Feeling like you have to do something for survival and security as opposed to doing something by choice, takes on a very different meaning.
Deciding to embark on post graduate studies to become a teacher was more a move of necessity rather than choice. It gave me the opportunity to utilise skills & knowledge from my 2 majors of Spanish & Journalism. It also allowed me to work and travel the world, and most of all, it gave me the stability one needs after losing the only parent at the tender age of 21. I knew that by entering education, I would never be short of a job; and that stability was priceless.
16 years later, after having travelled to live and work in corners of the world some can only imagine or wonder, why? And having worked in some of the most desirable schools in Melbourne, I left teaching and vowed never to return. Although, for some hidden reason, I never gave up my teacher’s registration, and now I know why.
2 years later I am returning to the profession that I believe saved me from myself, that gave me purpose and a sense of real achievement that you only get when working with young people. Their gratitude and often attitude, are what kept me on my toes and motivated me to do my job better. I was not motivated by money, but the satisfaction of helping young people realise their potential and be the best they can be. To be part of that journey is a privilege that was taken for granted.
When I first joined the corporate world I lavished the sleep ins, morning beach walks with my fur baby and of course, choosing when I get to take holidays. I relished in working from home, no marking or planning on my weekends. Time was on my side, I had so much of it. I could read, write and be creative. Only I didn't. Time became something I no longer appreciated and utilised efficiently. I took it for granted. Which of course meant, I wasted it, and no one cared or even noticed. I no longer had colleagues by my side championing on towards a common goal. Working form home was great, until I started to miss having workmates and our sneaky coffee dates; basically, I missed the regular interactions and habits of the workplace. I missed the pressure to do better and be better, I missed the appreciation and the eagerness of young minds that are ready to take on the world, in their world. I soon came to realise, that while I felt like I slid into teaching because it was secure and safe, I actually grew to like it, and not just because I'm good at it.
Now, 2 years later, I have left the comfy job with a company car and travel, to step back into the classroom; and I can't wait!
This time, I am going into education because I choose to, not because I need to. Teaching is the place that provides a sense of purpose, a sense of giving back to the world, albeit private or public.
I have come to the conclusion that feeling pressure from yourself to take the safe road in life also creates and sense of internal turmoil that beckons the question of "what if?" Returning to teaching is now my choice, and it is not out of necessity which gives it a whole new perspective and level of respect I never had before. It has taken years outside the classroom and dabbling in other careers to finally realise the job satisfaction I crave, is in the job I have been trying to avoid.
From embarking on a career in Human Rights, to working abroad with NGO's, I consistently came to the realisation, there is no greater influence than that of the teacher in the classroom.
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