I suppose I should preface this with things we decidedly do NOT love - such as poorly babies and trips to A&E and the out of hours doctor. Our little boy has not been well over the last week or two which is stressful. But this is a positive blog and I will not dwell on these things but reflect instead on new beginnings.
For the teaching community, our years run from September-August, so we often feel a sense of a new start and clean slate at this time of year. Unlike those in other industries, we get that new-stationery-and-pencil-case feeling at the end of August. Maybe a lot of us became teachers because we are closet eraser-sniffers? Who knows! We have the excitement of a new term with lots of new people to meet - hundreds, in my case, because I started a new job this September.
There is something invigorating about leaving something one is very comfortable with and stepping into the unknown. I would like to think that over the last 10-15 years I have become a lot more at ease with the idea of change and actually like to shake things up. I believe it is good for us to put some danger into our lives - relative danger! - in order to be able to think critically about where we are and where we want to be. I admire those who look at their lives and make courageous decisions to change career, retrain, or move area or country.
Making the decision to change jobs is like this. The easiest thing as a teacher is to grow comfortable with the routine, the curriculum and topics taught. The challenge lies in changing everything up and re-evaluating what you like in your job and what you're good at.
Another fresh beginning happened for me this summer - we got married in July. Getting married for some is a 'piece of paper' or a legal formality. For others, it is establishing a lifelong promise and covenent, to change your name and the way you relate to each other.
I am growing into the persona that my new name gives me, and it feels good to embark on so many new beginnings all at once.
