I remember, after becoming a victim of crime (slightly dramatic turn of phrase for having an empty handbag nicked from your car) the police woman filling out the form asked "profession?"
And when I told her she said "Now that is one job I couldn't do."
"Really?" I asked bewildered, "I 'm just dealing with the younger versions of what you're dealing with."
"Oh but it's different isn't it?" she said
"Not that different" I replied
"Yes it is" she said sternly, and as much as I wanted to go on to rant about how schools were merely microcosms of society, things between us had become awkward, so I left it there.
Similarly when in hospital, having my children, midwifes, nurses and doctors on hearing my choice of profession all said "I don't envy you".
"What? You'd rather work here?" I would think. My skin itching as I eyed the sterile and soulless environment.
But we each have own corner of the earth to work in. By choice or by need. Some people have their vocation, some people just have to work.
Currently I am full time Mum; the hours are REALLY long and although most people think it is unpaid today I did find £2.53 at the bottom of the washing basket. But one thing I know being a Mum is the closest thing to a voaction I have ever had.
One day I want to answer the question with "writer"* but for now, this is right where I want to be.
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| I didn't think "full time Mum" was on here, but look there we are... with the cocktail shaker! |
* and by "writer" I don't mean the stuff I do now, because I'd look a bit of a cock passing off a bit of freelance work as a writing career. I mean to be able say "writer" and the other person say "yeah I thought I recognised you". That kind of writer!
The picture is borrowed from here
I used to work with young people, getting those unemployed through a project of courses and activities and then hopefully into college or work. I was also training to be a careers guidance worker. Alas, I was made redundant as I became pregnant, but luckily my dad took me on, so I'm now an accounts clerk. It is inputting numbers, but I do it from home when I like, so I don't have to pay for childcare!
ReplyDeleteWow! You are multi-talented lady! But i think working from home is the only way to make money with kids otherwise you are just spending your wages on child care.
DeleteHa - know just what you mean! I work in a school as an HLTA and people do sometimes react in the way you've outlined. Only right too - it is definitely a vocation I would say - in the same way the jobs they do are often beyond my understanding or imagination. I wouldn't change it that's for sure! My other job is being a mother to 4 teenagers/20 somethings. Nothing will EVER beat my experience and joy at being at home looking after them all before I started my job when the youngest was seven. Halcyon days. Good luck with your writing. Go for it!
ReplyDeleteThank you SO much! And love your comment about looking after your kids, I really do feel lucky that I am able to do it. (Although some days I would swap them for a class of thirty surly teenages... only some!)
DeleteMmmm. I can think of some far more demanding careers than being a teacher, though being a teacher certainly comes with its perils! I think if I were in your shoes, it would begin to annoy me! And a writer you shall be!
ReplyDelete... I meant that the comments would begin to annoy me!
DeleteThank you... This was a half finished post from YONKs ago and then after reading your Beautiful Bloggers post it inspired me to finsih it. Thanks again x x x
DeleteCurrently I'm on maternity leave from my job as a travel agent. But that's all it is. A job. I have never really known what I'd like to be when I grow. I still don't. Does that mean I officially haven't grown up yet?
ReplyDeleteI have a varied CV from retails sales manager through to prison officer for 12-17 year old kids. After working closely with these kids I can honestly say I don't envy teachers. The challenges they face today are extraordinary. While I don't I envy teachers, I do admire them. Working with kids, well behaved or not, is no easy task. And very often thankless.
I hope that in time you achieve your dream of becoming a writer. A household name with books published globally.
Me? Well I guess I will continue to float aimlessly through jobs, waiting to grow up and find something I enjoy and want to become my career.
I think some people spring themselves into a career, whereas others have them sprung upon them. Plenty of time yet... I did enjoy reading your comment though, thanks so much for stopping by x x
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