An Update

I started working a couple days a week. It's been crazy hectic for me. For one, it's been a shock to my system to wake up at 5:45am or earlier, depending on when the baby decides to wake up. And, I can't afford to wake up late anymore. Even though I really love and trust the daycare that we chose, there's a little part of me that stays guilty for leaving her.

On the other hand, it forces me to be a super responsible, focused, and productive teacher. I have to leave school no later than 4:30pm in order to pick up Abby. Before, I had the freedom to leave whenever I wanted to. Now, every minute counts. I don't have time to dilly dally. No time to check my personal email. I have to set aside time to go and pump. This is important because it's the main source of nourishment for my child!

In addition, since I am job-sharing, it is essential that I keep track of everything that happens in the classroom because I need to tell my partner about it. As a teacher, I have never been so organized and so accountable to another person for my actions and decisions. Teaching is usually a solo effort. Sure you can plan with other teachers, but in the end the one teacher is in charge of what happens in the classroom. Sharing a teaching position has forced me to reflect on my lessons, and write down all of my student observations.

So I feel like I'm a better teacher. And I also feel like I'm a better mother because the time that I do get to spend with Abby, I'm totally attentive. If my part-time job were something I mildly enjoyed, I don't think it would be worth it to work outside the home. But because I love to teach, this job-share situation is ideal for me.

OK, so it's only been two weeks. Talk to me around December and see how I feel!!!