It’s easy for other jobs to sound appealing when you’re flicking through the careers section or hunting on an app. But what is it really like when you clock on? In this career series, Mamamia looks beyond the three-line job descriptions and explores the reality of working in some of Australia’s most popular/bizarre/in-demand industries. From the paycheck to the politics and everything in between.
This week, early childhood educator Nick Stephens gives us a glimpse into an ‘ordinary’ day at a childcare centre.
What I do: Care for children from birth to five years old and help them to learn.
Why I do it: For two reasons. The first being that I love children; I feel most comfortable with them, as they’re non judgemental, authentic and energetic. The second is that it’s extremely meaningful work. It’s proven that the first five years of a child’s life are the most significant in their development.
Salary: As a Certificate III-qualified educator I earn $22.38 per hour. This certificate was acquired through studying and working full-time for one year on $8.65 per hour.
Contracted hours per week: 38 hours.
Actual hours per week: 43-45 hours.
What I wish I knew about my job before I started: Emotional exhaustion is as real as physical exhaustion. Also, Early Childhood workers are taken advantage of for their love of children. Employers often understand you have this empathy and will use it as leverage to gain what they want. I wish I knew that just because I chose the job because I love children, it doesn’t mean that others did for the same reasons.
Top Comments
So... at work, you work? *slow clap*
It is so fabulous to have men working in early childhood education. So many of our kids need to see a caring nurturing male. As an educator myself there is an absolute shortage of men and I would love to see that change.
I just wonder why MamaMia has chosen to interview a male educator when our work force is made up of 96.1% of women, was no one else willing to talk to you?
Vanessa