Family Transitions: How Life Changes When Mom Goes Back to Work by Tracey Hempenstall

Our family moved to Dubai in September 2018 for my husband’s job, and then suddenly I was being recruited to teach again. After being a stay-at-home mom for a few years, I had decided to go back to work.

When we arrived, I updated my resume and sent it to schools hoping to get placed on a substitute list. Sooner than expected, I was back in the classroom, doing what I loved.

Working outside of my home let me connect with adults, learn new curriculum and brush up on current trends in education. For three years, yoga pants and T-shirts had been my uniform, but it was time to dust off the pantsuits, throw on some pumps and blow dry my hair!

The idea that I was going back to work was met with mixed reviews from my family. My husband had become used to sitting on the couch in the morning, drinking tea, scanning his emails or reading the news. Now he had to start helping out. He quickly learned that it was hard to get everyone ready for school and arrive on time.

There were some bumps, but overall it has been a positive experience. Our family is working as a team, the kids are more independent and everyone is happy when Mom leaves for work.

Take 30 seconds and join the 30Seconds community. Inspire and be inspired.