Mental Health
Oct 06, 2020
A few years ago working in early education was tough for me. The pressures of knowing what young children needed to flourish but having the daily battles of trying to help others see. Breaking down the relationships built up with children and the time for connection because ‘formal learning was a priority.’ As a leader I often felt that I spread myself too thin. The more I did, the more that was expected from me.
Those above me didn’t want people who loved and cared about their job. They needed machines that were unconnected from love to go through a process. This sadden me deeply.
I remember one day stopping to look at my reflection in the mirror. My skin looked grey and tired, my shoulders and neck ached, I felt dizzy with worry about all that was expected from me and wondering how I could ever do all these things well.
My weekends had become consumed with work. Often turning down invites from friends and family. When I did go out I felt like I was only ever half there. I couldn’t even talk about work with others without feeling like I was going to cry.
I didn’t realise it at the time but the way work made me feel affected the relationships I had with family and friends too.
One night in February while driving home from work, with so many tears in my eyes that I had to stop the car, I thought this has to stop. Otherwise I risked losing everything that truly mattered to me.
The following day my letter of resignation was handed in. At that point it was made clear to me that I would be easily replaced. No thank you’s or well wishes.
The sad thing was... I was giving up everything important in my life for a job that would forget about me and replace me in a flash.
That summer I took some time to explore Scandinavia with my Norwegian friend. I very quickly learnt some important life lessons on balance, warmth and the art of finding joy in every day moments. I began to think that we could learn so much about these core values and the ’hygge’ way.
I started to make small changes to my day, the way I worked (which involved finding a nurturing school where children and staff were at the heart of the work there) and the way I led. Through living this way I found joy and motivation to do my job.
If you’re stuck, don’t quit.
Instead take some time to find a setting or school that nurtures and cares about their staff. Somewhere that shares the same values as you. They do exist!
www.hyggeintheearlyyears.co.uk
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