Friday 14 September 2012

The force of goodwill

Today is my last ever day of being a stay-at-home Mum.  Almost exactly three years ago I left my job as an accountant in the City; although I didn't know what I was going to do next, I suspected that I wouldn't ever go back to accountancy or banking.

I was right, because on Monday I start a whole new life as a full-time student nurse.  The impact this change will have on the whole family is enormous.  Olivia will no longer have me waiting for her at the school gates, and reminding her to go back and get her lunchbox/horn/coat/homework; Cam will no longer have me putting the kettle on for a cup of tea for him when he gets in from school or from a friend's house; Graham will no longer have someone willing to wash yesterday's stinky running kit at a moment's notice.  Instead, everyone else will be joining in with the cooking, cleaning, tidying and looking after the hens.  Once I've tested Cam on his French vocab, he will have to test me on my biology in return.  Graham will have to listen to me discuss essay plans rather than sewing plans.

The change for me is, of course, enormous too.  I will have to get better at delegating jobs around the house to others (the hardest one will be delegating the supermarket shopping to an online service, because I really love doing the supermarket shop), and I will have to be ruthless at carving out study time for myself.  I won't be able to go to any more class assemblies at school, and appointments for the hairdresser, optician, orthodontist or gas man will all have to be squeezed into the weekends.

But despite this impending domestic earthquake I am not stressed, nervous or doubtful - just incredibly excited and full of anticipation.  This is mainly because there has been an overwhelming surge of goodwill and incredible support for what I am doing - from everybody: friends, family and complete strangers.

Student nurse
The Ladybird book of nurses - a present from Tess

So many of the mothers at school have offered to pick up or look after Olivia for me - "If there is anything I can do to help just let me know!" has been the generous phrase I've heard most frequently since term started.  It's so reassuring to feel that there is an army of mothers behind me, whom I can call on if there is a childcare crisis (and of course there will be - and of course at the most inconvenient times, like when I have to be in University for an exam by 9am).

My card from Gill
A wonderful handmade card from Gill
 
Friends and family have been delighted for me and have sent me so many sweet cards and presents and offers of childcare.  Each week this summer the postman has brought me new surprises - the most recent one was yesterday from my dear friend Janine who is embarking on her own new beginning this autumn.
 
Alpaca from Janine
Alpaca yarn - a present from Janine
My new basket
My new basket - a present from my parents

So many blog readers, many of whom I've never even met, have sent me touching emails and comments expressing their support and delight - frequently letting me know about their own experiences of nursing.  Thank you all - it truly does mean so much to me.

This force of goodwill has been overwhelming and very moving.  It means that I leave behind the domestic world of a stay-at-home Mum with very little sadness or regret, even though I have loved (almost) every minute of it.  What comes next for me is even more exciting.

19 comments:

  1. I'll be thinking of you on Monday! Going full time is hard work as i discovered earlier this year, but the family adjusts and grows.

    X

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wishing you every success in your new nursing career...looking forward to hearing all about it.
    Naomi
    x

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm really excited for you for the new chapter. I've loved following what's going on from the domestic angle for the last few years, but hope you'll also be sharing the next journey, too! Big virtual hugs, best wishes, and know we'll be thinking of you and rallying for you from across the pond! :)

    Ann

    ReplyDelete
  4. Good Luck -- I hope you have a wonderful experience and that you enjoy each moment -- it will be over before you know it!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Good luck, Nancy! Things will fall into place at home, with the odd hiccup, and also at uni. Best wishes - I look forward to hearing about your new beginning. And I love the little card your friend sent - wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  6. best of luck Nancy. hope you will still managed to find a little time every now and then to visit here and tell us how you are getting on x

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am so excited for you and do hope you will keep us posted of all the new things you learn and experience.

    I can recommend Ocado too, their service is excellent and if you get a delivery pass you'll save loads.

    tx

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'll be thinking of you on Monday! Good luck and be kind to yourself (say 'yes' to a few of those kind offers of help once in a while). I have a feeling you're going to love this new phase.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Good luck - I work full time, study accountancy, when I can and do ALL the housework,shopping,etc etc.

    Jacqueline

    ReplyDelete
  10. I'm full of admiration and am sure that, with your family and friends behind you, it will work out just fine.

    ReplyDelete
  11. You will be a wonderful nurse and an inspiration as a working mother to both of your children. You are also so organised that all of the domestic stuff will work seamlessly but on the days when it feels as though the cracks are rather scary remember the money!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I echo all the good wishes, and hope that you may squeeze in a few minutes here and there to let us know how you are getting on. Best of luck Nancy xxx

    ReplyDelete
  13. Best of luck to you. An amazing thing to do. Courage favours the brave and this is a brave and fabulous thing to do.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Will be thinking of you today--so exciting! You are going to be the most brilliant nurse. K x

    ReplyDelete
  15. I have just happened upon your blog. I have been a midwife for 15 years and it is lovely to feel the enthusiasm you have embarking on your career, gives me some of that back too. Good luck, enjoy x

    ReplyDelete
  16. Just catching up with blogs as we've been away - but just want to wish you good luck hope all goes well in your new adventure xx

    ReplyDelete
  17. good luck good luck good luck!!

    And tell us all about it... if you have the time!

    :)

    ReplyDelete

Even though I often do not have the time to reply to everybody, I really appreciate all your comments so much - thank you for taking the time to read my blog and share your thoughts on what I've written.