This time around

Fast forward to how I am making it now.

I knew it would be up to me alone to make it work this time when I found out I was pregnant. Long, sad story -- I don't even want to go into it.

Therefore, when I was out on my maternity leave (which happily coincided with my summer break as a teacher), I made it my full time job to find online teaching work. I spent my entire maternity leave applying for jobs, reading about online teaching, researching jobs and talking to anyone who'd listen -- PLUS I did the St Jude prayers every day (I know that helped!!) I was SO desperate, I had never felt that desperate before, as I knew I now had 2 kids to support, and my teenager was showing major challenges.

I knew I had to find a way to make it work. I finally got a break and was hired on my one online school. I worked FT hours with that school at night once I went back from my maternity break, and FT teaching hours as well. It was a horrible, stressful year that I will never forget. I probably spent about 3 hours a night sleeping, as the baby of course needed me as well. They say challenges can make or break you, it made me stronger and it changed me in ways I would have never realized.

I picked up another school halfway through the year, and finally to take a leap of faith and leave my FT teaching job. From there, I have faced challenges, but I have always found a way to make it out. It has been a real struggle, but it is all about the long term view -- looking to the future and keeping your eye on the ball.