I missed you. Yes, even if it's just for a week.
So even if I'm dead tired already and in 29 minutes it will already be Saturday, I will still spend a few minutes with you.
It has been a busy week. I am back to the grind.
It just amazes me when I think of how things fell into place.
Truly, God answers our prayers, all we have to do is just to be patient. Yes I know, it's easier said than done.
When hubby and I decided that I'll be going back to work this school year, and the kids will be attending daycare, the first question that we needed to answer was: when? When will the two of them start with daycare?
Two weeks after Liam and Sam attended childcare (twice a week), I had my first call.
Amazing, right? They had enough time to get used to me leaving them there. They are still adjusting, especially Liam, some days they are upset when I leave them at the centre. But I know, eventually, they'll get used to it.
It was an exhausting first day for me.
I had to wake up really early so I can drop off the kids to my friend Vera, who came to our rescue after a glitch in the casual set-up with the kids' daycare.It was a bit tiring to drive to and from Vera's place and the school, then back home. But I had no choice. Still, very thankful for that help.
After a year of maternity leave, I'm really back to work.
I've been getting a lot of casual calls now. I'm even booked for next week!
I can't believe that things are getting a bit busy for me.
After work, I pick up the kids from daycare. When we get home, I take care of them and prepare our meals. I clean and prepare the kids for sleep and prepare for tomorrow's work.
On "free days" I try to do as much chores because they are starting to pile up.
I also have to address my concerns of Liam's not-so-pleasant reaction whenever I leave him at daycare. When I don't have work, I make-it up to them by not doing house chores, except cooking, so we can have quantity and quality time.
Busy as a bee? You bet!
Now I really see myself in the shoes of Sarah Jessica Parker in the movie: "How Does She Do it?"
Not to mention that I had this great idea of pursuing my dreams of putting up a pre-school or childcare when I retire (I've had that dream since I was back in Manila, that is why I pursued a Master's degree on Educational Administration). So I'm seriously thinking of pursuing another degree to prepare me for that day. Will write a different blog on this.
Back to the topic.
Too many balls to juggle? You bet!
I am thankful, just thankful, prayers have been answered and He continues to answer them.
I am definitely back to the grind.
But I am not complaining.
At the end of the day, all these tiredness only mean that I have been blessed to have something to be tired about. At the end of the day, all of these are answered prayers. Blessings.
I'm loving the fact that I am back to the grind.
Showing posts with label casual work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label casual work. Show all posts
Friday, March 2, 2012
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Almost Over
Next Thursday, my daughter will already turn ten months old. Goodness! Yes, she will be turning a year old in two months time, but it will also mean that my maternity leave will soon be over!
Before I gave birth to her, I thought that one year of staying in the house will be the longest twelve months of my life. But, I was proven wrong! Not a dull moment at home! I think, instead of having rest at home, I will get to have my "rest" once I go back to work.
After my one month holiday in Manila, I will be back doing my requirements for my return to work, next school year.Whenever I visit the CEO Parramatta website, I see a lot of openings for next school year. I hope, I will be lucky when I apply.
I plan to apply for a permanent part-time position, probably just working three days a week. But if I will not be lucky to have a permanent post, I will still be OK with my casual teaching (for the meantime), anyways, Sam and Liam are still very young. Working full time will require a lot on my part and either my family life or career will suffer if I work full time now. As they say, you can't have two masters. And it's just money. You can always earn it, and God will for sure provide. I can't gamble the time I will be spending with my kids over work. I choose family.But given the choice, being a casual for the next 2-3 years will be perfectly fine with me. With my casual work, I get to teach and earn and at the same time and still do my duties and responsibilities at home :-)
Next school year officially starts January 2012. So, I better make the most out of my last 4 months, before I go back to work :-) My maternity leave helped me. I think it was a break that I needed. If before, I was scared of the thought of going back to work after being away for a year, now, I feel the exact opposite!
