Before starting work in Laos, the last time
I worked full time was in October 2011. That’s a really long time ago! Back in
the pre-Bea days.
I took a year of maternity leave and then
went back to work, essentially, 2 days per week. Or should I say 2 shifts per
week. My return to work was to shift work which had its pros and cons.
Essentially I think it maximized the time I had with Bea because I often worked
while she was asleep. The downside was that I was chronically tired. Shift work
can be a beast, and getting home from work at 2am and desperately trying to
“wind down”, knowing that you are on mum duty from about 6am is not easy. Trying to entertain that toddler at 4pm while
waiting for assistance on only 3 hours of sleep is almost impossible.
Full time work seemed colossal. I was nervous about how I would go. I’m
pleased to let you know that so far so good.
We are both coping well and it brings a
smile to my face to see Bea and Joff and how their relationship is blossoming.
Joff has been a hands on dad from the beginning. But now that he is her primary
carer it has gone from strength to strength. I thought that I would be a bit
jealous. But I’m not. It brings me so much joy to see his influences on her.
Meanwhile I am loving my work. It is
challenging in many many ways but it is satisfying. I am working with amazing
people, learning new things, and enjoying the daily teaching that I am
undertaking. There are so many opportunities here for me to grow as a teacher,
a doctor, a researcher, and a person. People who say that work doesn’t seem
like work when you love it are right. Although this job can push you to the
limits, it is also incredibly rewarding.
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