My mom is an elementary teacher, and growing up, I remember her working on school work many, many times at home. I used to help grade her papers, and I remember parents calling our home frequently and at night. It bothered me that parents would call late at night and interrupt family time. Naturally, I said I would never be a teacher.
Fast forward 15-20 years and I’m a seventh grade English teacher. 😜
When I first became a teacher six years ago, I used to bring papers home to grade or work on new lessons. I even did that when Dustin and I first got married. Then I started grad school…
Grad school changed my life–literally. I fit a two year degree into one year, so I basically didn’t have a life during that year. My hours at school were reserved for work, and once I got home, that became school work along with any chores at home that needed to be done. Gone were the days of bringing papers home to grade or lessons home to create.
After grad school was over, I decided to keep that model. What doesn’t get done at school can get done the next day, and I reserve my afternoons and evenings at home for my time–spending time with Dustin, cooking, cleaning, serving in ministries at church, spending time with friends/family, etc. (The exception to this would be when we prepare for our state standardized writing test–then I bring essays home) Grad school taught me that if work doesn’t get done at school, I can do it later and to enjoy my afternoons and evenings. Any emails received after I get home from school get answered the next day when I’m at school.
I realize that I am a wife first and a teacher second. I’m thankful to have a husband who supports me in my job and believes in me, and I want to be able to serve him well at home. Balance is key, and I’m always reevaluating to make sure my priorities are in check.
How do you balance work and home life?