Yep, my maternity leave will soon be over... I can't wait to go back to work (on my conditions of course hehehe) :-)
Before I gave birth to her, I thought that one year of staying in the house will be the longest twelve months of my life. But, I was proven wrong! Not a dull moment at home! I think, instead of having rest at home, I will get to have my "rest" once I go back to work.
After my one month holiday in Manila, I will be back doing my requirements for my return to work, next school year.Whenever I visit the CEO Parramatta website, I see a lot of openings for next school year. I hope, I will be lucky when I apply.
I plan to apply for a permanent part-time position, probably just working three days a week. But if I will not be lucky to have a permanent post, I will still be OK with my casual teaching (for the meantime), anyways, Sam and Liam are still very young. Working full time will require a lot on my part and either my family life or career will suffer if I work full time now. As they say, you can't have two masters. And it's just money. You can always earn it, and God will for sure provide. I can't gamble the time I will be spending with my kids over work. I choose family.But given the choice, being a casual for the next 2-3 years will be perfectly fine with me. With my casual work, I get to teach and earn and at the same time and still do my duties and responsibilities at home :-)
Next school year officially starts January 2012. So, I better make the most out of my last 4 months, before I go back to work :-) My maternity leave helped me. I think it was a break that I needed. If before, I was scared of the thought of going back to work after being away for a year, now, I feel the exact opposite!
Yep, my maternity leave will soon be over... I can't wait to go back to work (on my conditions of course hehehe) :-)
Friday, September 10, 2010
My Casual Work
I consider myself lucky and blessed to have been given the opportunity to continue practicing my teaching profession here in Sydney. As they say, not all Filos get to have that chance. A bonus was given to me when I received my assessment and got the highest classification as well, a five year trained and step 13 teacher, which means my salary grade is O-K. Super OK. Looking and comparing what I get now from my salary, 3 days worth of work here is equivalent to my 1 month's salary back in Manila. A big blessing indeed.
I tried applying for a full-time job as a teacher, but I think, God is still asking me to wait. Looking at our situation now, I believe I would have chosen the same path. I can't do a 5-day work here in Sydney. If I do, my family life would suffer and I wouldn't want that. So I'm thankful that I come in 3 or 4 times a week for work and still have the time to be a homemaker on days that I don't have a call.
At first, I was a bit apprehensive to do relief teaching although in Ateneo, I spent my last year as a Relief Teacher. It is a bit stressful for me to get the call just early in the morning and just see the activities to be done on the actual day. Even as a relief teacher I don't like to short change my students. I would want to know the stuff I'm teaching them and I would like of course to teach the correct lessons. But as I've said, after a year of doing casual work, I am getting used to it as well.
There are peak and off-peak seasons as well for casual teachers. At first I got scared that I didn't get too many calls during the first term. But after having small chats with casual teachers, they said it was normal. And true enough, now on the third term, I have been getting work 2-3 days a week! On school holidays though, I don't get paid. Which is ok with me.
I also like the feeling that there are no strings attached. I don't get to do plans and is not required to attend meetings and stay in school after school hours. So right after dismissal, I'm on my way home already and when I'm home I don't worry about plans or quizzes or the like.
It is challenging also for a casual teacher to handle the class because most of the time, they tend to act differently if their real teacher is away. From the classes that I have handled, I can clearly pinpoint the teachers who has managed their class well. Even if they are out, their students still are well-behaved and engage in the school activities.
Thirdly, it is also challenging for a casual teacher to make her presence felt in the staff room when every body seems to know everyone. Well, at least now I have been getting regular calls from one school so I'm slowly getting to know most of the teachers. And now, I was able to meet a fellow Filo teacher, working as full-time, who used to work in Ateneo as well. It's good to know I am now working with someone who used to work with the same people I used to work with. We even exchanged names of the list of teachers in Ateneo!
I also feel good when I see that my class management techniques have been used my the permanent teachers as well. As they say, imitation is the best compliment. I think they saw it was effective so they used it as well. At first there were only 2 or 3 teachers who I saw using the same technique, but now, it seems everyone is using it! And I feel good! :)
God is good. Though I know that it wasn't in our initial plans for me to work when we get here in Sydney, He allowed me to do so. I was very willing to give up my profession but I think the Lord has plans for me.
