How a huge career change uncovered a deep passion and the dream job
Imagine walking into work on a Monday morning only to be greeted by beaming little faces, your name being shrieked with glee and tiny legs running to hug you.
Not to mention a wonderful team, a happy workplace environment, an encouraging and supportive employer who invests in and appreciates you… Sounds like the dream job doesn’t it?
For 52-year-old mother of five Karen, this dream job became her reality when two years ago she took the plunge and started a brand new career in childcare. After almost three decades in accounting, it was here at Explorers Learning Academy, that she found her true love and professional calling.
Oozing with passion, positivity and patience (!) we chatted to the incredibly energetic Karen about switching careers, educating the next generation of kids and why she has the best job in the world.
1 :: How did you come to work in childcare?
I worked in accounting for 29 years. I had been sitting at a desk for so long and I thought maybe it’s time to have a change, my daughter had suggested that I don’t need to stay in a job for life.
My friend was working at the centre and suggested I look into a traineeship over two years ago. It was a huge career change.
2 :: From accounting to childcare… that’s quite a leap! Was it daunting to start something completely new?
It’s been the most rewarding career change, it’s the best thing I ever did. I actually regret maybe not changing careers earlier! I love it, I love learning new things and I feel like I belong here.
I have five children, but no grandkids so it’s taken the pressure off my own children to have babies. But by the time they do, I’ll be a qualified granny!
3 :: What study is involved?
I have completed my Certificate 3 and now I’m working towards my diploma in early childcare. After that, I’ll look to doing a university degree and that will also be supported financially by the centre. At the moment, I’m doing all the studies, I just want to absorb it all.
The centre encourages professional development because the way you can earn more money is by doing more study. They just want good educators to work for the centre so they’ll support you wholeheartedly.
4 :: What was it like going back to study after all these years?
There is a lot of flexibility when it comes to studying. If you have kids or another job, it can fit in with your lifestyle. There is so much one-on-one support.
I have seen some young trainees who may have struggled at school but have been able to complete their traineeship. It’s been amazing. It doesn’t matter what level of education you achieved, if you’re passionate about childcare, they’ll support you.
5 :: Sounds like the centre really invests in and supports their staff?
They really do. I feel very looked after and supported. Particularly when you’re new, because it can be daunting if you haven’t worked with children before, you get so much support.
The communication is excellent and the centre is really organised. We have regular staff meetings and we are always being updated on courses, webinars and different online training.
Just last Friday our manager brought in a cheesecake for us all because we were doing such a great job. It’s just those little rewards.
There are a lot of long-term staff and that goes to show what a wonderful place it is to work.
6 :: How do you feel when you walk into work on a Monday morning?
Words can’t even describe how happy I am walking in on a Monday morning. Normally on a Sunday afternoon, you get a bit reluctant going back to work, but I never feel like that. It’s just the love from the children, when they run up to me in the mornings.
7 :: Is there such a thing as a typical day? What does a typical day look like?
There isn’t a typical day no, not in here. We have a routine for morning tea, lunch, sleep and things like that but it all changes. We have to be flexible and meet the children’s needs. Every day is different and that’s what I love. And the day goes so quickly!
8 :: What’s the most rewarding part?
The biggest thing for me is the relationships with the families.
Knowing that I have provided a safe and learning environment where they can feel safe and loved, a home away from home, that’s very important to me. It’s a huge thing to leave your child, so just to know that they can feel loved whilst parents can go to work.
9 :: So for anyone who thinks that a childcare centre is just babysitting… think again?
It’s definitely not just babysitting. Sure, we have to look after their basic needs in regards to cleaning and feeding but it’s much more than that. Educators can give your child one-on-one time which is hard for parents to do when they’re at home and trying to work and run the house.
I love educating and teaching them new things, especially about sharing and values because these are the children that are going to be in the next generation.
10 :: Do you recommend this career choice?
I thoroughly recommend this career for anyone. It’s my first career now. I actually think I should have done this before I even became a mum just to learn the different techniques!
I don’t need a gym membership anymore. I’ve slimmed down, I’ve got more energy. When I do have grandkids, I’ll be able to keep up with them!
It’s the best job in the world.
I want Karen to take care of my kids!
If you are interested in a childcare career, get in touch with the beautiful people at Explorers Learning Academy in Mittagong.
In a nut-free-nutshell, Explorers Learning Academy Mittagong is an exceptional centre and their ‘exceeding’ national standards rating is testament to that. But don’t just take our word for it! Go check them out for yourself.
They now have two centres in Mittagong. You’ll find them at:
36 Etheridge Street and 27 Belmore Street.
And you can call the lovely team on (02) 4872 1730 or email mittagong@explorerslearningacademy.com.au.
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This piece is sponsored by Explorers Learning Academy and is proudly endorsed by The Fold Southern Highlands. The Fold team is excited to share the amazing stories and adventures of our local businesses and we want to say a BIG thank you to you for supporting our sponsors who help make The Fold possible. We strongly believe in the businesses and all the information we share with you on The Fold.
