It is NOT always Rainbows and Butterflies

As someone who has been approached by several other individuals who share the same love to Early Years as myself, I feel the need to address something rather important yet difficult on so many different levels.

Our profession is often subject to two sides of the coin on a general level. From one end we get praised for all the good we do, how we inspire so many around us and the way we carry our profession so close to our heart. Flip the coin on the other side and we get bashed for speaking out about our work conditions, addressing the problems our students are facing and above all get bullied for having strong opinions about the importance of good quality education for all.

While sharing life publicly on social media with regards to the practices that go on within a life of an Early Years educator, it is important to share also the not so glamorous side of such a profession.

Fear: This may be one of the biggest problematic thing about this profession. Why? Because many are fearful into speaking/acting out due fear of being misunderstood or misinterpreted. That fear, of not only speaking out but also trying new things. Why is it so hard for us to try and explore beyond what we already know? Because just like our very own students we need support from the more knowledgeable others while also be given a chance to speak safely about all the dynamic espects. Staying in our own comfort zone gives us a sense of tranquility because of the fear we all hold that may tag along with change, dialogue or disagreements. The fear of losing an argument, friends or worst of all work. All the fear that accumulates allows us to forget the beauty of reaching out when we feel the need or simply it distances us from the ones that are ready to lend a helping hand. Fear alone is such a buzz kill which makes any Early Years educator move far away from exploration, inspiration and loving this beautiful profession that is a daily work of art.

Respect: Harder to find in any profession because the world itself is lacking much of it. When times now are more egocentric than ever, respect is harder to come by. It is more of what "I" can benefit from as myself more than how "WE" can do it together. Backstabbing, belittling, gossip and avoidance! We all have been a target or targeted someone whether you are brave enough to admit it or not. The lack of respect within our profession has decreased because boundaries are being crossed in so many different ways. Everyone has a boiling point and reaching the edge while remembering to stay in line with the code of ethics, puts a strain on anyone's emotional state. Hence making it at times more discouraging to go that extra step onto confronting any individual because respect has been lost before even attempting it to follow through with a decent conversation even when disagreement is subject in the open.

Inconsistency: Working with human beings means that there is no such thing as a picture perfect day. Everyone brings their own baggage, some which are lighter than others, hence requiring more flexibility and adaptability on the spot. Drained of planning one thing and changing last minute? You are not alone! Many of us are up for spontaneous change and following a lead, but the process of getting there takes time, self-esteem and confidence. Inconsistency decreases this time resulting in self- doubt and losing the confidence to persevere. What about being told one thing which later results in another? It builds upon the frustration of being left in the unknown, just the same way our students get upset when we don't keep up with our promises or don't follow through with what we say. Just like our students, in this profession consistency is precious while being mindful of reasonable flexibilties too.

Time: It is not just about following through with the daily plan, those dreadful preplanned 4 activities, the break, the outdoors, the admissions and dismissals. Time is slipping through our fingers because it is being wasted on the most unnecessary part of our day. It is leaving less room for memories to build connections and far less opportunities to yet be explored. Outside and inside the classroom, time is an issue. There is never enough of it and trying to understand why, is an issue in itself. Busy doing this, busy doing that, I have to do this, I have to do that... It has become more of a "To Do" kind of days rather than "embracing" them in due course. Rushing through an activity, traffic, report, work, webinars, meetings, coffee breaks, bathroom breaks and so much more, leaving less quality in all that is precious.

Anyone with Déjà vu yet? Believe me as much as this profession is close to my heart, the more I reflect, talk with others and try to pick up the pieces, I realise that the list of things that are troublesome for me is indeed for others too. Is it relatable yet?

Salary: A profession with so many vocational skills followed by endless qualifications leads to the least satisfaction when recieving that paycheck. YES this profession is very important but NO it doesn't reflect the blood, sweat and tears when that payslip *dings* in your inbox. The argument of anyone who bluntly speaks about the holiday saga will always be subject to bash more the profession which I love. Why? Because it takes experience for anyone to understand what it truly throws at you during the remaining days. A family needs to be fed not just with love and compassion but it needs monetary support to pay the all rounded bills. Forking out all the "love" for students at the supermarket cash register will not provide food on a table. Presenting student reports, documentations and their photos to the water and electricity officer will not provide light and water in any household. The salary is sarcastically so great that many educators have to work part-time, in summer or during those fancy holidays to make ends meet, or dash through traffic right after the 2.30pm dismissal to make it on time for a night-shift, meet up with clients or claim a cheque from that necessary extra self-employed job.

Recognition: Several talks have been done, they are still going and they will always keep at it, because the professional requirements are constantly at change. Attending endless professional development courses, upgrading and keeping up with current changes, it is time that recognition is presented to all in a justified manner. Having been told endless time that Early Years Educators, teach the most important stage of any childhood is a fact, so why is such recognition feeling so slow. I am one of many who stand here desperately feeling as not a justified recognised one too. The warrants, the titles, the grades, the pride, equal pay, the career opportunities! We are yet a minority when it comes to being recognised in this field and it disheartening.

As much as this profession is beautiful and rewarding in so many different ways, it is also a sad one from many other levels. The motivation is decreasing, the interests are changing, the challenges are increasing. So for all it's worth as heartbreaking as it may sound, the thought of leaving, taking a career break or changing this ever so beautiful profession is a realistic one for many other too. Coming from one burnt-out professional practitioner to another, remember that you are as equally important as your students. It is then when the humans within your care deserve a much better version of yourself too.

Sending extra love to all the struggling individuals that are overwhelmed, angry, fearful, burnt-out, suffering injustice, bullied, isolated, lost and hurt. Remember to always own who you are.