So some of my readers may know about my part time gigs that I have picked up along the way, after leaving teaching full time.
I was a first grade teacher when I found out I was pregnant for the first time with Bode. Personally, I knew I always wanted to be a stay home mom, but when it actually came down to quitting my job I had a few reservations. My husband and I knew that the D.I.N.K. (dual income no kids) life that we love and enjoyed for a few years of marriage, would end if I quit teaching full time. I was also a little worried that I would miss teaching and miss being able to provide anything financially {those who know me know that I love to shop…}.
My two part-time jobs are:
- preschool teacher at a local church —– bringing my son to school with me
- ESL teacher online, teaching English to Chinese students —– teaching online while my son sleeps or on the weekends when my husband is home
Preschool Teacher
One of my teacher friends, recommended that I work part-time (2 days a week) at a preschool – also where I would be able to bring my little guy. I loved that idea. I was going to be teaching the older preschool students and my baby would spend the day in the baby room for free, from 9am-2:30pm. I decided to commit for one year – my mom, who is retired, ended up volunteering to watch Bode for the year, two days a week while I worked at the preschool.
I am into my third year of teaching at the preschool and this part time job has been such a blessing. Bode and I go to school on Tuesdays and Thursdays – it really kind of breaks up our week. I see him throughout the day in the hallway and at recess —- and whenever I just want to peak in on him ;).
Other amazing qualities about this part-time job:
- I get a paycheck to help contribute to our family bills, Bode gets to come with me for free (I’m lucky, many daycares/preschools will offer discounted tuition for teachers’ kids)
- Bode (who is now two) LOVES school and gets to play all day in the 2-year-old room
- It has been so great for him to get the socialization and interaction with his peers and other forms of authority (besides mom, dad, grandma, grandpa)
- I teach the older preschool students – I genuinely love teaching students, and while I am doing much less “teaching” with these younger students, I still get that amazing feeling of satisfaction when I see growth and learning going on. I love the creative outlet this job gives me, as well.
- I have gained so many great friends in all of my co-workers – I believe the relationships and social interaction with adults is so key when maintaining sanity for moms who stay home full/part time.
Online ESL Teaching
The company I work for is called VIPKIDS. I teach English to Chinese speaking students. This job has been so amazing! You create your own schedule, can wear pajama pants ;), and get to work from home! I am going to post so many more details and FAQ’s on a different blog post!
Whether you are a mom working full time, part time, or staying home with kids, being a mom is one of the most important jobs in the world.
With one child and one on the way – I don’t know what the future holds with working/not working. Life can change in a second. But for now, in this season of life, this is what is working for ME and My FAMILY.
I’d love to hear from other moms with part-time jobs, or even just input about moms working full time or staying home full time!