“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
Confucius
Thanks, Spidey.
Oh that Confucius, he is a wise man, isn’t he! 😜 (Yes, I know who he is!)
But what a true thought.
I do feel blessed to be a person who is engaged in a job that I do truly love.
Teaching is hard, especially in this day and age, when governments push their teachers to the limits, creating layers and layers of paperwork, that detracts from the job in hand.
It’s easy to fall out of love with teaching if you let that side of it get the better of you.
I very nearly did that.
Twice.
The first time – after wanting to teach from the tender age of 7, and embarking upon my four-year qualification, I realised that the powers that be had changed things up a bit, and made teaching be a job where red tape was to become a must.
Forget the kids, you need to tick boxes.
Don’t give them choices, they need to learn this, and only this. The thats of life were flung aside as if they were only good for those rare spare afternoons where you needed a filler. Gone were the drama and art lessons. Music took a hike too.
Basically, unless it was numeracy or literacy backed, it wasn’t really that important.
But, as you know, I did end up teaching.
The second time – as I was stretched and pulled in all directions, placed in two separate classes, with a subject lead role and a governors position, I feared I was going to snap.
But after a tough few months, I pulled myself together. I learned how to organise myself better, how to talk worries and problems through with the right people, and it really helped.
Coupled with that mind-blowing talk we attended on The Art Of Brilliance, I was all set.
I realised that I had allowed the outside world to influence my thoughts. I was turning Mood Hooverish when it came to my work life. My job was not just a career, but a vocation.
And so, I started this term with a renewed vigour.
Sure there are going to be issues with certain kids and parents. Definitely there will be clashes with others about how to do things, but I know that.
I’ve learned to let go of the small things, do what I feel is going to be right, and enjoy each day that the teaching world throws at me.
I have finished my first week, not exhausted, but super-charged and positive that each new day will bring new achievements to light, and that if I can be that positive person, my kids will be too.
I truly love to teach!
Tell me, do you love your job? 😘
Have a peaceful Sunday Peeps ❤ And enjoy your week!
Sep 18, 2018 @ 01:19:54
I have taught for pay for 50 years, but when Santa brought me a rolling chalkboard, chalk and an eraser, my cousin and I started a kindergarten in my garage. We were 6 1/2 years old. We simply taught them what we had learned the previous day. At eleven, I started teaching at church and have been teaching there ever since. Some people are born to teach. I believe that’s the purpose God gave me in this life.
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Sep 18, 2018 @ 06:49:22
I love this Rae!
Reminds me of family gatherings in my house and at special occasions where I’d be surrounded my the little kids and parents would drop their charges off to Ritu’s school!
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Sep 10, 2018 @ 14:49:40
We place our kids in the teachers hands. That’s a lot of trust and lot of responsibility. It is beyond my thinking why we do not give the teachers everything they need. I can’t thank you enough for all the good you do.
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Sep 10, 2018 @ 17:08:38
Thank you for appreciating Bryan 😍
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Sep 10, 2018 @ 00:50:27
I love this post because I think it’s so important to balance ourselves. Our time, our intentions — so important to evaluate and balance.
I love teaching, but not as a job. Not anymore.
What transfers completely is that I enjoy doing jobs where you do the same thing, but with unlimited alternatives. One of the things I loved about teaching was that ‘every day something new’ — I require that, intellectually and emotionally. I need the variety.
I am so glad you use your light to teach 😀
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Sep 10, 2018 @ 07:11:51
Thank you Joey. I think when if that enthusiasm dims, it’ll be time to move on…
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Sep 10, 2018 @ 23:26:17
May it never 🙂 Or whatever, always choose happiness! x
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Sep 11, 2018 @ 06:51:14
I like that thought 💜
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 21:52:13
So wonderful that you love your job even if it is tough Ritu. Teaching is a vocation which makes it a very special career choice. There is nothing as important as shaping young minds. Well done to you and all the hard working, dedicated teachers. x
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 22:33:36
Thank you Marje! I hope to do it for a good while yet… unless my writing was to take off!
Eben then, I wouldn’t be able to leave, but maybe reduce hours!
Though that is a long way away from happening!
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Sep 10, 2018 @ 07:27:45
You never know Ritu..
Keep up the good work. 🙂 x
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Sep 10, 2018 @ 07:33:09
😘
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 17:52:39
Your students are very fortunate to have you as a teacher Ritu. I started reading your blog about 4 years ago when you were waiting to hear about what might have been your first teacher job. You were so excited to hear that you go the job and I’ve enjoyed hearing about all of your successes and challenges along the way. Keep up the good work!
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 18:07:47
Thank you so much for all your support Becky!
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 17:33:31
I wanted to teach from a very young age too, but gave up on the idea because my idea of what that actually meant was too limiting. I only thought it meant teaching children, and I knew deep down I didn’t want to do that. It was only when I figured out, at around the age of 30, that you can teach adults too, that I really found the job I love to do!
