Back in the Saddle

14 Mar 2017 68 Comments

by Ritu in Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: , , , , , ,

It’s never easy, going back to work after time off. After a holiday, you just don’t wanna be there, but after a period of time off that was unforeseen, it can be quite nerve-wracking.

  • You never know what everyone else at your workplace has been really thinking… do they think you’ve been putting it on? There is always someone who had the same thing happen to them, and they were back on double shift the next day.
  • You don’t know how your management will view you either. No one likes it when an employee has to take unexpected time off.
  • You almost cringe at the amount of work that will be piled up for when you get back.
  • You worry whether you will be able to manage.
  • You wonder how much of a mess your cover will have left you to sort out.

There is all manner of things going through your mind. Well, they all flitted through my mind over the two weeks I  was off after my accident.

Sat at home for that fortnight, I itched to get back to work… really! But I knew I couldn’t go sooner. The aches and pains were there, some giving way to stiffness, and general discomfort that was manageable. But the exhaustion that seems to come from the Post Traumatic Stress was what made me step back. I needed to rest myself.

A pretty uneventful weekend followed a highlight, as in my new car!

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And then Monday came.

I felt much better. Still sore in places, but the tiredness had curbed, and to be honest I really missed my class! I am lucky that my co-teacher works three days a week so I could ease back into duty, knowing that if I had any worries or tiredness, I could step back, and she was there.

But those niggles… were unfounded!

  • All, and I really mean all, my colleagues were so worried, concerned, and extremely supportive as I came back. I felt almost like a hero returning from battle, recounting the incident to several people.
  • The management, my head teacher, line manager, they were all amazing, from the day the accident happened, through the time off, and when I got back. Asking if I  was well enough, taking the time to check on me regularly. I couldn’t ask for more.
  • My team in the Nursery are brilliant, and there was nothing that I had to worry about, save the usual teacher observations that will happen soon enough before Easter.
  • It was hard, being the hands-on teacher that I like to be, but my team were there, silently reading when I needed to step back for five minutes, and giving me a short break.
  • Thankfully, as above, my team are great, so the two days that a supply teacher had to cover, they guided her so there was no ‘mess’ to clear up!

And it was so lovely to see my babies too! They came up and some gently hugged me, some more boisterously, asking if I was ok. Their parents were the same, some saying how their children had missed me. It really touched my heart. Two weeks away is a lifetime in a three or four-year-old’s life. Sometimes you can feel like you don’t actually matter in the grander scheme of things, but to see their little faces light up on seeing you.. better than any pain killer!

And I know you shouldn’t have favourites, but one little lad holds a special place in my heart as he reminds me of my nephew. He had the best imagination and comes up with the funniest stories, and he loves it when I do Yoga with the class. In fact, he sits in the cross-legged position himself, hands on knees, chanting “Ommmmm” independently!

When he saw me yesterday, he rushed over and exclaimed ” I missed you!”, then carried on hanging his coat up as normal. Periodically, he would come over to hug me.

And so I got through the day, but boy was I tired by the end! A headache had started too. I wondered whether I had taken the step to go back to work too quickly. But it’s nothing a long soak in the bath and an early night couldn’t fix!

Today was a pretty easy day too, with a morning of planning time, and a straightforward afternoon, and it ended with the promise that I would be getting a brand spanking new Ipad Mini 4 thingamajig too, to replace the work one that I already have! Neat!

Was it the right thing to go back? I had certain people advising me to take at least four weeks off. The A & E Dr said I needed to see on a day to day basis. My GP gave me a week off and then said to see on a weekly basis, whether I felt better or not. I listened to my body and mind. My body was sore, but coping with day to day tasks. My brain was going mad with me sitting at home, feeling like I shouldn’t really be there, but at work.

And I think I did the right thing for me.

I am tired, yes, but definitely felt ready to get back into my teacher saddle.

And so, back to normality…  Driving in my new car, obviously!

 

68 Comments (+add yours?)

  1. suzyhomemakeruk
    Mar 20, 2017 @ 10:42:32

    Welcome back Ritu! It is always nerve wracking going back after an unexpected absence, but it’s so lovely to read how supportive your colleagues have been. The children must have been so excited to see you. Sue x

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  2. lilhiddentreasures
    Mar 19, 2017 @ 16:13:14

    Ritu, I can sense your love for your children in this post and they are very lucky to have you as their teacher! Glad to hear that you are recovering well and getting back on your saddle. The kiddies must have missed you so much!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  3. You Can Always Start Now
    Mar 19, 2017 @ 14:07:19

    Glad to hear you are back in the saddle. Having a safe and supportive workplace is major. Take care and listen to that body!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  4. thebeasley
    Mar 19, 2017 @ 11:01:22

    I’m not afraid to say I teared up at this Ritu. So glad your workplace has been really supportive & bless those little children