I thank the Lord for my casual work. Despite the challenges, it is still one BIG blessing!
I tried applying for a full-time job as a teacher, but I think, God is still asking me to wait. Looking at our situation now, I believe I would have chosen the same path. I can't do a 5-day work here in Sydney. If I do, my family life would suffer and I wouldn't want that. So I'm thankful that I come in 3 or 4 times a week for work and still have the time to be a homemaker on days that I don't have a call.
At first, I was a bit apprehensive to do relief teaching although in Ateneo, I spent my last year as a Relief Teacher. It is a bit stressful for me to get the call just early in the morning and just see the activities to be done on the actual day. Even as a relief teacher I don't like to short change my students. I would want to know the stuff I'm teaching them and I would like of course to teach the correct lessons. But as I've said, after a year of doing casual work, I am getting used to it as well.
There are peak and off-peak seasons as well for casual teachers. At first I got scared that I didn't get too many calls during the first term. But after having small chats with casual teachers, they said it was normal. And true enough, now on the third term, I have been getting work 2-3 days a week! On school holidays though, I don't get paid. Which is ok with me.
I also like the feeling that there are no strings attached. I don't get to do plans and is not required to attend meetings and stay in school after school hours. So right after dismissal, I'm on my way home already and when I'm home I don't worry about plans or quizzes or the like.
It is challenging also for a casual teacher to handle the class because most of the time, they tend to act differently if their real teacher is away. From the classes that I have handled, I can clearly pinpoint the teachers who has managed their class well. Even if they are out, their students still are well-behaved and engage in the school activities.
Thirdly, it is also challenging for a casual teacher to make her presence felt in the staff room when every body seems to know everyone. Well, at least now I have been getting regular calls from one school so I'm slowly getting to know most of the teachers. And now, I was able to meet a fellow Filo teacher, working as full-time, who used to work in Ateneo as well. It's good to know I am now working with someone who used to work with the same people I used to work with. We even exchanged names of the list of teachers in Ateneo!
I also feel good when I see that my class management techniques have been used my the permanent teachers as well. As they say, imitation is the best compliment. I think they saw it was effective so they used it as well. At first there were only 2 or 3 teachers who I saw using the same technique, but now, it seems everyone is using it! And I feel good! :)
God is good. Though I know that it wasn't in our initial plans for me to work when we get here in Sydney, He allowed me to do so. I was very willing to give up my profession but I think the Lord has plans for me.
I thank the Lord for my casual work. Despite the challenges, it is still one BIG blessing!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
The Gift of Now
Last Friday, in our weekly household prayer meeting, our household head shared a very nice article of Bo Sanchez. It basically talks about the Gift of Now. Not worrying about the future and not fretting about the past and just enjoying the now.
The past couple of weeks I have been very busy tending to my duties and responsibilities at home. I was a mum to three kids, my niece and my nephew being with me most of the time since their Papa was in the US, then in London for work matters. That made my hands full. Very full. Not to mention that I am already five and a half months on my second (and last) pregnancy. I felt that I was slowly becoming a bit domesticated. I can't believe that I am what I am now considering that a couple of years ago I told my friends that I never see myself just staying at home. Especially after working very hard for my studies and my Masters. Well, God has different ways of teaching us valuable lessons.
Now, back to the gift of now. It has been lingering a couple of weeks now and I felt that the meeting we had last Friday was the climax of it all. A few days ago my friend's entire family met a horrible accident in Manila. As they have described it, it is a miracle that all of them are still alive. My sister-in-law also shared some stories of how her friend's daughter suffered from tuberculosis of the bones at such an early age (she's still in college) and how her niece, who is just 13 years old, died of dengue! In our short talk, we just came into conclusion that we really never know when our time is up. That in a snap of a finger we can all die. So my thirst to enjoy the "now" became more serious.
