Now that things have calmed down somewhat with My Charter School, I'm looking to the future AWAY from school like a job or freelance writing. But I wonder wonder what direction to head in. I've had some interesting things happen with my volunteer work with MOTHERS - the e-newsletter and book blog (MOTHERS Book Bag) I write for them.
So far I've talked to the Denver Post about the book blog, and had my name in print just before Mother's Day. Then last week I was interviewed by an intern for Working Mother magazine. (The article will be out about the book blog in their September/October issue.) No big deal, I thought, just an intern. But then a senior editor emailed asking for more information on me personally, so I took the opportunity to highlight everything else I'm doing from the charter school to the MOMS Club ot the cooking blog 'cause you never know.
Then ABC News called me about a story I wrote awhile ago called In defense of television at DotMoms. The reporter talked to me about my philosophy on letting my kids watch TV. Then she asked if it was o.k. for the local ABC affiliate to come by and interview my family. I turned her down since I didn’t want my family subjected to a media circus helping ABC (and their parent company, Disney) defend their children's programming (that's their job). Plus I didn't want people questioning or challenging my parenting style. Now if they wanted to come out and interview me about blogs or My Charter School that would have been different. Still, it was neat getting a call and finding out someone at ABC News is reading my stuff.
Then today I saw a help wanted ad from a nearby daycare center needing toddler aides. It's a wonderful facility with great employees and a good program. I really liked having the kids there last summer for one day a week. Since I could work and have Boo Girl at the center for free while Monkey Boy was in school, I'm considering applying for the position.
It wouldn't pay much since it's entry level, but at least I'd be in the work force and not just volunteering (good for the resume). Also considering if I did go back to work full time, pay for daycare for Boo Girl, and after school care for Monkey Boy, I'd probably be making just as much. Even so, the extra cash would be nice.
These days I've been researching the childcare industry since afforable, quality daycare is key to the work-life balance issue that I've been writing about with MOTHERS. Plus after helping to set up the preschool program at My Charter School, preschool/daycare has become an intriguing career opportunity. I don't know if it'll mean going back to school, getting an early childhood degree, and becoming a daycare/preschool director, but you never know. It's certainly a growing and needed service, especially out here since I live in the fastest growing town and next to the third fastest growing one Colorado (both towns are in the top 10 of fastest growing towns in the U.S.)
So whether it's writing or childcare, interesting things are happening around here. Where it'll lead no one knows....
