Creating a work-life balance is something I struggled with for a long time. I went to school to be an elementary school teacher. I love working with children – helping them learn and grow is so rewarding. I graduated with honors, got all of the certifications, was ready to take on any grade! Then I began substitute teaching and soon realized that I was in over my (aching) head.
Making Work Your Whole Life
Teaching jobs were scarce when I graduated college, and I was a sub for about two years. I pushed myself every day to make it until 2:30, and then I was physically done. I was speaking at an elevated volume non stop for 7 hours and I left it all in that classroom. By the time I got home I didn’t want to speak anymore, and after being on my feet all of those hours I didn’t want to move either. My friends were all young and just entering the working world – they were going to happy hours multiple times a week and I could barely find the energy to text back that I couldn’t make it.
Then on the weekends I would stay in and relax because I was trying to restore my endurance for the next work week ahead. I was so determined to use my degree to be a functioning teacher that I was making work my whole life – and it was miserable. I’ve always had a hard time admitting defeat, so it took me a while to really come to terms with the fact that I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t handle carrying out my original life plan. But in hindsight that was silly, I could’ve been so much happier so much sooner. People with disabilities need adaptations and sometimes that means changing plans or visions to create a more possible, fulfilling life.
Forging A New Path
So I changed course. I didn’t initially know what my new plan would be, but a job listing came up for the director of an after school program. It was only a part time job, but you needed a degree in education to apply so I felt like I was still using my degree. I worked for that program for 5 years while I figured out my next step. It’s ok to “not know” and take that time to work on your new plan. It was actually one of the best moves of my life. I met some of the most genuine people I’ve ever known working for that program. People that are my best friends to this day. I also met my boyfriend of three years working there too! I’m so grateful for that period of time and that I allowed myself to deviate from my initial plan.
Creating Balance
Now I’m back in a position in the department of education. I work as a paraprofessional helping a middle school student with disabilities. My salary is less than it would have been as a teacher, but I see myself being able to fulfill the requirements for this position for way longer than I could have as a teacher. I’m responsible for one child rather than a whole classroom of students. It also feels extra rewarding, as a person with disabilities myself, to be able to even the playing field for a child that has disabilities. I’m able to show him every day that you can overcome your obstacles and succeed.
Every day isn’t easy. I’m still sore and tired a lot of the time. However, it’s definitely more manageable and I’m able to have more balance in my life. I don’t know how long I’ll be able to work full time, but for now I’m taking it one day at a time and enjoying the experience (and the paycheck lol). Never feel bad about listening to your body and changing your plans accordingly – it could wind up introducing you to a career (and people) you love even more than you could imagine.
Have you had to change your plan or career because of your chronic pain/illness?