At present, I am torn. Half of me wants to enjoy the "now" but part of me also wants to prepare for the future. I want to spend more time at home, more time to travel, more time to spend with my family back in Manila, with my parents. But at the back of my mind, the bills, the expenses, the to-buy lists are ringing. I guess at this stage in our family life, we are still in the process of working our way to a more stable future for our children. And the two just contradicts one another. The past weeks I have been turning down calls for casual work and I am happy with my decision, but I know that I can't turn down all the calls everytime. Sooner or later I will have to work. So does that mean, there goes the gift of now? I don't know. At the back of my mind I don't want to worry anymore because I know (and He has proven it to me a GAZILLION times) that God will provide. But I am only human and worry sometimes catch up with me. So I still don't know.
Alvin shared a story which convinced me some more to enjoy the "now". It was a story which was shared by one of his officemates, apparently, when his kid was stil growing up, he spent too much time working, prompting his son to email him a letter with a subject: To the Dad that I never see. That was his wake-up call. I'd dread that day if and when one of my children will write a letter to me with that heading. But as I've mentioned earlier. I am torn, we are torn. It's hard to really enjoy the now, in the fullest sense and the way we want to enjoy it without me or my husband thinking about the future. All we can do now is to try to make the most of what we have now. Enjoying some of life's simple pleasures and simple luxuries every now and then, as life presents it to us, one at a time. I would love to enjoy my gift of now...if only it was that easy.
The past couple of weeks I have been very busy tending to my duties and responsibilities at home. I was a mum to three kids, my niece and my nephew being with me most of the time since their Papa was in the US, then in London for work matters. That made my hands full. Very full. Not to mention that I am already five and a half months on my second (and last) pregnancy. I felt that I was slowly becoming a bit domesticated. I can't believe that I am what I am now considering that a couple of years ago I told my friends that I never see myself just staying at home. Especially after working very hard for my studies and my Masters. Well, God has different ways of teaching us valuable lessons.
Now, back to the gift of now. It has been lingering a couple of weeks now and I felt that the meeting we had last Friday was the climax of it all. A few days ago my friend's entire family met a horrible accident in Manila. As they have described it, it is a miracle that all of them are still alive. My sister-in-law also shared some stories of how her friend's daughter suffered from tuberculosis of the bones at such an early age (she's still in college) and how her niece, who is just 13 years old, died of dengue! In our short talk, we just came into conclusion that we really never know when our time is up. That in a snap of a finger we can all die. So my thirst to enjoy the "now" became more serious.
At present, I am torn. Half of me wants to enjoy the "now" but part of me also wants to prepare for the future. I want to spend more time at home, more time to travel, more time to spend with my family back in Manila, with my parents. But at the back of my mind, the bills, the expenses, the to-buy lists are ringing. I guess at this stage in our family life, we are still in the process of working our way to a more stable future for our children. And the two just contradicts one another. The past weeks I have been turning down calls for casual work and I am happy with my decision, but I know that I can't turn down all the calls everytime. Sooner or later I will have to work. So does that mean, there goes the gift of now? I don't know. At the back of my mind I don't want to worry anymore because I know (and He has proven it to me a GAZILLION times) that God will provide. But I am only human and worry sometimes catch up with me. So I still don't know.
Alvin shared a story which convinced me some more to enjoy the "now". It was a story which was shared by one of his officemates, apparently, when his kid was stil growing up, he spent too much time working, prompting his son to email him a letter with a subject: To the Dad that I never see. That was his wake-up call. I'd dread that day if and when one of my children will write a letter to me with that heading. But as I've mentioned earlier. I am torn, we are torn. It's hard to really enjoy the now, in the fullest sense and the way we want to enjoy it without me or my husband thinking about the future. All we can do now is to try to make the most of what we have now. Enjoying some of life's simple pleasures and simple luxuries every now and then, as life presents it to us, one at a time. I would love to enjoy my gift of now...if only it was that easy.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
When It Rains It Pours!
As the famous saying goes, "when it rains, it really pours!" Indeed, blessing after another blessing and I can't just have enough of thank yous.
