What Do You Love To Do?

Rediscovering a Passion

I spent all last  week working . 

It is the first full week of teaching I have done for 9 years.

At the start of the week it looked like I was going to have a few bits of time off, but I was asked to stay on, so ended up working straight through and... 

I loved every moment of it.

Yes , it was a juggling act with three kids to organise and a husband who has never had to manage without me, but we got there. He didn't forget too much......

What's the odd child amongst friends anyway.

I have rediscovered my passion for teaching. The joy of seeing children excited because of what you are doing with them. Knowing that they are learning through what they are doing even though to outside eyes it may not seem like it! Having parents come in to say how much their children have loved and talked about what they have done - it just makes it worth while. 

I never meant to take so long out of teaching. It is just when the kids were little we couldn't see a way around me working when my husband worked such long hours and was away so much. It would have cost a lot in childcare. So, after my second child I didn't go back.......for 9 years.

In all that time it is good to know that the passion hasn't died.

However, I am rather glad I only have two days work this week. I haven't the stamina I had 9 years ago!

Design ©2012 Another New Day

www.takingachanceinlife.blogspot.uk 2012 - 2013

All personal images are owned by Another New Day

unless stated otherwise.

Images may not be downloaded,manipulated or reproduced without prior written permission. All rights are reserved.

Commercial or Private use without explicit written consent is prohibited and action will be taken through UK and worldwide copyright laws.

Returning to the Workplace.

Today is the day.

Today I am stepping back into the workplace for the first time after almost a decade.

I am certain that my fears are the same as many women who have followed the road I have travelled. A career woman turned stay at home mum, at the beck and call of everyone's wants and needs at the drop of hat, but willing done. The plans I had turned topsy turvey by the depth of adoration that welled up in me for my three children.

I was completely undone and all plans to return went out of the window.

So here I am in a position never planned for, changed as a teacher by the years at home. I understand now the fussy mothers at the gate, the clingy children and the tears. The time has softened me . 

Every child is someone's baby. 

Each mother is some child's everything. 

All deserving of that one element we are so short of - time.

I am nervous. No.. not so much nervous, but apprehensive that I can be accepted now like I was. So much changes and I am sure the teachers are looking younger now! I know I need to take a little of my own advice that I give to my musicians.... 

Confidence doesn't happen, you have to take hold of it with both hands.

I have given myself an easy route in. My first few weeks are voluntary work as an assistant in two local schools. This buys me some time to catch up a little, enter this other world, observe and learn.

So...... I will take confidence with both hands give it my best shot.

Design ©2012 Another New Day

www.takingachanceinlife.blogspot.uk 2012 - 2013

All personal images are owned by Another New Day

unless stated otherwise.

Images may not be downloaded,manipulated or reproduced without prior written permission. All rights are reserved.

Commercial or Private use without explicit written consent is prohibited and action will be taken through UK and worldwide copyright laws.

Returning to the Workplace

What to wear?

I am not the first woman who has taken a career break to have children and spend some time raising them at home. 

Neither will I be the last.

There have been great advantages and also many sacrifices made along the way. It has been the old adage of 

" You can't have your cake and eat it"

 If I could have managed my career and raised a family with the hours my husband worked maybe I would have continued working, but at that point, with two young children and trying to juggle both, it was evident the cost for us was too great. So at that point we gave in. We were fortunate enough by then to be able to manage on one wage, with budgeting.

I have missed my independence and identity that is separate from my role as Mum, but I remember again another favourite saying..

"You can't have roots and wings"

Whatever road we choose has sacrifices. 

 I am happy with the choices we made, but I am now ready for the next stage. 

I have a wardrobe full of lovely clothes, but realistically most of these are practical for home use or for the odd meeting I may attend, not particually for teaching. The dress code for a teacher varies tremendously from school to school and as I will be starting by doing supply work I need to strike a sensible balance. Smart, but practical in a classroom full of children - so no short minis and wedge trainers for now! I have visited some schools where jeans and trainers are accepted. Others where the head teacher is in a skirt and jacket all the time and the teachers not far off. 

If you are a regular visitor to my blog you probably have noticed my love of clothes that goes hand in hand with my love of a bargain. So I have been trying to pick up a few pieces to supplement some existing items to build a workwear wardrobe. Despite giving myself a firm talking to about my dependence on grey I still couldn't resist a few items. 

It is just such a versatile colour.

As it is teaching I am returning to , the requirements can be very different from officewear .I tend to stick to smart, but practical trousers and comfortable but not overly casual tops. A few jackets to smarten the look up when needed and I'm done. I opt for comfort when it comes to shoes as I will be on my feet all day. 

I had a budget of £150 to include shoes.

I kept to my brief and budget and got:

NEW:

• One pair of grey smart trousers linen mix trousers from Next.  NEW  £30
• One pair of black cigarette trousers from H and M.  NEW  £24
• One pair of mustard skinny ankle skimmers with stripe - Zara £12.99
• Two 3/4 sleeve tops with zip next feature from H and M. One pink, one grey. NEW £19.99 each
• One grey and coral scarf from H and M NEW £7.99
• Reiss black patent loafers NEW sale £44

 I have added some existing items from my wardrobe to give me some outfits that I feel comfortable in for this big step! I have tried to stick to a couple of colour palettes. Grey with some pink and coral accents that I can mix and match. Then mustards, creams and yellows. I am sure I will discover other elements from my wardrobe that I can also wear, but not only do I want to avoid "overly" casual attire, but I want to avoid wearing some of my nicer items of clothing  that may get wrecked in the classroom. 





Linking up with Visible Monday......


Here are two of my outfits put together ready for after half term.

Design ©2012 Another New Day

www.takingachanceinlife.blogspot.uk 2012 - 2013

All personal images are owned by Another New Day

unless stated otherwise.

Images may not be downloaded,manipulated or reproduced without prior written permission. All rights are reserved.

Commercial or Private use without explicit written consent is prohibited and action will be taken through UK and worldwide copyright laws.