So, this next stage of my life... at the age of 37, I am returning to uni in a part-time capacity. Coupled with this, I am back with my employer for 2 days a week, and have also taken on volunteer work as a Parent Aide with the Mater hospital.
Crazy is one word used by my friends, but my mind feels more like learning than it ever has. If my family still remains my priority, then I know this will be a great experience.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
The Strength to Be ... the start
It feels great to finally start this blog. I first intended to kick things off approximately 1 year ago when I was thinking about a return to uni. Change does and should make you reassess life, your choices and your direction.
So what was this change for me? I guess in essence, finally having at least 6 months in front of me that did not involve any type of employment. Considering that I returned to work after 10 weeks with my first child and 12 weeks after my second, I didn't ever expect to not have the responsibility of employment. Is it exactly what I needed - yes!!! I had just survived 2 restructures and managed to still be the only one on part-time hours. With this in mind, it was even more difficult to request extended leave to travel for my husband's career. Time off definitely makes you consider the trade-offs that often come from being a parent, and seemingly in more ways, from being a Mum. Considering that one of my roles was in diversity, I know first hand that it is certainly difficult to have it all. Are there really senior and leadership roles out there that support part-time work? How do you personally give what you need to give, and still ensure that your family comes first?
I feel that my family has definitely come first over the past 4 years, but this has meant a step back in terms of career. It has seen me constantly needing to make choices, or in so many ways, not being able to choose or take opportunities. Do I regret any of this - No!!! I want to impart as much as I can to my children. I want to help to mould them. To see them develop. To develop with them. To learn from them. To have fun together and grow together in the many ways that are possible. We can't underestimate what we learn from our kids. I believe our children have already helped my husband and I to be better people, better partners and ultimately better parents.
So what was this change for me? I guess in essence, finally having at least 6 months in front of me that did not involve any type of employment. Considering that I returned to work after 10 weeks with my first child and 12 weeks after my second, I didn't ever expect to not have the responsibility of employment. Is it exactly what I needed - yes!!! I had just survived 2 restructures and managed to still be the only one on part-time hours. With this in mind, it was even more difficult to request extended leave to travel for my husband's career. Time off definitely makes you consider the trade-offs that often come from being a parent, and seemingly in more ways, from being a Mum. Considering that one of my roles was in diversity, I know first hand that it is certainly difficult to have it all. Are there really senior and leadership roles out there that support part-time work? How do you personally give what you need to give, and still ensure that your family comes first?
I feel that my family has definitely come first over the past 4 years, but this has meant a step back in terms of career. It has seen me constantly needing to make choices, or in so many ways, not being able to choose or take opportunities. Do I regret any of this - No!!! I want to impart as much as I can to my children. I want to help to mould them. To see them develop. To develop with them. To learn from them. To have fun together and grow together in the many ways that are possible. We can't underestimate what we learn from our kids. I believe our children have already helped my husband and I to be better people, better partners and ultimately better parents.
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