Why did I leave my job?

I had never been driven by money, like everyone, a little more would also be nice, but from a young age, I’d learned how to simply manage from week to week, or pay to pay. After years of self imposed financial struggle, I’d managed to become relatively debt free, As a deputy principal and with my side gig as a pub musician, I had finally been able to start a little saving as well as not worry if I could afford a coffee or a something new for the kids.

What had always been more important to me were relationships. maybe to my own detriment, I’d always sought connection with other people, which is why I found my place in education. Working with kids, teachers and families was always a source of connection for me, sometimes bringing great joy, sometimes frustration, sometimes overwhelming sadness, but connection nonetheless.

So when at a Deputy Principal Conference, I was asked “where do you find your joy?” I knew the answer didn’t lie in writing timetables, finding relief teachers or processing payslips. My joy came from helping people build more happiness in their lives. And one interaction sealed my decision more than others.

A yr3 boy had regularly become disregulated in class, becoming overwhelmed by noise, too many instructions and other kids getting under his skin. On the particular day, we sat next to each other on the ground, him sobbing and rocking, me quiet and still. I noticed that he was slowly inching closer to me, something very unlike him. As he got closer, his crying softened and his rocking slowed. Taking a punt, I asked, “Can I put my hand on your back?” He nodded, just once. And with that, the connection was made. He stopped crying and started talking. And from that moment on, I was his person at school, we talked every day, we had a handshake, I knew about his secret stick collection and what questions to ask when he was overwhelmed.

And I knew. THIS is what I want to do. Help kids. So I spent 6 months whittling down all the ideas I had, to this version of The Understanding Collection. Bringing people closer to the support and the people they need to be able to help their kids.

Because to me, that will always be more important than any pay check.

Be nice to your mum

Mick