I embarked on my teaching journey at 22, diving into a field that I am passionate about and have dedicated countless hours to. However, the decision to take a break from my career is heavy, encompassing emotional, financial, and mental challenges.
Many parents express how tough their children can be, sharing stories of lost freedom, tantrums, poor grades, and cluttered spaces. I completely understand. Each parent has their unique threshold for handling these challenges, and perhaps mine is lower than most, or maybe my expectations for myself are too high. Regardless, I strive to do my best with the resources I have.
Once again, I’ve made the tough choice to step away from my teaching role to better support my children’s social and emotional needs. This isn’t the first time I’ve done this, nor will it likely be the last, but it remains a challenging decision.
Raising a daughter with learning disabilities and another with deep empathy and sensitivity presents its own set of challenges. They are polar opposites, one struggling with social cues while the other navigates them intuitively. Their lack of understanding towards one another often results in sibling conflicts, which we must address to ensure their growth.
Thus, for the third time, I have left my teaching position to provide the necessary support for both girls. This involves explicit social coaching, endless patience during homework sessions, and the occasional retreat to the bathroom for a mental health break.
You truly get what you get when it comes to your kids. We love them dearly, but they can certainly test our limits. Acknowledging feelings of being overwhelmed is crucial; it’s okay to admit that parenting can be draining—financially, emotionally, and physically.
I allow myself to experience these emotions. It’s frustrating to pause a career I love to prioritize my kids, even as I grapple with the absurdity of their arguments over trivial matters like butter or toys.
The financial implications of this choice are significant. Leaving a job means I’ll have to work harder to save for retirement, and we may have to forgo vacations and nicer things. The struggle between prioritizing our children’s wellbeing versus our financial security is a tough one, especially as we approach our 40s.
Starting over each time I leave a position is exhausting, requiring me to continuously prove myself. This cycle of demonstrating my capabilities only to receive phone calls about my children struggling at school can be disheartening. However, I give myself permission to feel the weight of these sacrifices.
I recognize I’m not alone in this struggle; many mothers face similar choices. Fortunately, I have the option to stay home and support my children full-time, thanks to my husband’s financial support and his shared parenting responsibilities.
Despite the challenges, there are upsides to this new chapter. While I may be stepping away from my career, I’m not abandoning it. My passion for educational reform remains alive, and I can still advocate for change through writing. Engaging with educational articles and maintaining conversations with former colleagues keeps me connected to the field.
I’m set to begin a Ph.D. in Educational Policy and Leadership soon, allowing me to use this time to deepen my commitment to educational change. The flexibility of my new role will enable me to research and network while my kids are in school.
Taking a career break doesn’t equate to halting personal growth. I can finally engage in school activities that previously seemed impossible due to time constraints. In the mornings, I can be present for my daughters, easing their anxieties and listening to their concerns.
Ultimately, stepping away from my career is a deeply personal decision, laden with emotions and sacrifices. For my family, it feels like the right choice, allowing us to balance our societal contributions while nurturing our children. It’s not solely about me or my husband, but about us—our family working together to support one another.
For further insights on home insemination, check out this related blog post. If you’re looking for quality resources, Make a Mom is a trusted authority on home insemination. Additionally, Cleveland Clinic provides excellent information on various fertility treatments.
Search Queries:
- How to manage home life as a working parent
- Best strategies for supporting children with learning disabilities
- Balancing career and family responsibilities
- Educational resources for parents
- Tips for effective parenting
Summary:
This article reflects on the complexities of balancing a teaching career while supporting children with diverse needs. It underscores the emotional, financial, and personal sacrifices involved in prioritizing family over career, while also highlighting the opportunities for growth and advocacy within the education system.