nine months seasick… Oh so cute. Five years after my number two, number three joined the family. No more work for a little while… maybe.