Juggling parenthood with a successful career isn’t easy, especially when kids are young. Therefore, getting a job at your child’s elementary school can seem to be a very attractive prospect. After all, this is the easiest way to ensure that your schedule syncs up with parenting duties. Moreover, it can save you a lot of early morning commuting.
However, choosing a new career isn’t something to be taken lightly. And even if you decide that working in a school is right for you, there’s still the question as to whether your child’s is the right answer. Use these questions for guidance, and you should gain clarity.
Will The Job Feel Rewarding?
Your child always comes first, which is underlined by the fact you are even considering the switch. In truth, though, your career is far too important to get wrong. For starters, it dictates your financial status. Furthermore, you spend too long in this environment to be left feeling unhappy.
It’s imperative that you find a role that suits your skills and provides mental stimulation. It may be that you want to take a masters in school counseling online while staying in your current job for now. If playing the long game will allow you to do a better-paid job that allows you to make a bigger difference, it’s worth making the short-term sacrifice.
If the job doesn’t feel rewarding, there’s a good chance that you’ll give it up fairly soon. Given that this will leave you in an even worse position, analyzing the options is key.
Will My Presence Disrupt My Child’s Development?
Having a parent work at the school can present many pros and cons for young children. As far as their happiness is concerned, the positives are likely to outweigh the negatives. However, you must ensure that it doesn’t stop them from growing and preparing for future learning.
One thing you must avoid is letting home life and school blend into one. There should be a clear distinction between the two at all times. As such, ensuring good organization with regards to outfits and school essentials is key. Essentially, once you reach the school gates, your child should be as prepared for the day ahead as any other kid.
Another top tip, especially for teachers, is to ask the principal to give you a class that doesn’t include your son or daughter.
Does It Offer Sustainability?
Even if you begin those preparations before your child starts school, it’s important to remember they grow up fast. Sacrificing an entire career for the sake of a few short years might not be a good idea. Therefore, confirming long-term stability is key.
Once your child gets older, they’ll be in a position of slightly more independence. This can open the door to longevity in the job. However, you must understand the reasons why many teachers quit and decide whether this is likely to affect you. If those elements are unlikely to disrupt your career, this could be the right pathway for your long-term future.
You can never know what’s around the corner, and things may deviate from the intended pathway. Nonetheless, having a plan is a vital aspect of making the right decision.
The Final Word
Working at your child’s school can be an ideal solution, particularly for those that love working with kids. As long as you’re doing it for the right reasons, you should be just fine.
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