Tuesday 24 May 2011

Sabbatical (no, not from writing - from the other stuff that gets in the way of it!)

Those who can't do teach, right? A dubious saying at best, but still one that made me wonder what that would make me come September.

Yep, I'm a teacher. If you'll be so good as to look to the right of the screen, you'll see the small, pink reason that I've been working part-time for the last couple of years. Long story short (insert cut-scenes of me tearing around making terrible packed lunches for various children, wincing at the speed I'm forcing my car to in order to get to work on time, organising endless childcare, shoving way too much washing into an already groaning and overloaded washing machine, NEVER eating breakfast, ALWAYS being tired, and so on and so forth), I'm not renewing my contract with the school I work at when it runs out in August.

Yes, that's right - I'm going to try my hand a being a starving artist type. And that's actually how I'm going to describe my occupation. Other people in my situation might choose stay-at-home mom. I'm listing that as my second job, since it's one I'm pretty practised at. I approach a nappy change like Jenson Button's pit stop crew and I'm pretty sure I can beat their time.

Am I sorry that my career is going on a little hiatus? Nope. I couldn't be more thrilled to be staying at home for the Autumn term. Is it because I get to spend all day with said small, pink person (and take part in NANO this year)? Yes, it is. Is it because I can take my boys to school every day and pick them up every day like my mom always did for me (and write or edit my WiP every day)? Yes, it is. Is it because I plan on taking my girl to Tumble Tots classes and Rhythm Time music classes, and baking, painting and gardening with her (and researching agents and editing and re-writing my query a zillion time)? Why yes. Yes, it is : )




8 comments:

  1. I'm right with you, Ruth. Although my sabbatical from work wasn't intentional, I cherish the time I've been able to spend with my daughter, putting her on the bus, taking her to swimming the days she doesn't go to school. Although we're feeling the financial pinch and I'll be going back to work soon, I don't regret a moment of it. Enjoy!

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  2. I intend to. Just seven more weeks of work. I'm currently researching the best sandpits and painting easels in preparation for turning my neglected garden into a den of creativity for my daughter.

    We'll both enjoy watching it from the window when it rains all summer :P

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  3. I just found your blog on Goodreads. I love YA books and review a lot of them on my blog :-) So i'm looking forward to keeping up to date with your posts.

    Leanne @ http://magicofreading.blogspot.com

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  4. Found your blog through goodreads. Lovely post. Thanks for sharing. I'm a new follower. Would love a visit/follow on my blog when you have a moment. Hope you enjoy my blog. Donna
    http://mylife-in-stories.blogspot.com

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  5. Thanks for visiting my blog and commenting. Hope to visit here and there often. Let me know how that jean/t-shirt thing is working out! lol

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  6. Jealous! I so wish I could stay at home, but it's just not possible right now. Oh well. I'll just have to go on another maternity leave :D

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  7. Hi Leanne, hi Donna, nice to have you here :)

    Ramona, I'm eagerly awaiting the news :D

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  8. I agree with you, a writer needs head space to be able to create. I don't have a set time in the day or week when I write, could be any time. Because time is on my side.

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Please prove you are a robot. I'll be disappointed if you aren't.