It’s Friday night. I’m celebrating by having a small glass of single malt whiskey, a M&S Healthy Eating dessert, and by putting together an outline for the course that I’m teaching with Kate Walker at the University of Leicester in August.
Next week is my very last week at school. I’m having mixed emotions about not going back in September. The past six weeks have taught me that it’s almost impossible for me to be a (usually lone) mother, a teacher, and a writer–at least it’s impossible if I want to keep my productivity up to what it has been, and if I want to teach and parent well. And if I have to give up something, it’s going to be the teaching. It pays much better than the writing, but the writing has been my dream since I was a little girl.
It’s quite exciting to think that writing is going to be my main work.
However. I love my school and I really enjoy the students and the teaching. I also really like my co-workers. I’ll miss all of that a lot.
I also wonder whether I might go a little bit crazy without that daily contact with the outside world. When you’re writing, and when you have a small child, it’s very easy to get isolated. I will have to make an effort to see people as often as possible, especially when my husband is off on tour.
I’m also going to be poor. Life without that monthly paycheck is going to be pretty scary. I hate managing money. I wish writing paid much better than it does. I think occasionally I’m going to have to get pretty creative with money-making ideas.
Anyway. One week left.
Enjoy that last week! I think you’ll be thrilled when you can just be a writer and a mom.
That’s my dream, anyway.
Good luck with it all Julie!
They are all such difficult choices, aren’t they? I mean, I’m sure you worked hard for your teaching degree…and that daily professional contact with the ‘outside’ world must mean the world to you. But it is so hard juggling a baby and work – not to mention your WRITING which is work as well. It does seem that you’ve had an enormous amount to do lately….
Writing does suit having children though – at least you can shuffle it all around a bit to suit the baby’s routines (or lack thereof).
Julie – good luck with your new career. If it helps, I’ve made a living (ish) from writing as a freelance for over ten years. Working for myself has been the best thing I’ve ever done and has fitted in with motherhood very well. I make sure I take on some jobs that force me out of the house to meet people…just a hint!
I have been through this decision process myself and know how hard a decision it is when you have wonderful colleagues and a job you enjoy, which a lot of folks cannot say these days…head vs heart. What has gone before vs the potential to come.
Congratulations for having the courage to even consider a career change and all the uncertainty that comes with that. All the best, Ray-Anne
Change is never easy, but it usually serves a purpose. This might work out all for the best for you, Julie. It’s amazing to think you have been teaching and writing while bringing up a new baby! Following your passion is the right thing to do in my book.
Sending you a big hug, Julie. It’s a scary decision but one I’ve never regretted, and I’ve been freelancing for over 10 years now. Good luck!
Julie – big hugs. You’re making a brave but wonderful decision. Wonderful because it’s focused on your son and your dream. Isn’t that what life should be all about? Even if it does mean buying cheaper brands at the supermarket – it’s a stance I wholly advocate.
All the best – I’m sure you won’t look back. Though I’m sure you will be missed as a teacher.
jx
P.S. Know what you mean re writing paying more! But once you’ve got the bug the money doesn’t count.
P.P.S. Remember – there’s always Primark!
Hugs, it’s a big decision but you can always do a little agency teaching if finances run very tight and adult education are often looking for teachers.
I think I’m very lucky to have the choice between a job I love and a dream come true.
Thanks guys.
And yes, there is always Primark.
Julie, I never found I got “cabin fever” being home and writing. Now, if I didn’t have this fabulous online community…that would be another story. But my writing friends “get it” and I only see them online!
The other thing that helps is that I volunteer. And you will start getting more outside contact as the Fecklet gets older and you meet mums at playgroups, then at the school. Volunteering at my kids’ school is one of my favorite things. Next year I’m even running a creative writing club!
I think you’re making a GREAT decision. You won’t regret having the time with Fecklet either.
Love D
I still feel like that about social work, a job that I loved and had a real vocation for. I left 8 years ago to write for magazines and books but occasionally go back to do some shifts in fostering and adoption. That way I get the best of both worlds, working with people is just so interesting! I never got fed up with working with people, but I did reach a point where I needed a rest. we’re very lucky to be able to have two such interesting jobs though!
Lynne.