Teacher mommies--please share your experiences

I went back to work today. I'm not sure how I'm going to do it.

I *know* that I don't want to be a SAHM, I guess I just sometimes wish that I had a nice desk job somewhere, where my work didn't come home with me. A nice p/t job at Starbucks, perhaps?

Anyway, if you could share your experiences, it would help me out a lot. Thanks

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Re: Teacher mommies--please share your experiences

I am a teacher & although it was difficult to go back to work, I also feel that I could nto be a stay at home mom. Maybe because it isn't even an option but I'll be honest, it wasn't as bad as I thought. Of course it also helps when you are very comfortable & happy with the childcare you have while you are at work. I will say that we as teachers are extremely lucky to have a job with all weekends, vacations & summers off. It can't get any better with a full time job. I agree though, i always say if I could teach 3 days a week, it would be perfect!!! Good luck, you & your dc will be fine

Re: Teacher mommies--please share your experiences

It takes a little getting used to at first, juggling the balance of work and home, but I assure you, it does get easier. I know for myself, I now always use my prep time wisely.

Re: Teacher mommies--please share your experiences

Last week was actually my first week back after being out for about 3 months. Honestly, the anticipation of it was the absolute worst. I cried on and off for about 2 weeks leading up to it.

Dropping her off wasn't that bad at all. I absolutely love her sitter- she is watched in someone's home. I really love my class this year so it was nice to see my students. My leave replacement did an amazing job! My room was so organized I felt like I was only gone for a week. I also still get to work about an hour earlier so I don't have to bring anything home.

The only thing is that I feel guilt- like I should be spending every second with her when I get home. I do realize though that it needs to be a balance. I usually give her my undivided attention for a little while when we first get home. Then I let her have some time to just chill out by herself in the swing or bouncer. Monday through Friday feels like one super long day though!

Thanks for letting me ramble!

I just wanted to add that I started to get all my outfits ready for the week on Sunday. That one little thing makes a big difference!

Message edited 4/27/2009 9:12:35 PM.

Re: Teacher mommies--please share your experiences

I never went back to the classroom, so I am no help! I went back to my original career, which is a little more mommy-friendly since I was able to find a PT position.

How did your breaks work out? I know you were worried about that last week.

Message edited 4/27/2009 10:16:03 PM.

Re: Teacher mommies--please share your experiences

It has been fine here I find it to be "mommy friendly" in that I am done by 3 and have great breaks to spend with my son. I still have a lot of time for him and love how he has blossomed in the daycare (academically based) that we selected for him.

I find that teaching keeps me busy (and on my feet- ow), but the days fly by most of the time. The toughest part is getting out of the house, but DH usually is around to help and once you get into a routine it's really OK.

So far so good. It's a balance that you can make owrk

ETA I do try to make the most of my lunch and preps so that I DON"T bring work home. If I do, I tend to get to it after DS is in bed.

Message edited 4/27/2009 10:02:38 PM.

Re: Teacher mommies--please share your experiences

I think I have it easier than a lot of teachers out there. I have been teaching English at the same school for nine years and teach the same few courses over and over again so I already have my curriculum ready to go. All I really have to do is read the books over, review my lesson plans and "freshen up" whatever I feel is dull. I also have a great chairperson who is so supportive of me. I get three free periods (lunch, prep, professional) and they are all in a row, so I get a TON of work done.

In the end, I think teaching HS Seniors in the springtime is a much less stressful position than teaching little kids. Some may disagree, but then again, I don't tend to get too stressed out by work anyway.

The transition is hard, but you can do it! Ask for the help of your colleagues and try not to bring too much home with you!

Re: Teacher mommies--please share your experiences

I am not a teacher, but I am the child of one. And my mom is always bragging how much better being a teacher is than doing my desk job

To give you a flip side, I loved having a teacher asa parent, she was always on the ball with my work, the trends, and she can (and still does) relate to my friends. Plus, I had the benefit that anything that I did, she knew there was worse out there

In all seriousness, the schedule does work itself out, you just need to get used to it

Re: Teacher mommies--please share your experiences

I went back to work the same day Abby started day care. I left her, shed one tear and never looked back. I called once. My class is EXTREMELY high maintenance and I truly have no time to fall apart at work.

Now that Abby is old enough to remember and know who I am, nothing is better than to see her flailing her arms and legs when I come in the door. That is what gets me through the day.

Re: Teacher mommies--please share your experiences

I went back to work this past September when DD was 4 months and honestly its been great. It was hard at first...i hated not knowing what she was doing every moment. But...the hours could not be better and we are always off. I work right through my prep and most of lunch to be able to not bring too much home. I go in early....Im lucky that DH takes my daughter to the babysitter. I leave at 3. I never thought that could work...but I've really learned how to be productive during the day and to make sure Im always planned ahead.

Re: Teacher mommies--please share your experiences

Re: Teacher mommies--please share your experiences