It’s been a long time since I posted an entry in this blog and I would like to start this entry by writing how much I missed teaching, but that would make me a fraud because that is not how I feel. Not even close, not even a bit.
I don’t miss teaching at all. I don’t miss the endless preparation for lessons, the stress, the full schedule, the unpaid working hours, and the bratty kids. As I think about it now, I am really glad I have a break from teaching. I am more relaxed, happier, more at peace with myself.
I am really enjoying being able to stay away from teaching at this point. Not just because I am pregnant but because of the time I get to have for other things. I have time to learn new things (web design), to catch up on my hobbies, to catch up with old friends, to take long walks, to sit and be idle. These are some things I was not given so much chance to do when I was still teaching.
I hope I don’t sound like I hate teaching. I don’t. On the contrary, I love teaching but it made me feel so burned out that I am happy to be away from it for a while. If there’s really a thing I miss about my work, it’s not the teaching per se but the kind parents who later became my friends and their sweet kids.
I feel a bit burned out as well. I actually really enjoy teaching kindergarten, but my oldest class is third graders and they can be a hand full. I couldn’t be more excited for a small weekend trip outside of my small town! And even more so in two months when I get to see my mom (it’s been almost two years!) and we go to Beijing together! These are the things that keep me going, that and reflecting on my day–always what I can do better as a teacher and person.
Well, good luck with everything!