Kathy: How My Job Has Changed Me

 

My new job sure has changed me.

First, a little history. I was home raising my children for quite a while; my last full-time teaching  position was in 1984. I did some part-time work in between but mostly was at home. I have a 25-year-old son, 23-year-old daughter, and 13-year-old son. I was married for 25 years when my husband decided a young woman from work looked better to him. I was devastated, to say the least. I had to sell the house, help the kids through the trauma, and finally get a job. So at 51, here I am, returning to the workforce.

The job has changed me because I realize “I can do it!” For starters, I have much experience with children and my own daughter with disabilities. And even though my formal education took place years ago, I remember more than I thought I would.

I still love to learn and am catching up on the many changes that have since occurred in the field of special education. I love the CEC SmartBrief that is delivered daily to my e-mail inbox. I have even printed out some articles to keep in my files for future ideas. I ask questions, lots of questions. As an “older” educator I don’t mind questioning the system. As a parent myself I can relate to the parents of my students.

On a personal level, I feel more professional. I look more professional. Check out my school picture—a little different than my original profile picture, huh? I have some decent work clothes now. I act more professionally. I don’t feel intimidated by the other professionals I meet in my job. My resume now has current experience on it.

I feel more independent. I have my own money coming in, instead of just trying to live on the alimony and child support. I see hope for the future, that I will be able to support myself when the divorce payments end.

I guess that is it . . . I have hope. Hope that I can support myself fully someday. Hope that I can make some difference in the lives of my students. Maybe because I have hope for the future, I can give these young adults hope for their own futures.

Comments

[Daffy]

I am 51 and divorced and a career changer into special ed. excited and eager to get going. lots of us prime-time women are out there with you!

[Lauren]

My story is very similar to yours. I taught for five years. Then had my children and was blessed to be able to stay home with them. My oldest daughter has Down Syndrome with autisic tendancies. I started subbing when my youngest was just over a year. I subbed for six years and when he started school I was able to get a part-time teaching job. I did part-time for five years and just began full-time as a special education teacher three years ago just after my oldest graduated.
I am currently pursueing my Master's degree in special education. I find that I am constantly realizing how much I do not know about special education. When I started teaching PL 94-142 was the buzzword and everything has changed since then.
I also agree that being a parent of a child (now an adult in a group home)has greatly helped me as I deal with parents. They know that I understand what they are struggling with.
I hope your blog has encouraged many other teachers.

[Mohammed Rhalmi]

I wish you all the best.

[kathy]

Dear Marcia,
I wish you all the best in your new life! It took much courage for you to do what you are doing and I know it will be rewarded. My thoughts and prayers are with you today.
kathy

[Marcia]

Thanks Kathy, your story meant a lot. I am 52 and almost divorced too but I left my husband after 23 yrs of misery and I'll leave it at that. I spent over 30 yrs in corporate real estate but for a number of reasons, including a daughter and (former) husband with Aspergers Syndrome, find myself entering the exceptional children field. Good Luck to you. I hope you blog more in the future about your experiences.

[kathy]

thanks judy!

[Judy]

"Maybe because I have hope for the future, I can give these young adults hope for their own futures." I think this sums it up. I know that your personal and professional experience, your newfound confidence, and your belief in yourself and your students will benefit everyone involved. Great post and Good for you!!!!!