A day after it was confirmed that I am expecting again and heavy with my second child, my hubby got his permanency papers with Goodman Fielder. Of course we are sooo thankful! That is one big blessing! Even if there was no change in the pay, allowing him to be a permanent employee gave us a big sigh of relief. At least now, his work is more secure and he gets to enjoy the company benefits. I am sure the Lord has good plans for him in the future. In due time, he will get to use all the talents and skills the Lord has given him maybe with the same company or maybe in a different company. Let's wait and see.
Next, Tuesday night I got an unexpected call from a new school asking if I still do casual work. Of course I was delighted to get the call. We were praying for it, remember? To make the story short, I got a casual work yesterday and just before I went home from work, they booked me for three more days! I am also excited for the next term because as one teacher told me yesterday, it is really quietish during the first term for casuals, but come second term, I better get ready! In addition to this, I met and was able to talk to anFilipina teacher in that school, a permanent teacher for 12 years already, who gave me tips on the tricks of the trade. She was so accomodating that I was just storming the heavens with thank yous after our chat during lunch time. I know I can learn more with her in our next meetings. I loved it too when we talked in our native tongue! Oh how I missed talking with workmates in Tagalog! She is more than willing to show me samples of her work and teach me how assessment of students here are done. She also gave me hope when she said that once that school has tapped you as a casual, they will be calling you already more often. Oh just what I really needed! God's work? Definitely.
Yesterday, after work, I went to my Orientation for my Religious Ed and just before the day ended one of my groupmates offered to show her work for her accreditation with the Institute of Teachers next time we meet. I don't even know how that topic started but I was sure glad to have a reference with me already so I know what I'll be working on for my accreditation. Hopefully, it will make things easy for me.
Oh I forgot to mention, that this morning, there was another casual call. It was just unfortunate that I was torn again between being a mum and a homemaker today over being a teacher. Well, by now you know which won. Yes, being a mum and a homemaker won. Yes, I might have lost another 300 bucks for today, but I know that time spent with family is never wasted.
When these things happened one after another, I remembered the book I was just re-reading a few weeks ago -- the Prayer of Jabez. I think that it is indeed true. But to sum it all, I know that these events and these people are all part of God's plan for me and my family. And I am just glad and happy that they are.
A day after it was confirmed that I am expecting again and heavy with my second child, my hubby got his permanency papers with Goodman Fielder. Of course we are sooo thankful! That is one big blessing! Even if there was no change in the pay, allowing him to be a permanent employee gave us a big sigh of relief. At least now, his work is more secure and he gets to enjoy the company benefits. I am sure the Lord has good plans for him in the future. In due time, he will get to use all the talents and skills the Lord has given him maybe with the same company or maybe in a different company. Let's wait and see.
Next, Tuesday night I got an unexpected call from a new school asking if I still do casual work. Of course I was delighted to get the call. We were praying for it, remember? To make the story short, I got a casual work yesterday and just before I went home from work, they booked me for three more days! I am also excited for the next term because as one teacher told me yesterday, it is really quietish during the first term for casuals, but come second term, I better get ready! In addition to this, I met and was able to talk to anFilipina teacher in that school, a permanent teacher for 12 years already, who gave me tips on the tricks of the trade. She was so accomodating that I was just storming the heavens with thank yous after our chat during lunch time. I know I can learn more with her in our next meetings. I loved it too when we talked in our native tongue! Oh how I missed talking with workmates in Tagalog! She is more than willing to show me samples of her work and teach me how assessment of students here are done. She also gave me hope when she said that once that school has tapped you as a casual, they will be calling you already more often. Oh just what I really needed! God's work? Definitely.
Yesterday, after work, I went to my Orientation for my Religious Ed and just before the day ended one of my groupmates offered to show her work for her accreditation with the Institute of Teachers next time we meet. I don't even know how that topic started but I was sure glad to have a reference with me already so I know what I'll be working on for my accreditation. Hopefully, it will make things easy for me.