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 17:41:58
I’m glad you found your niche!
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 16:53:54
I try and bring my best effort everyday. Our attitude makes all the difference. Thank you Sister!
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 16:54:24
It does indeed Brother!
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 17:00:30
🙏🏽💜
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 16:43:10
I’m a freelance writer but I have to find something else here soon to supplement that income. I enjoy it very much. I get to interview moviestars, go to events, etc. I get to do it on my blog for pay once in awhile too. Writers don’t really make a lot here, unfortunately. I am looking to work in an office as a receptionist unless I get even more assignments.
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 16:56:36
I get that Lisa it’s a shame when what you love doesn’t pay well…
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 16:58:03
Yes! I have had to do other jobs and writing on the side. I’m still writing but sometimes it can’t be done by itself.
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 17:16:21
No, not unless you’ve become a top reporter or best selling author!
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 18:59:33
Yeah. Reporters don’t even make a lot unless they write a good book. I was a reporter at one time. I didn’t like it. Lol. It’s very fast paced and I didn’t like the assignments.
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 19:31:29
I can imagine 😜
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 16:26:10
I fully agree with Madekesiworld, Ritu!:-) And i really think teaching youngster is better done by female teachers like you, then by male teachers. .Best wishes, Michael
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 16:28:11
Thank you Michael!
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 17:09:50
Always my pleasure, Ritu! :-)) Michael
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 14:41:37
Great to see you’ve worked through some job struggles. And you did, because you really love your job! I also love my library job – it gives me great balance. Happy Sunday to you!
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 14:49:45
I used to be the school librarian when I was at school… another ‘job’ which was right up my street!
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 13:15:21
retirement is looking better and better each year
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 13:54:55
I’m kinda getting there but not yet! Still got lots to do!
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 12:02:48
Yes I love retirement 💜💜
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 12:31:50
Enjoy it sis!
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 14:18:01
💜😁
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 11:13:31
The lot of a working mum is always hard, Ritu. As you progress in your job the demands increase and this also coincides with pre-teen and teenage years which are very important in your children’s lives. I do love my job most of the time just like you. The admin get on my pip too but that is life.
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 11:52:23
Oh God, don’t I know it!
But hey you learn to live and get on with it!
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 11:12:59
Your students are blessed to have you Ritu! All the best in this term
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 11:51:39
Thank you so much 😍
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 12:11:28
You most welcome
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 08:55:35
Bravo to you and all the wonderful teachers out there that put the kids first. Loving what you do makes a huge difference. I loved all my jobs, especially as an employment counsellor. I worked in government-funded programs also laden with paperwork and numbers that had to be met. But I always put the people I was helping first. I’m retired now and spend my time writing books for children which I hope will be meaningful for them and fun to read!
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 09:53:15
A councellor is a great job. How many people you helped!
And to write children’s books, wonderful!
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 08:00:12
Absolutely agree with you Ritu…..it’s the job we all love and we put our heart and soul into, but somewhere the rules, regulations, red tapes and the whole politics of it force us to accept the unacceptable many times, thus leaving a vacuum in the ultimate joy of the work that is done……I wish I had more freedom to choose the way I need to complete a particular assignment or task at hand on day in, day out basis.
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 09:52:15
Who knows… The forced expectations and red tape might defeat me yet, but I’ve still got the energy to try and see my visions come to light!
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 10:22:36
Yep, that is something we cannot leave…..the zeal to go forward whatever might be…..
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 10:23:11
Truly!
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 05:59:00
My sister was a teacher and she loved it. I helped her in the classroom a few times as I was going through high school and I was always amazed at all she did. I do love my job and am so grateful that I have been able to work from home and make a decent living for the last 18 years! I’m hoping to continue that dream work with my crafting now. Glad that you have the job you love too! Good luck this year.
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 09:48:50
My other seam would be to write for a living… I know that’s more of a pipe dream at the moment but one day, who knows?!
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 05:58:31
You are blessed.
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 09:47:52
I feel it 🙏🏼💜
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 05:33:07
So good to know that despite the hurdles and pull backs you have emerged as a person who loves the work they do and intend to progress with vigor. Teaching is without doubt an exhaustive as well as satisfying job. Wish you all the best for the day and months to come 🙂 .
I work in the IT industry and although it’s feels good to be surrounded with easily accessible tech, I feel trapped here for I am a free soul devoid of routines, benchmarks and deadlines (we all gonna be dead one day 😛 ). So the quest for something satisfying and decently paying enough for survival is on.
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 09:47:42
It’s truly a hard one. I can understand that we all need to live and loving your job is not always possible.
That’s why I feel blessed 🙏🏼💜
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 05:29:20
I write. What’s not to love? 😉 Wish there were more teachers like you. We could use them on this side of the pond. 💖
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 09:46:21
A true compliment Dorinda thank you 😍
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Sep 09, 2018 @ 17:30:01
You’re very welcome, Ritu ❤
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