I care and I care all day long. It’s a part of the work that I choose to do on a daily basis. I care for families and their children, then care for my staff and what they have going on so that they can be at their best to serve others. Childcare is the field that I enjoy and work in. With that being said, I believe that people treat childcare workers as if we’re Energizer bunnies. We don’t keep going and going, but we’re pushed to do so.
I can’t speak for everyone else in childcare, but I can speak for the 30% that’s like me. Working in the field is not what I do; it’s who I am. So on the days I feel burnt out, I honestly don’t believe it has anything to do with the families and their children. As a leader, my major burnout comes from my team. From my past years working as a Director, I tried my hardest to not be the Childcare Director that most workers talk about, complain about, and quit their jobs about. In having this mindset, I realized I set myself up for constant failure and doom.
While dedicating my time to supporting teachers and ensuring they had all their physical, mental, and emotional needs met, I learned a crucial truth: as a Preschool Director, you must always be emotionally and mentally prepared. This role demands that you remain strong and composed at all times.
I was successfully managing my responsibilities along with those of my colleagues, believing that my efforts would yield positive returns. I was convinced that the goodwill I demonstrated would inspire my team and convey my appreciation for their hard work. Ultimately, I discovered that no matter how much I give, individuals will pursue their own agendas and maintain work ethics that may not align with the business’s best interests. I dedicated long hours that exceeded the norm, often missing my own family’s events. While I was committed to supporting others, I realized I was sacrificing my own emotional and mental well-being, feeling as though I was failing in my primary role—caring for my family.
What Do I Do Now….
I confidently embrace my true self when I am at work. Understanding who I am empowers my decision-making; I consistently make the right choices not just for myself but for my entire family. I commit to doing what is right without overwhelming myself to satisfy others or conform to stereotypes about Childcare Directors. Everyone has a role to play, and it’s clear that each person must contribute to our shared goals. I am becoming comfortable with saying no. By aligning myself with the right people, I create a peaceful work environment. I assertively address situations as they arise, effectively easing any tension.
This layer of me is a working progress because situations arise all the time to see if what I am believing is what I am truly willing to live by.
Yours Truly… Layers of Me
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