Oh I forgot to mention, that this morning, there was another casual call. It was just unfortunate that I was torn again between being a mum and a homemaker today over being a teacher. Well, by now you know which won. Yes, being a mum and a homemaker won. Yes, I might have lost another 300 bucks for today, but I know that time spent with family is never wasted.
When these things happened one after another, I remembered the book I was just re-reading a few weeks ago -- the Prayer of Jabez. I think that it is indeed true. But to sum it all, I know that these events and these people are all part of God's plan for me and my family. And I am just glad and happy that they are.
Friday, February 19, 2010
My Work As A Substitute
The phone will ring early in the morning and it is not an unexpected call. I need to report to work because I need to substitute for someone who is not able to go to work today. Before I hang up the phone, I ask what year I will be teaching for this day. As I hang up the phone, I go to my study room, look at my book collection and get the appropriate books I need for the day.
As a substitute teacher, I am already used to having the calls early in the morning and facing the challenge of preparing ample activities that I can give to my students for the day. When I started as a substitute teacher, I thought I wouldn’t get the hang of it knowing myself as to being more relaxed when my activities are set on a routine. The first few weeks were really hard for me. Imagine preparing and dropping off my little boy in child care before proceeding for work. When I get to work, I have to study and look at the plans of the teachers’ I am relieving (if there is any) for the day. I wouldn’t want to short-change the kids, just because I am just the substitute. Sometimes, I ask myself, “where is the fun in all of these?”
Well, the answers came in one after the other. Being a substitute teacher is fun after all! After getting the hang of it, I saw the beauty of becoming a substitute teacher. First, the job is challenging. It is not easy to go to work without knowing where you’ll be picking up from where the kids have left off.
Next, it has more variety. Let us admit it, sometimes having a routine day in and day out can be a bit tiring or boring in the long run. Well, you will definitely not have that when you are a substitute teacher because each substitution is unique, it is different.
Third, it is less stressful and less demanding. When you report for work and luckily the teacher you are relieving has a prepared plan, then you will not need to come up with your own plan, all you have to do is prepare the materials needed (that is if it is still not prepared) and execute the plan. Your day starts at around 8:30 am and ends up around 3pm. No lesson plans, no demands to make quizzes, to demands to attend meetings as well.
Lastly, it is mother-friendly. Because you don’t get tied up with all the after school academic and non-academic workload, you have more time for your family. Because you are not stressed big time, you tend to serve and care for your family better.
Yes, it is fun after all!
As a substitute teacher, I am already used to having the calls early in the morning and facing the challenge of preparing ample activities that I can give to my students for the day. When I started as a substitute teacher, I thought I wouldn’t get the hang of it knowing myself as to being more relaxed when my activities are set on a routine. The first few weeks were really hard for me. Imagine preparing and dropping off my little boy in child care before proceeding for work. When I get to work, I have to study and look at the plans of the teachers’ I am relieving (if there is any) for the day. I wouldn’t want to short-change the kids, just because I am just the substitute. Sometimes, I ask myself, “where is the fun in all of these?”
Well, the answers came in one after the other. Being a substitute teacher is fun after all! After getting the hang of it, I saw the beauty of becoming a substitute teacher. First, the job is challenging. It is not easy to go to work without knowing where you’ll be picking up from where the kids have left off.
Next, it has more variety. Let us admit it, sometimes having a routine day in and day out can be a bit tiring or boring in the long run. Well, you will definitely not have that when you are a substitute teacher because each substitution is unique, it is different.
Third, it is less stressful and less demanding. When you report for work and luckily the teacher you are relieving has a prepared plan, then you will not need to come up with your own plan, all you have to do is prepare the materials needed (that is if it is still not prepared) and execute the plan. Your day starts at around 8:30 am and ends up around 3pm. No lesson plans, no demands to make quizzes, to demands to attend meetings as well.
Lastly, it is mother-friendly. Because you don’t get tied up with all the after school academic and non-academic workload, you have more time for your family. Because you are not stressed big time, you tend to serve and care for your family better.
Yes, it is fun after all!
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