I don’t often talk about the ‘day job’. And since my day job changed about 9 months ago I’m actually uncertain if I’ve mentioned it at all. But let me take on a little journey.

The History:
Years ago I started a career. I loved it, I loved the kids I looked after. I was also a lot younger than I am now. After several years of trying to fall pregnant, working with kids all day every day became unhealthy to my mental health. I changed careers.

Fast Forward:
I have the coolest 5yo.
I gave up the working from home, data entry and accounts job I had been doing for over 5 years. Over that time the stress and pressure became more intense and as my kiddo started school the benefits became not nearly worth the anguish.

Then:
When the idea came to me that I could always go back to childcare, I was sceptical. I remember loving the kids, and the job. I also remembered the downsides. I’ve never had a job without downsides, but I just wasn’t sure. However, I was also unsure I wanted to be a person without a regular ‘day job’. Yes, I have the long term goal of being a full time author as my day job and passion job rolled in to one, but well aware I was not at that place yet.
After many discussions with my OH, I realised I could try and see. I could walk away again if I needed to.

Now:
I have the coolest, sweetest 6yo who often tells me how much happier I am and asks about my day, getting excited about what I did with my ‘kindy kids’ and often making craft suggestions for the next day.
My health has been shit, this is no secret. But the support I have had and the care and understanding from my workplace has blown me away. I am so happy and proud to be part of the team, working again under the very first director I ever worked for, all those years ago.

Today:
But today ensured me that yep, while there are bad days and sometimes my buttons get pushed, that no matter what, I truly love this job and the sweetness of the ‘kindy kids’ I look after.

While I was off work last week with a severe chest infection, one of the Kindy Kids had been asking about me daily, and collecting a new rock for me each day I wasn’t in. Today the same child drew a picture of me … and asked to see how my rock collection was going (pictured below) . The child then explained that even though my rainbow hair isn’t so rainbow anymore (being sick has put a dampener on getting my hair redone), I’m still a rockstar, which is why they have been collecting me rocks, so I don’t forget.

My 6yo thinks this is awesome, cracked up laughing at the clever use of rock and rock, and concurs whole heartedly with this ‘Kindy Kid’.

It might or might not seem like little things, but these are the things that if I don’t stop and appreciate really could be taken for granted or ignored. I love the little things that mean the biggest things.

Thanks for coming to my TEDtalk.

Be Safe
Be Brave
Be Kind

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