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  5. noellekelly
    Mar 19, 2017 @ 10:35:38

    New car smell and hugs from tiny people can cure pretty much all ails I’m sure 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  6. Phaytea's Pulse
    Mar 19, 2017 @ 10:31:37

    Yayy you!!! Lovely car and good to know you are better and back at work.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. Lol
    Mar 19, 2017 @ 10:24:26

    What a lovely welcome back! How nice to know your colleagues genuinely care (although it was an extreme way to find out 😆). I’m so glad you’re on the mend xxx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. Gay Stepdad
    Mar 19, 2017 @ 10:22:21

    Good to see you fighting fit again…I bet it melted your heart when you saw the kiddies!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  9. robbiesinspiration
    Mar 17, 2017 @ 18:36:43

    Hi Ritu, I am really glad that you have gone back to work. It is best to get back into your normal routine quickly after a trauma. Have a wonderful weekend.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  10. Trackback: Smorgasbord Blogger Daily – 16th March 2017 – Dr. Rachele Baker, Irwin Lengel, Suzie Speaks, Dan Alatorre, Annette Rochelle Aben and Ritu Bhathal | Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life

  11. Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.
    Mar 16, 2017 @ 19:02:41

    So pleased that you are well enough to return to work and that you were given a right royal welcome.. I am sure they completed your recovery.. lovely post and have put in the Blogger this evening xx Sally

    Liked by 2 people

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  12. Hugh's Views and News
    Mar 16, 2017 @ 16:37:58

    Glad you listened to your body, Ritu. Sometimes, only we as individuals know when the time is right. Getting that first day back, out of the way, is usually a sure sign that we’re back on track. But, take it easy and don’t overdo it. xx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  13. Judy E Martin
    Mar 15, 2017 @ 18:19:32

    I am glad you have been welcomed back with open arms and lots of hugs Sis, and your worries were unfounded.
    It couldn’t have been easy going back, but you did it! Just don’t OVER do it! xxx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  14. masgautsen
    Mar 15, 2017 @ 17:28:13

    What a nice post! And the new car looks safe and comfortable.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  15. emfletche
    Mar 15, 2017 @ 16:07:01

    So glad to hear that life is returning to normal, but remember to take it easy!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  16. Tikeetha T
    Mar 15, 2017 @ 13:45:54

    Good to see you back in the saddle and love your new car.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  17. Ann GrubbsnCritters
    Mar 15, 2017 @ 11:25:25

    I can “like” this post. :p

    Glad that you are back well and good after all that you’ve been through, I think it would still be OK to take a couple more days off to recuperate though I can understand the need to get back to work pronto. Have a wonderful day in school, Ritu!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  18. Erika Kind
    Mar 15, 2017 @ 08:14:08

    I am so glad that everybody made it as comfortable as possible for you to get back into your routines. What a great team you all are! Seeing your kids again must have been a celebration on its own for all of you! Hey, and the bonus of that new car… in the end, all is well…. 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  19. Wafflemethis
    Mar 15, 2017 @ 04:43:33

    Oh Sis. I bet it’s so hard to keep your emotions in check when the little ones have missed you so much.
    And if you feel ready to be back then you are ready.😚

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  20. syl65
    Mar 15, 2017 @ 04:30:53

    Glad you made it through your first day back Sister 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  21. susieshy45
    Mar 15, 2017 @ 02:48:53

    Ritu,
    I am glad you are ok and well enough to go back to class after your ordeal. But there are so many kindly people out there looking out for you and you have all the new gifts to look forward to.
    God bless.
    Susie

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  22. vanbytheriver
    Mar 15, 2017 @ 02:42:57

    Of course, they missed you. So glad it went well for you, Ritu.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  23. Fourth Generation Farmgirl
    Mar 15, 2017 @ 02:18:33

    Glad you’re feeling better and able to get back to your routine. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  24. Traci York
    Mar 15, 2017 @ 01:05:07

    Yay! So glad to hear you’re continuing to recover at your own pace. Sending lots of gentle hugs your way!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  25. Jim
    Mar 15, 2017 @ 00:44:06

    see? kids have a great way of saying things sometimes.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Ritu
      Mar 15, 2017 @ 07:38:38

      They can melt your heart with one utterance… but then they are so honest, that they can destroy you too with their innocent words… ❤

      Like

      Reply

  26. willowdot21
    Mar 15, 2017 @ 00:25:32

    Well done Sis back in the saddle!💗💜💝

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  27. Tony Burgess
    Mar 14, 2017 @ 23:00:40

    Glad to see you are getting back in action. You can’t keep a good blogger down you know.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  28. Em Linthorpe
    Mar 14, 2017 @ 22:43:47

    Aww, this was so lovely to read! I can just imagine all those little faces lighting up when you returned. Just keep on taking it easy and you’ll be back in your stride in no time.
    PS LOVE the new wheels 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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