En 2022, quand je suis retournée enseigner après mon congé de maternité, j’y allais à contre-coeur. J’ai eu une année hyper difficile, partagée entre l’enseignement, ma nouvelle entreprise et mon bébé. J’étais au bout du rouleau, et j’ai quitté l’enseignement. J’étais persuadée que je n’y retournerais jamais.
Finalement, après 2 ans comme travailleurs autonome et un essai de changer de domaine complètement, je suis de retour en classe à mon plus grand bonheur. Je me rends compte à quel point je suis plus zen et accomplie depuis que j’ai choisi de retourner enseigner.
Mais je ne vois pas ce 2 ans comme une perte de temps, au contraire. Ça m’a permis de réaliser ce que je veux vraiment et ce qui est important pour avoir un équilibre dans ma vie. Je sais que je ne veux pas que mes passions soient mon travail. Je veux avoir un travail que j’aime ET des passions, pour décrocher. 🤍
Returning to teaching after a significant break such as maternity leave can be a complex emotional journey. Many educators face the challenge of balancing personal responsibilities with professional aspirations. From my experience, the key to managing this transition is prioritizing mental health and setting clear boundaries between work and personal passions. During my time away from teaching, I explored entrepreneurship, which gave me a new perspective on work-life balance and what truly matters. Becoming an autonomous worker helped me understand that it’s essential to have passions separate from your profession to recharge effectively. This approach prevented burnout and allowed me to return to teaching feeling more serene and fulfilled. If you are considering returning to teaching or any demanding career post-maternity leave, I advise you to reflect deeply on your priorities and recognize that taking time off can be an opportunity for growth, not just a pause. It’s important to build a support system—whether through family, friends, or professional networks like other teachers or entrepreneurs—that can help you maintain balance. Additionally, implementing manageable daily routines that include moments for self-care can enhance productivity and emotional well-being. Remember, loving your job doesn’t mean it has to consume all your time or energy. Keeping your professional life and your personal passions distinct can help ensure longevity in your career and happiness outside of it. This blend of self-reflection and practical balance has reshaped the way I approach work and life, making my return to the classroom not just a continuation but a new beginning full of enthusiasm and self-knowledge.
